Microplastics and nanoplastics pose growing environmental and health concerns, yet their formation pathways remain unclear. This research compiles data from nearly 300 studies to model plastic degradation and identifies key roles of plastic type and weathering process. Lab experiments reveal mechanical wear can directly generate nanoplastics, improving risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

This research examines how real-world microplastics and nanoplastics affect human brain immune cells. Using plastics from everyday consumer items, it shows rapid cellular stress and mitochondrial damage linked to neurodegenerative disease. The findings suggest current laboratory studies may underestimate the true health risks of chronic plastic exposure.