A rise in microplastic contamination in human brain tissue has been reported, with findings indicating an increase over recent years. Concerns about potential health impacts have been raised, as microplastics and nanoplastics have been detected in significant amounts. Research suggests that individuals with dementia had even higher concentrations, though the causation remains unclear. While the presence of these particles has been established, debates around research methodology and the accuracy of findings continue within the scientific community.

Study Highlights Rising Microplastic Levels

According to a study published in Nature Medicine on February 3, the concentration of microplastics in human brain tissue has risen by approximately 50 percent between 2016 and 2024. Researchers found that in those who had died with dementia, microplastic levels were nearly six times higher than in individuals without the condition. Comparisons with samples dating from 1997 to 2013 showed a continuous rise in microplastic accumulation over time.

The study examined brain, liver, and kidney tissue from 28 people who died in 2016 and 24 individuals from 2024. The highest concentrations were found in brain tissue, with microplastic levels ranging from seven to 30 times greater than in the kidney and liver. The presence of polyethylene, commonly used in food packaging, was most notable, accounting for 75 percent of the detected plastics.

Potential Impact on Brain Health

In an email to Live Science, study co-author Matthew Campen, a toxicologist at the University of New Mexico, stated that the accumulation of microplastics could potentially disrupt blood flow in brain capillaries or interfere with neural connections. While concerns about links to dementia exist, no direct causation has been established.

Concerns Over Research Methods

Skepticism regarding the study’s methodology has been expressed by some scientists. Speaking to Live Science, Oliver Jones, a professor of chemistry at RMIT University in Melbourne, questioned whether the results were biologically plausible. He pointed out that the main analytical method used, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, might have led to overestimated plastic concentrations due to interference from brain fats.

Despite these concerns, toxicologist Emma Kasteel from Utrecht University, in a statement to Live Science, stated that while the exact levels may be uncertain, the confirmed presence of microplastics in the brain warrants further investigation.

A nearly 5,000-year-old fortress in southwestern Spain has revealed a surprising discovery—an isolated burial from the Roman era. The remains of a man, estimated to be between 25 and 35 years old, were found near the fortress’s outer wall, despite the site having been abandoned for over 2,500 years. The presence of a Roman military dagger suggests he may have been a soldier. As per sources, the burial appears unusual, as no other evidence of Roman occupation has been identified at the location. The fortress, known as Cortijo Lobato, was initially discovered in 2021 during surveys for a solar power plant.

Details of the Excavation

The excavation, conducted by the private archaeological firm Tera S.L. and led by archaeologist César Pérez, suggests that the Roman-era man may have been a deserter, victim of violence, or succumbed to natural causes. In a statement to Live Science, Pérez mentioned that ancient structures were sometimes repurposed as burial sites by later civilisations. The presence of a “pugio” dagger, commonly carried by Roman soldiers, supports the possibility of military involvement.

Copper Age Fortress and Its Fall

The fortress, constructed during the Chalcolithic period between 3200 and 2200 B.C., featured a central five-sided enclosure reinforced by multiple walls and ditches. Defensive structures included narrow entryways and bastions up to 20 feet wide. As per archaeological findings, fire damage suggests it was abandoned around 2450 B.C. after a violent attack. Evidence points to an expansion phase before its destruction, indicating its strategic importance at the time.

Unanswered Questions

While the discovery of the Roman burial remains a mystery, the fortress itself highlights an advanced understanding of military architecture in prehistoric Iberia. Investigations continue, with researchers aiming to uncover more about the site’s significance and the events that led to its abandonment.