Researchers report in mice that a father's exposure to microplastics affected the next generation. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres that come from broken consumer products and waste. In the experiment, father mice ate a regular diet while all offspring were given a high-fat diet to reveal metabolic effects.
Female offspring of exposed fathers were more likely to develop metabolic disorders and showed diabetic features. Male offspring did not develop diabetes but had a small decrease in fat mass. Scientists used a sequencing method called PANDORA-seq and found changes in the small RNA content of sperm. The study was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
Difficult words
- microplastic — very small plastic particle, smaller than five millimetresmicroplastics
- offspring — children or young animals of parents
- metabolic — related to the body's chemical processes
- diabetic — having diabetes, with high blood sugar
- sperm — male reproductive cell in animals and humans
- expose — to have contact with something harmfulexposed
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 before? Where might we find them?
- Why did the researchers give the offspring a high-fat diet?
- Do you think studies in mice can tell us about human health? Why or why not?
Related articles
New law sets marriage age at 18, but child marriage continues in South Punjab
In May 2025 Pakistan made the legal marriage age 18 for everyone. Child marriage still happens in South Punjab, as seen in Behal, where a 14-year-old girl named Zunaira was arranged to marry a much older man.
Power crisis in the Dominican Republic despite rising renewables
The Dominican Republic increased renewable energy to 25% but grid problems and a brief shutdown at Punta Catalina 2 caused a supply crisis. The president declared an emergency and signed a decree to speed up procurement.
Traffic and Pollution in Asian Cities
Traffic congestion in many Asian cities raises pollution, lowers living standards and costs economies money. Cities such as Delhi, Bangkok and Metro Manila are expanding metros, switching to electric vehicles and using pricing and technology to reduce traffic.