Latest news with #neurologicalDisorders
Gizmodo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Junk Food Is Filling Our Brains With Microplastics, Raising Mental Health Risks, Scientists Warn
Scientists have found alarming amounts of microplastics in virtually everything, from sea turtles to testicles. But discovering a plastic spoon's worth of these pernicious particles inside human brains may be the most disturbing of all. That recent finding prompted researchers to dig deeper into the health consequences of plastic accumulation in the brain. According to a new review study, published today in the journal Brain Medicine, microplastics may be the missing link in the relationship between ultra-processed foods and certain neurological disorders, such as depression and dementia. 'We're seeing converging evidence that should concern us all,' said lead author Nicholas Fabiano, a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa, in a statement. 'Ultra-processed foods now comprise more than 50% of energy intake in countries like the United States, and these foods contain significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than whole foods,' he added. Indeed, multiple studies suggest that the more processed a food product is, the more plastic particles it is likely to contain. For example, one study found that chicken nuggets contain 30 times more microplastics per gram than chicken breasts. This may be due to the increased amount of plastic that ultra-processed foods are exposed to during processing and packaging, according to the Food Processing Forum. Other recent studies have shown that microplastics can bypass the blood-brain barrier: a protective layer of cells surrounding the brain that keeps harmful substances out and locks beneficial chemicals in. The authors of the brain-spoon study, led by Alexander Nihart, Marcus Garcia, and Eliane El Hayek of the University of New Mexico, believe that microplastics infiltrate the blood-brain barrier by hitching a ride on fat molecules. Once these particles get inside the brain, they induce oxidative stress that damages cells and increases the risk of neurological disorders, Fabiano's study states. He and his colleagues note that microplastics appear to have a particular impact on neurotransmitters that play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and dementia. It's a big, bold claim that still needs to be verified with further research. Interestingly, these harmful effects are strikingly similar to those triggered by ultra-processed foods, according to the researchers. A previous review found that people who consumed these foods had a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep. And multiple studies have linked this type of diet to an increased risk of dementia. As a result, Fabiano and his colleagues suggest that microplastics could be a hidden driver of neurological disorders associated with ultra-processed food consumption. 'This hypothesis is particularly compelling because we see remarkable overlap in biological mechanisms,' said co-author Wolfgang Marx, senior research fellow at Deakin University in Australia, in the statement. 'Ultra-processed foods have been linked to adverse mental health through inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruptions to neurotransmitter systems. Microplastics appear to operate through remarkably similar pathways,' he added. So, that's the bad news. Here's the good news: a complementary study, also published in Brain Medicine today, provides the 'first evidence' to suggest that a well-established medical technique called extracorporeal apheresis could remove microplastics from the body. This procedure involves extracting a patient's blood and running it through a machine that separates it into its parts: plasma and blood cells. Then, the plasma is filtered to remove any unwanted substances (like microplastics) and the clean plasma and blood cells are put back into the patient. It's a relatively simple technique that's used all over the world for certain types of blood donation, therapeutic purposes, stem cell collection, and more. In tests with 21 patients, at least two rounds of extracorporeal apheresis with double-filtration successfully removed microplastics from their blood, according to the study. 'While we need to reduce our exposure to microplastics through better food choices and packaging alternatives, we also need research into how to remove these particles from the human body,' said lead-author Stefan Bornstein, a professor of cardiovascular and metabolic medicine at King's College London, in the statement. 'Our early findings suggest that apheresis might offer one possible pathway for microplastic removal, though much more research is needed,' he added. Thus, as the global plastic crisis becomes more troubling by the day, exploring ways to protect the body from microplastics could help us clear our minds—literally.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The foods ‘driving an autism, depression and dementia epidemic' revealed in bombshell study
FOODS that make up around 57 per cent of the average UK diet are fuelling autism, depression and dementia cases, scientists warn. In a major new review, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been linked to rising rates of neurological disorders. The actual culprit is believed to be microplastics, which are found in alarming levels in UPFs. UPFs are more susceptible to microplastics than other foods due to their packaging, additives and the equipment used to process them. Co-lead author of the new paper Dr Nicholas Fabiano, from the University of Ottawa, said: "We're seeing converging evidence that should concern us all. " Ultra-processed significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than whole foods. "Recent findings show these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in alarming quantities." Another author, Dr Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University's Food & Mood Center, said there is "remarkable overlap" in the way UPFs and microplastics harm mental health. He explained: "This hypothesis is particularly compelling because we see remarkable overlap in biological mechanisms. "Ultra-processed foods have been linked to adverse mental health through inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruptions to neurotransmitter systems. "Microplastics appear to operate through remarkably similar pathways." In the new article published in the May issue of Brain Medicine, researchers reviewed studies that focused on the relationship between ultra-processed foods, microplastics and mental health. 