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
Study: Industrial Revolution pollution affected people unevenly in England
A study in Science Advances used bones and historical records to track pollution exposure during the Industrial Revolution. Researchers analysed remains from 94 people in industrial South Shields and rural Barton-upon-Humber and found uneven, gendered exposure.
People with disabilities in Kenya and Nigeria faced hardship during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities in poor urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria had worse access to health care, lost income and faced higher costs. Researchers and advocates call for closer, accessible services and fair relief.
People learn to use robotic leg prostheses but misjudge their gait
A four-day study found that people who practised with a robotic lower‑limb prosthesis improved their walking but misjudged their own movement. Researchers say better visual feedback could help users calibrate their body image and gait.
Report: Aggressive Formula Marketing Harms Child Health
A UN-linked report finds that wide and aggressive marketing of powdered baby milk (formula) is damaging child and maternal health. WHO and UNICEF say more breastfeeding could prevent many child and breast cancer deaths each year.