Micro plastics
1-17-2026 From The Guardian: Some scientists say many detections (of micro plastics) are most likely error.
…micro- and nanoplastic particles are tiny and at the limit of today’s analytical techniques, especially in human tissue. The scientists challenging the data from the study of MNPs in brain tissue state, “The study as reported appears to face methodological challenges, such as limited contamination controls and lack of validation steps, which may affect the reliability of the reported concentrations.” In response, the study’s lead author, Prof. Matthew Campen said in part, “Most of the criticism aimed at the body of work to date .. has been conjectural and not buffeted by actual data.”
It is interesting to note that at least two of the critics still try to limit their exposure to plastics in their lives, especially in their food and drink.
1-14-2026 Micro plastics bioaccumulate in the brain. There are parallel trends happening: 1. rising levels of microplastics 2. increasing global rates of age-corrected Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
Researcher Douglas Main states, “Microplastics are infiltrating brain tissue, studies show: ‘There’s nowhere left untouched’” The Guardian, Aug 21, 2024.
Teenagers and Risk Factors
9-2011 A survey of more than 2,000 American teens from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that those who have infrequent family dinners — fewer than three per week — are almost four times likelier to use tobacco and are more than twice as likely to use alcohol or marijuana compared with teens who have five to seven family dinners each week. They’re also nearly four times as likely to say they expect to try drugs in the future.