Microplastics Found to Cause Damage to Human Cells
UK researchers Evangelos Danopoulos, Maureen Twiddy, Robert West, and Jeanette M. Rotchell conducted an analysis of 17 previous studies on the toxicological impacts of microplastics on human cell lines. Using this information, they compared the levels at which cell damage occurred with the levels at which humans ingest microplastics, namely through seafood, table salt, and drinking water. Such levels of consumption resulted in undeniable cell harm, including allergic response, damage to cell walls, and cell death.
Also discovered was an indicator that could be used to predict a microplastic particle’s ability to inflict cell damage. The researchers found that irregularly-shaped microplastics caused more harm to human cells than their perfectly spherical counterparts, placing human cells at higher risk for cell death. This serves as priceless insight for microplastic research facilities, which normally use spheres for experimentation purposes.
The term “microplastics” has made its way into common vernacular over the last several years, and for good reason. The tiny particles—smaller than 5 millimeters in length—shed from plastic products and are known to float around almost every aspect of our environment, from the ocean and Antarctic ice to salt mines and water wells. They even find their way into our food and air: shellfish, salty seasonings, and indoor air have all been found to contain microplastics.
Scientists have known for at least a decade about the omnipresence of microplastics in consumables, and microplastics’ prevalence within human and animal bodies has incidentally formed an unfortunate new field of study. But the actual effects of such particles on the human body have been less clear; as of now, no one seems to know exactly how long microplastics remain in one’s system following ingestion. Danopoulos’, Twiddy’s, West’s, and Rotchell’s research appears to be the first to investigate just how damaging microplastics can be.
“We should be concerned. Right now, there isn’t really a way to protect ourselves,” Danopoulos told The Guardian. Though further research is required to determine which foods and products contain the most microplastics, the first logical step is to find ways to minimize microplastic output. “Once the plastic is in the environment, we can’t really get it out.”
Continue reading
Xbox Series X Launch Is Microsoft’s Biggest Ever, Causes ISP Traffic Spike
Microsoft claims the Xbox Series X is its most successful debut in history and specifically calls out the Xbox Series S for bringing new players into the fold.
Early Adopters of Apple M1 Macs Should Be Cautious About Compatibility
Apple's new MacBooks and Mac mini have made waves, partly thanks to the new silicon inside of them. Apple's new ARM ecosystem, however, is not without its growing pains.
Cyberpunk 2077 Patch Delayed Because CDPR Employees Can’t Use Their PCs
CD Projekt Red reportedly doesn't have its VPN up and running two weeks after the hack that stole its source code. That's not a good sign.
Samsung’s Fab Woes Are Now Expected to Cause an SSD Shortage
New reports suggest Samsung may not ship new SSD controllers from its Austin facility until May. That's a problem considering 75 percent of its SSD controllers come from that factory.