- Scientists used mice to study effects of microplastics.
- Some father mice were exposed to microplastics before mating.
- All offspring ate a high-fat diet after birth.
- Female offspring developed clear signs of diabetes in tests.
- Male offspring did not get diabetes but lost fat.
- Female offspring also had lower muscle mass than males.
- Scientists found changes in the fathers' sperm.
- Researchers used a special sequencing method to study sperm.
- The study warns plastic pollution can harm child health.
Difficult words
- microplastic — very small pieces of plasticmicroplastics
- offspring — children or young of an animal
- expose — to put someone in contact with somethingexposed
- diabetes — a long-term disease with high blood sugar
- sperm — male cell that can fertilize an egg
- pollution — dirt or harmful things in the environment
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you heard of microplastics?
- Do you eat high-fat food?
- Do you think plastic pollution can harm children's health?
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