5 ultra-processed foods to avoid One study, recently published in The British Medical journal, found people who consumed UPFs had a 22 per cent high risk of depression, a 48 per cent higher risk of anxiety, and a 41 per cent higher risk of poor sleep - which can negatively impact brain health. Another study included in their review found microplastics and nanoplastics induce oxidative stress and the central nervous system, which could lead to cellular damage and raise the risk of neurological disorders. Based on current data, the authors concluded high levels of microplastic contamination in UPFs could be why they have such a detrimental impact on health. Scientists believe UPFs can negatively impact brain health by disrupting the gut-brain axis - communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain - promoting inflammation, and potentially leading to cognitive decline and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Alongside brain health, UPFs have been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes. Consuming lots of UPFs can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A recent study found substituting 10 per cent of UPFs with minimally processed foods reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 18 per cent. A study published last year found people who eat lots of UPFs may be at greater risk of dying early. And there's been some research that indicates a correlation between UPF intake and a higher risk of overall cancer, head and neck cancer, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and brain cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this association and the relative impact of different dimensions of processing on cancer risk. How ultra processed is YOUR kitchen? Ultra processed foods (UPFs) were defined by Brazilian researchers who made the NOVA classification system. It breaks foods into groups depending on how processed they are. The most natural foods are in group 1, while the most processed are in group 4. The groups do not entirely indicate how healthy a food is. However, it does indicate how processed it is - and studies have linked UPFs to a number of diseases. How does your kitchen compare to the following groups? Unprocessed or minimally processed foods (group 1) vegetables and fruits (fresh or frozen) dried fruits with no added sugar, honey, or oil grains and legumes (chickpeas, lentils) meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs milk without added sugar plain yogurt with no added sugar nuts and seeds spices and herbs tea, coffee, water Processed culinary ingredients (group 2) iodized salt salted butter sugar and molasses from cane or beet honey extracted from combs syrup from maple trees vegetable oils crushed from olives or seeds butter and lard from milk and pork starches extracted from corn and other plants vegetable oils with added anti-oxidants vinegar with added preservatives Processed foods (group 3) canned vegetables, fruits, and legumes fruits in syrup salted or sugared nuts and seeds salted cured or smoked meats canned fish artisanal breads and cheese Ultra-processed foods (group 4) pop and fruit drinks sweetened yogurt sweet or savoury packaged snacks (e.g., cookies) candies and cake mixes mass-produced packaged breads and buns margarines and spreads breakfast cereals cereal and energy bars energy drinks instant soups, sauces, and noodles poultry and fish nuggets, hot dogs many ready-to-heat products: pre-prepared pies, pasta, and pizza dishes
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists discover toxic substance hiding in 100% of people's brains... and 'it explains rise of dementia in US'
Scientists have made a startling study in the human brain that could be fueling the rise of dementia in the US They analyzed brain tissue from 54 autopsies, discovering that every sample contained microplastics, equivalent in mass to an entire plastic spoon. Microplastics are small plastic pieces that are less than 5mm in size and insoluble in water. They are harmful for environment and lead to plastic pollution. These tiny particles can accumulate in the body, with prior research linking them to various forms of cancer—including skin, breast, cervical, and colorectal—as well as testicular cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. The researchers found that individuals diagnosed with dementia exhibited up to ten times more microplastics in their brain tissue compared to those without this condition. Although the study does not directly connect them, it does show a relationship between the accumulation of microplastics and neurological disorders. Lead author Professor Matthew Campen of the University of New Mexico emphasized the urgency of understanding how these particles penetrate the brain's protective barriers—and what damage they may cause over time. 'I never would have imagined it was this high,' he said. Professor Campen, a toxicologist, said microplastic levels in the human brain have increased by 50 percent over the past eight years, mirroring the global rise in plastic pollution. To investigate this trend, Campen's team analyzed brain tissue samples provided by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, which is legally required to retain autopsy tissue for seven years before disposal. The samples were taken during autopsies in 2016 and 2024. All samples were taken from the frontal cortex—the brain region located above and behind the eyes, Campen noted. To isolate microplastics, the tissues were dissolved using a specialized chemical process that left behind a pellet of undissolved material. This pellet was then heated, allowing researchers to capture the gas emissions released as the plastics burned. Using this technique, the team detected and measured 12 different plastic polymers. The most common was polyethylene, a material widely used in packaging and containers such as bottles and cups. On average, the brain tissue contained about 4,800 micrograms of microplastic per gram —roughly equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon. Researchers also discovered clusters of sharp plastic shards measuring 200 nanometers or smaller—not much larger than some viruses. Microplastics—especially nanoplastics—can cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that typically prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. Once inside, these tiny particles may trigger inflammation, disrupt neurological signaling, and potentially contribute to the development of neurological disorders. While scientists are still investigating the direct impact of microplastics on human health, animal studies have shown that exposure can lead to behavioral changes, memory impairment, and reduced motor coordination. Dr Gary Small, chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center, emphasized that current findings in relation to dementia do not prove a causal relationship, but they are still cause for concern. The most common plastics identified in brain samples were polyethylene and polypropylene, materials widely used in packaging, containers, and everyday consumer goods. These particles most likely enter the body through contaminated food and beverages. According to Professor Campen, the research team even found significant levels of microplastics in store-bought meat. To that he added, 'The way we irrigate fields with plastic-contaminated water, we postulate that the plastics build up there.' Over time, chemicals may accumulate in fields as a result of the feeding of crops to livestock and the fertilization of fields with their waste. A study conducted by the Ocean Conservancy found that highly processed protein products—such as fish sticks, chicken nuggets, and plant-based burgers—contained significantly more microplastics per gram than minimally processed alternatives. In response, health professionals recommend several strategies to reduce microplastic exposure. These include using glass or stainless steel containers instead of single-use plastics, installing water purifiers, and choosing natural fibers over synthetic fabrics. The study's findings have sparked growing calls for urgent action to limit microplastic exposure. Advocates are also pushing for stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management to curb environmental pollution at its source. The detection of microplastics in every human brain sample analyzed underscores the widespread reach of plastic pollution—and its potential implications for human health. As scientists continue to investigate the long-term effects of microplastic exposure, experts stress the importance of taking preventive steps now to reduce risk and safeguard public health.
