Environmental Science · Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
In a mouse study, lead exposure from pregnancy through adulthood was linked to depression-like behavior, increased oxidative stress in the brain, and altered stress-hormone responses. Male and female mice showed different corticosterone patterns after stress.
Microplastics were detected throughout a Brazilian drinking-water reservoir, but they accumulated most heavily in downstream sediment. Researchers found low to moderate ecological risk in the water and very high risk in sediment, especially downstream.
Two native Amazonian stingless bee species carried microplastics in both urban and rural areas, with most particles attached to their outer bodies. The finding suggests these bees could help monitor pollution, while also raising questions about whether they transport plastic particles into natural areas.
