Posts
Everything published so far, newest first. Use the links below to filter by topic.
- Study summary
Microplastics in artery plaque: what the NEJM study found, and what it didn't
A 2024 study reported more heart attacks, strokes and deaths among patients whose carotid artery plaque contained microplastics. The study is observational, and questions have since been raised about the measurement method it used.
New Studies · 2 November 2026 · 3 min read · Also in Turkish
- Methods note
How are microplastics measured?
Finding microplastics in a sample involves collecting it, cleaning it up, identifying the polymer and controlling for contamination. Each step affects the result. A step-by-step guide to what to look for when reading a study.
Methods and Measurement · 2 November 2026 · 5 min read · Also in Turkish
- Explainer
What are microplastics, and where do they come from?
Microplastics are usually defined as plastic pieces smaller than 5 millimetres. Some are added to products on purpose; most come from tyres, fabrics and larger plastic waste wearing down and breaking apart.
The Basics · 2 November 2026 · 4 min read · Also in Turkish
- Explainer
Microplastics and health: what we know and what we don't
We take in microplastics through food, water and air, but the evidence on what that does to our health is still thin. A look at where things stand, based on the World Health Organization's reviews, a recent clinical study and the debate over measurement methods.
Health · 2 November 2026 · 4 min read · Also in Turkish
- Explainer
Microplastics regulation: EU rules and the state of the global treaty
The EU has restricted microplastics added to products on purpose since 2023, but as of 1 November 2026 there is still no global plastics treaty. A referenced summary of the rules in force and the state of the talks.
Policy and Regulation · 2 November 2026 · 4 min read · Also in Turkish