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Wicked Blue

(6,902 posts)
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 12:11 PM Jan 9

Nanoplastics found to disrupt dopamine system and social adaptation

by Bianca Setionago
January 9, 2025
in Neuroimaging

Tiny plastic particles, or nanoplastics, could significantly alter brain development and behavior, according to a new study on mice published in Neuroscience. Researchers found that these particles affect the dopamine system – a key player in motivation and mood – and impact social behaviors during critical stages of development.

Nanoplastics, which measure less than 1,000 nanometers, are an emerging environmental concern. They are small enough to penetrate biological barriers and have been found in human organs, raising questions about their potential health effects. Earlier studies linked nanoplastics to inflammation and neurotoxicity in animals, but little was known about their impacts upon development.

To address this, Na-Hyun Kim and colleagues from Daegu Catholic University in South Korea examined how nanoplastics affected mice at different life stages. Using a carefully controlled study, the team administered nanoplastics orally once daily to pregnant mice during gestation, as well as directly to their offspring at different developmental stages.

(snip)

Social behaviors were notably altered, particularly in mice exposed during late gestation and early adulthood. These groups showed reduced social familiarity and increased anxiety-like behaviors, such as freezing when exposed to new environments.

https://www.psypost.org/nanoplastics-found-to-disrupt-dopamine-system-and-social-adaptation/

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Nanoplastics found to disrupt dopamine system and social adaptation (Original Post) Wicked Blue Jan 9 OP
Plastic pollution is everywhere. love_katz Jan 9 #1
I wish there was more environmental focus on plastic EquityQueen Jan 10 #2
Welcome to DU. carpetbagger Jan 10 #3
 

EquityQueen

(11 posts)
2. I wish there was more environmental focus on plastic
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 06:15 PM
Jan 10

Seems like a major cause of the chronic disease epidemic.

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