Latest news with #UniversityOfNewMexico
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
How do I know if I found a meteorite?
After a suspected meteor fell in metro Atlanta on Thursday afternoon, meteorite hunters are searching for fragments. But how do you know if you found a meteorite or just a rock? The United States Geological Survey has the answer to just that. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The USGS says they adapted these tips from the University of New Mexico Meteorite Museum. Density: Meteorites are usually quite heavy for their size, since they contain metallic iron and dense minerals. Magnetic: Since most meteorites contain metallic iron, a magnet will often stick to them. For 'stony' meteorites, a magnet might not stick, but if you hang the magnet by a string, it will be attracted. Unusual shape: iron-nickel meteorites are rarely rounded. Instead, they have an irregular shape with unusual pits like finger prints in their surface called 'regmaglypts.' Fusion crust: stony meteorites typically have a thin crust on their surface where it melted as it passed through the atmosphere. Meteorites do NOT have the following: Light-colored crystals: Quartz is a common, light-colored crystal in Earth's crust, but it is not found on other bodies in the solar system. Bubbles: volcanic rocks or metallic slag on Earth often have bubbles or vesicles in them, but meteorites do not. Streak: if you scratch a meteorite on an unglazed ceramic surface, it should not leave a streak. A dense rock that leaves a black or red streak probably contains the iron minerals magnetite or hematite, respectively, neither of which are typically found in meteorites. The scientists at the USGS say they don't verify meteorites. RELATED STORIES: Meteorite hunters searching for fragments in Henry County 'Fireball' in the sky seen across metro Atlanta What did you see falling through the sky? A meteor or meteorite? 'It was really, really scary': People across metro in shock as fireball falls from the sky Channel 2's Audrey Washington caught up with meteorite hunters in Henry County where they believe they found a fragment on Friday afternoon. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists discover toxic substance hiding in 100% of people's brains... and 'it explains rise of dementia in US'
Scientists have made a startling study in the human brain that could be fueling the rise of dementia in the US They analyzed brain tissue from 54 autopsies, discovering that every sample contained microplastics, equivalent in mass to an entire plastic spoon. Microplastics are small plastic pieces that are less than 5mm in size and insoluble in water. They are harmful for environment and lead to plastic pollution. These tiny particles can accumulate in the body, with prior research linking them to various forms of cancer—including skin, breast, cervical, and colorectal—as well as testicular cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. The researchers found that individuals diagnosed with dementia exhibited up to ten times more microplastics in their brain tissue compared to those without this condition. Although the study does not directly connect them, it does show a relationship between the accumulation of microplastics and neurological disorders. Lead author Professor Matthew Campen of the University of New Mexico emphasized the urgency of understanding how these particles penetrate the brain's protective barriers—and what damage they may cause over time. 'I never would have imagined it was this high,' he said. Professor Campen, a toxicologist, said microplastic levels in the human brain have increased by 50 percent over the past eight years, mirroring the global rise in plastic pollution. To investigate this trend, Campen's team analyzed brain tissue samples provided by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, which is legally required to retain autopsy tissue for seven years before disposal. The samples were taken during autopsies in 2016 and 2024. All samples were taken from the frontal cortex—the brain region located above and behind the eyes, Campen noted. To isolate microplastics, the tissues were dissolved using a specialized chemical process that left behind a pellet of undissolved material. This pellet was then heated, allowing researchers to capture the gas emissions released as the plastics burned. Using this technique, the team detected and measured 12 different plastic polymers. The most common was polyethylene, a material widely used in packaging and containers such as bottles and cups. On average, the brain tissue contained about 4,800 micrograms of microplastic per gram —roughly equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon. Researchers also discovered clusters of sharp plastic shards measuring 200 nanometers or smaller—not much larger than some viruses. Microplastics—especially nanoplastics—can cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that typically prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. Once inside, these tiny particles may trigger inflammation, disrupt neurological signaling, and potentially contribute to the development of neurological disorders. While scientists are still investigating the direct impact of microplastics on human health, animal studies have shown that exposure can lead to behavioral changes, memory impairment, and reduced motor coordination. Dr Gary Small, chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center, emphasized that current findings in relation to dementia do not prove a causal relationship, but they are still cause for concern. The most common plastics identified in brain samples were polyethylene and polypropylene, materials widely used in packaging, containers, and everyday consumer goods. These particles most likely enter the body through contaminated food and beverages. According to Professor Campen, the research team even found significant levels of microplastics in store-bought meat. To that he added, 'The way we irrigate fields with plastic-contaminated water, we postulate that the plastics build up there.' Over time, chemicals may accumulate in fields as a result of the feeding of crops to livestock and the fertilization of fields with their waste. A study conducted by the Ocean Conservancy found that highly processed protein products—such as fish sticks, chicken nuggets, and plant-based burgers—contained significantly more microplastics per gram than minimally processed alternatives. In response, health professionals recommend several strategies to reduce microplastic exposure. These include using glass or stainless steel containers instead of single-use plastics, installing water purifiers, and choosing natural fibers over synthetic fabrics. The study's findings have sparked growing calls for urgent action to limit microplastic exposure. Advocates are also pushing for stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management to curb environmental pollution at its source. The detection of microplastics in every human brain sample analyzed underscores the widespread reach of plastic pollution—and its potential implications for human health. As scientists continue to investigate the long-term effects of microplastic exposure, experts stress the importance of taking preventive steps now to reduce risk and safeguard public health.
