American scientists from Florida State University found that microplastics negatively affect the development of brain tissue in the human embryo. To work published Journal of Hazardous Substances in the scientific journal.
Polystyrene is used in a wide range of products, including disposable containers, packaging, insulation and foam. Therefore, polystyrene remains the most common type of plastic found in marine and terrestrial organisms.
The scientists studied the effect of polystyrene particles, 1 to 10 micrometers in diameter, on stem cells from which brain tissue is formed during the development of the embryo. According to the research, the structure of the nervous tissue has changed due to microplastics and the lifespan of the cells has decreased to 30 days.
Evaluation of the ratio of live and dead cells in the test samples showed a direct relationship between the plastic concentration and the condition of the tissues. The addition of microparticles reduced the number of surviving cells and also affected their functioning.
According to the researchers, the results of scientific studies facilitated the understanding of the effect of microplastics on brain development. The scientists also noted that in the human body, the embryo grows in a different environment. However, repeating such experiments in humans is impossible for ethical reasons.
ancient biologists to solveThe effect of nanoplastics on the embryo can cause malformations.