#Plastics5

24 Feb 2026

Algae engineered to capture microplastics

Researchers at the University of Missouri modified algae so it makes limonene, a natural oil. The algae bind water‑repellent microplastics into clumps that sink; the algae can grow in wastewater and help clean it.

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Photo by TECNIC Bioprocess Solutions, Unsplash

26 Jan 2026

Cigarette filters release microfibers into water

Researchers found that cigarette filters shed tiny plastic microfibers when they touch water. One filter releases about two dozen fibers quickly and can release more over ten days, adding to pollution in New York waters.

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23 Dec 2025

Father’s microplastic exposure affects offspring health

A mouse study found that when fathers were exposed to microplastics, their offspring developed metabolic problems. Female offspring showed diabetic signs and researchers linked the effect to changes in sperm small RNAs; the work was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

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6 Dec 2025

Microplastics affect ocean carbon measurements

A study shows microplastics can release carbon that looks like natural organic carbon during lab tests. This contamination may change ocean carbon measurements and the models scientists use to study climate change.

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21 May 2024

Plastic sachets and pollution in Southeast Asia

Small plastic sachets are widely sold and cause heavy pollution, especially in Southeast Asia. A global audit found tens of thousands of sachets from many brands and campaigners want firms and governments to stop or reuse sachets.

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