Microplastics in the Brain as Groundbreaking Study Raises Alarming Questions

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine on February 3, 2025, researchers led by Dr. Alexander J. Nihart and a team from the University of New Mexico (UNM) have provided the first comprehensive evidence of microplastic (MNP) accumulation in human brain tissue. The study, conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions, raises urgent concerns about the potential long-term neurological effects of increasing environmental plastic pollution. By applying state-of-the-art analytical techniques, the research team identified substantial bioaccumulation of polyethylene and other polymer fragments in decedent brain samples. The study not only confirmed rising concentrations of microplastics over time but also found significantly higher levels in individuals with documented dementia diagnoses, adding a troubling layer of complexity to an already concerning issue.

Study Design and Key Findings