Sperm counts in men have been declining for decades, with 40% of low counts remaining unexplained. Many studies have implicated chemical pollution as a contributing factor. This new research adds to the growing evidence that microplastics could be a significant threat to male reproductive health.

Recent studies in Italy and China have also found microplastics in the semen of young men. In addition, research on mice has shown that microplastics can reduce sperm count and cause abnormalities and hormone disruption. These findings suggest that microplastic exposure may pose a chronic, cumulative risk to male reproductive health.

The research, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, detected eight different types of plastics in the semen samples. Polystyrene, commonly used for packaging, was the most prevalent, followed by polyethylene and PVC. These particles may cause inflammation in tissue or harm through the chemicals they release.

Microplastics have been found in various human tissues, including blood, placentas, and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination. The full impact on health is still unknown, but laboratory studies have shown that microplastics can damage human cells.

Millions of tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into the environment, breaking down into microplastics that pollute the entire planet. People ingest these particles through food, water, and air. Ning Li of Qingdao University in China, a lead researcher in the study, emphasized the need for further research: “As emerging research increasingly implicates microplastic exposure as a potential factor impacting human health, understanding the extent of human contamination and its relation to reproductive outcomes is imperative.”

Luigi Montano of the University of Rome, who led a related study in Italy, echoed the call for action: “Intervention is necessary to stop the exponential increase in plastic waste. If microplastic pollution impacts the critical reproductive process, it may prove to be even worse for our species in the not-too-distant future.”

More than 180 nations are negotiating a UN treaty to regulate plastic use and cut pollution, highlighting the global recognition of the problem. As research on microplastics and their effects on human health continues, the urgency to address this issue grows.

The post Microplastics Found in All Human Semen Samples in Study appeared first on Medical Journal Daily.

The elderly gentleman informed the hospital staff that he had a military shell lodged in his backside. He tried to assure them it was safe, explaining that the shell had been “demilitarized.” Despite his reassurances, the hospital called in a “demining unit” to assess any possible risk of explosion.

After evaluating the shell, it was identified as a “collector’s item” and posed no risk of explosion. Surgeons were able to remove it safely by performing an operation through the patient’s abdomen.

The shell was identified as a 57mm artillery piece from World War II.

A witness told *Nice-Matin* that the shell measured about “five or six centimeters in diameter by twenty centimeters long” – roughly two inches in width and eight inches in length.

The incident gained attention online, with photos of the shell shared across blogs and social media, reportedly showing the exact item that was retrieved.

Following the incident, the hospital thanked its staff for handling the situation with teamwork and professionalism. A spokesperson commented, “When in doubt, we took every precaution,” adding a light note that the patient clearly did not exercise the same caution, which led to the unique situation.

When reached for further comment, the hospital declined to provide additional details. They did mention, however, that while they’ve seen strange items inserted in such cases – including an apple, mango, or even a shaving foam can – a shell was definitely a first.

In an unexpected twist, it was revealed that the elderly man had inserted the World War I-era bomb, originally used by French troops in the early 1900s, for personal pleasure.

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