Microplastics Tied to Brain Metabolic Disruption in Study

Chronic dietary exposure to polystyrene microplastics was linked to brain metabolic disruption, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in fruit flies, alongside reduced movement and impaired climbing. Antioxidant enzyme activity fell by up to 46%, with dopamine markers also reduced. Researchers say the findings point to possible neurotoxic mechanisms that need investigation beyond animal models.