In this Think Thursday episode, Molly explores the growing field of environmental neuroscience and what new research is uncovering about microplastics and brain health. Microplastics are everywhere—from oceans and soil to food and even the air we breathe. While they have long been recognized as an environmental issue, scientists are now finding evidence that they may also influence how the brain functions and ages.
Molly explains how microplastics can interact with the brain through inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted signaling. She shares a striking new study linking microplastic exposure in genetically vulnerable mice to Alzheimer’s-like changes, and she unpacks what this might mean for humans. Alongside the science, Molly offers practical strategies to reduce exposure and emphasizes that protecting your brain is about progress, not perfection.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- What microplastics are and how they enter our bodies
- Why researchers are concerned about their effects on the brain
- The role of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted signaling in everyday symptoms like brain fog and mood changes
- How environmental exposures may interact with genetic risk factors for dementia
- Seven practical steps you can take to reduce microplastic exposure in daily life
Key Quote
“Protecting your brain is never about one big thing. It is about many small things working together. Alcohol, sleep, stress, nutrition, and yes, even the environment, are all parts of the same ecosystem.”
Resources and References
- Washington Post (Sept 2025): Study links microplastics to Alzheimer’s-like symptoms in mice
- World Health Organization reports on microplastic exposure
- Research on APOE4 and microplastic interactions in mouse models
- Previous Think Thursday episodes: World Brain Day—5 Habits to Keep Your Brain SHARP, Chronic Stress and Your Memory
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.