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Listen: How microplastics are invading your body

Listen: How microplastics are invading your body

  • Microplastics have been found in human placentas, reproductive organs, and brains, particularly in the frontal cortex.
  • Professor Matthew Campen’s research has uncovered evidence of microplastic particles entering the human body through various means, including not just water bottles.
  • The presence of microplastics in these areas may be linked to health issues such as declining sperm counts and potential connections to dementia.
  • Scientists are still beginning to understand the full scope of the issue, but Campen’s research is shedding light on a growing public health concern.
  • The discovery raises critical questions about the impact of microplastics on human health and whether they could be the next major public health crisis.

Colorful pieces of plastic cover a blue surface.

In a new podcast episode, a scientist examines how microplastics have gotten inside our brains and organs, causing health issues.

You’ve heard of plastic polluting oceans. But what if it’s polluting you—your brain, your reproductive system, even your unborn children?

Professor Matthew Campen is a scientist at the University of New Mexico. His latest studies have uncovered evidence of microplastics in placentas, reproductive organs, and brains of humans—particularly in the frontal cortex, where decision-making and personality live.

In this eye-opening episode of the Big Brains podcast, Campen digs into how these plastic particles are entering our bodies (hint: it’s not just your water bottle), what they might be doing to us, and why scientists are just beginning to understand the true scope of the issue.

From declining sperm counts to potential links with dementia, this episode asks a critical question: Are microplastics the next big public health crisis?

Read the transcript for this episode.

Source: University of Chicago

The post Listen: How microplastics are invading your body appeared first on Futurity.

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Q. What is Professor Matthew Campen studying?
A. Professor Matthew Campen is a scientist at the University of New Mexico, examining how microplastics have gotten inside our brains and organs.

Q. Where has Professor Campen found evidence of microplastics in humans?
A. He has found evidence of microplastics in placentas, reproductive organs, and brains of humans, particularly in the frontal cortex.

Q. What is the frontal cortex responsible for?
A. The frontal cortex is where decision-making and personality live.

Q. How are microplastics entering our bodies?
A. It’s not just from water bottles; microplastics are also entering our bodies through other means (not specified in the text).

Q. What health issues might be linked to microplastic exposure?
A. Declining sperm counts and potential links with dementia have been suggested as possible health issues.

Q. Is microplastic pollution a new public health crisis?
A. Scientists are just beginning to understand the true scope of the issue, suggesting that it may be a growing concern.

Q. What is the Big Brains podcast?
A. The Big Brains podcast is an episode featuring Professor Matthew Campen’s research on microplastics and their effects on human health.

Q. Who is Professor Matthew Campen?
A. He is a scientist at the University of New Mexico, studying the impact of microplastics on human health.

Q. What is Futurity?
A. Futurity is the source of the article about Professor Campen’s research on microplastics.

Q. Why are scientists concerned about microplastic pollution?
A. Scientists are concerned because they are just beginning to understand the true scope of the issue, suggesting that it may be a growing public health crisis.