Protecting Our Brains: The Unseen Threat of Microplastics in Lab Work

You might not think about it when you're looking at a microscope slide, but making histology slides can release tiny plastic particles into the environment. These microplastics (MPs) are showing up in every corner of the earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. And guess what? They're not good for our health. Scientists are finding out that these tiny plastics can mess with our brain development, affect how our brain cells work, and even increase the risk of dementia. That's why it's so important for labs that make these slides to be careful and try to minimize how many microplastics they let out.One place taking this seriously is the Orthopedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory (OBRL) in Colorado. Colorado is known for its beautiful nature, but it's also busy making laws to cut down on plastic waste. The OBRL histology department is getting ahead of the game by cleaning up their act before they have to. Think about this: almost every piece of plastic ever made is still around today. That means we need to do something about it now. We can't just keep making more and more microplastics without thinking about the consequences. So, next time you're looking at a microscope slide, remember that there's more to it than meets the eye. It's not just about the pretty pictures; it's also about taking care of our brains and the environment.