Fox News
10-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Left-handed people could be at higher risk for some neurological disorders: study
Left-handedness and certain neurological disorders could go hand-in-hand, a new study revealed, though the researchers and others acknowledged potential limitations. While about 10% of people in the world are left-handed, people with autism are 3.5 times more likely to have the trait, according to an international team of researchers that analyzed data from over 200,000 individuals. The study, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, indicated that left- and mixed-handedness also appear more often in people who have diagnoses such as schizophrenia, autism and intellectual disability. Mixed-handedness refers to a situation in which people may use their left hand for a certain task and their right hand for others, according to psychology experts. This is slightly different from ambidexterity, which is the equal use of both hands. "The key takeaways of this study are that alterations in hand preference from the norm (i.e., right-handedness) are associated especially with psychiatric and psychological conditions that affect the language system (e.g., dyslexia or schizophrenia) or affect neurodevelopment through an early age of onset (e.g., autism or ADHD)," lead author Dr. Julian Packheiser told Fox News Digital. He is a researcher at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. "Correlation doesn't imply causation — and being left-handed does not mean someone will develop autism or schizophrenia." Not all neurological conditions showed a link to people's dominant hand. Depression and dyscalculia (a math learning disability), for example, showed no meaningful difference in hand preference compared to control groups, the study found. The researchers also determined that "atypical handedness" may be associated with long-term linguistic symptoms like stuttering and dyslexia. "In most people, the dominant side of their brain is typically where speech, language, logical thought processing and hand preference is located," Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a neurologist with West Tennessee Medical Group, told Fox News Digital. He was not involved with the new study. "People who are left-handed or ambidextrous often don't have such a dominant one-sided brain — rather, the key portions of language can be divided between both sides," Murray also said. The study also examined the likelihood of atypical handedness in clinical populations, or groups of people diagnosed with a specific set of health conditions compared to a control population. "We suspected that left- and mixed-handedness could be associated with disorders whose symptoms are related to language," said Packheiser in a press release about the study. "Language, like handedness, has a very one-sided location in the brain, so it stands to reason that the development of both and their disorders could be linked." The researchers also considered other factors that could come into play, such as the age at which a person might exhibit symptoms. It appears that the earlier a disorder's symptoms emerged, the more frequently researchers saw cases of left- and mixed-handedness. The researchers hypothesized that left- and mixed-handedness could be associated with diseases that occur very early in life, because the dominant hand is determined at a very early age – possibly even before birth. In the womb, thumb-sucking at 10 weeks' gestation is heavily linked to which hand will be preferred later in life, they noted. The connection could help experts potentially understand the way brains are organized and how they develop. "The study has implications when understanding ways of finetuning the neurorehabilitation of patients with one-sided brain conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or traumatic brain injury," Murray said. Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan-based psychotherapist and author, said the study was "interesting," though he emphasized its limitations. "Correlation doesn't imply causation — and being left-handed does not mean someone will develop autism or schizophrenia," Alpert, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "Handedness is just one of many factors that can be associated with neurological traits, and these findings should be interpreted with caution to avoid unnecessary alarm or stigma." Alpert called for more research to understand the relationship, if any, between handedness and mental health. Lead author Packheiser agreed the results are "purely correlational." "We have no causal evidence that developing a psychiatric disorder linked to language or neurodevelopment causes a change in handedness, or whether changes in handedness cause any disorder," he told Fox News Digital. "Individuals from the general public should therefore never be alarmed if their child prefers to use the left hand," the researcher said. "But given the rise of mental disorders in the population, it is important to better understand them."
