Nanoplastics Disrupt Brain Energy, Threatening Memory Function.

Scientists have uncovered a mechanism by which nanoplastics impair brain energy metabolism, offering new clues into environmental contributions to neurodegeneration. The particles disrupted mitochondrial electron transfer and reduced energy production in both general and synaptic mitochondria. Since these energy systems are vital for brain health, the findings suggest a possible link between plastic pollution and rising rates of neurological disease. The research ‘Polystyrene nanoplastics target electron transport chain complexes in brain mitochondria‘ raises urgent concerns about long-term human exposure to nanoplastics and their potential impact on memory and ageing.