Study finds more microplastics in brains than other organs

By Ellie Borst | 02/03/2025 04:17 PM EST

The scientists re-upped calls for more research into how these plastics affect our health.

A blue rectangular piece of microplastic sits on the finger of a researcher.

A blue piece of microplastic sits on the finger of a researcher. A new study looks at accumulations of microplastics in human brains. Ted S. Warren/AP

New evidence suggests the number of tiny plastic particles in our brains and livers may accumulate over time, with scientists re-upping calls for more research into how these plastics affect our health.

While it is not the first time scientists have detected micro- and nanoplastics in the brain, the study published Monday in the peer-reviewed journal Nature found concentrations of plastics were between seven and 30 times greater in the brain than in the liver or kidneys.

The research, funded by National Institutes of Health grants, analyzed 52 brain tissue samples: 28 samples were autopsied in 2016, and 24 were autopsied in 2024. The average levels of micro- and nanoplastics were greater in the brain tissue samples from last year, according to the study. Researchers said that trend was consistent for liver but not kidney samples.

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“These data compel a much larger effort to understand whether MNPs [micro- and nanoplastics] have a role in neurological disorders or other human health effects,” the researchers wrote.

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