First evidence of microplastic buildup in bird lungs found in new study

Researchers describe widespread contamination of plastics in the bodies of more than 50 different bird species

A new study has provided the first evidence that microplastics are accumulating in bird lungs.

Birds have long been used to give early warnings of environmental risks. The absence of birdsong was used in the evocative title of Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring, and for more than a century miners carried caged canaries to warn of carbon monoxide – a practice that ended in UK coalmines only in 1996.

Topics

Microplastics may be stoking antibiotic resistance: Study

The microscopic shards of plastic found in every corner of the planet may be exacerbating antibiotic resistance, a new study has found. Bacteria exposed to these ubiquitous fragments, known as ...
The Hill - Mar. 11
Controlled-release fertilizers can spread microplastics on US cropland – study

Tiny bits of plastic can end up in water and soil at alarming levels, said lead author of University of Missouri paper. Fertilizers that shed microplastics are increasingly spreading on America’s ...
The Guardian - Mar. 11
The Guardian view on microplastics: harmful pollution must be curbed | Editorial

New evidence of particles damaging crops strengthens the case for an international plastics treaty. New and concerning findings from environmental scientists about the impact of microplastics on ...
The Guardian - 5d
About a third of bird species in U.S. need conservation help, new report says

The 2025 State of the Birds report identifies 112 "tipping point" species — those that have lost more than half their populations in the past five decades.
CBS News - Mar. 13
Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation

Researchers say problem could increase number of people at risk of starvation by 400m in next two decades. The pollution of the planet by microplastics is significantly cutting food supplies by ...
The Guardian - Mar. 10
Ducks, once a conservation bright spot, are now declining in the US, new report shows

A new report says at least 112 North American bird species have lost more than half their populations in the past 50 years
ABC News - Mar. 13
Women With Postpartum Depression Experienced Brain Changes During Pregnancy, Study Finds

The research constitutes some of the first evidence that the condition is associated with modifications in the brain before childbirth.
The New York Times - Mar. 5
Wildfires are complicating cancer care: Study

Wildfires and other climate-induced weather extremes are posing an increased threat to cancer patients by shifting their treatment trajectories and access to care, a new study has determined. ...
The Hill - Mar. 12
Your questions about bird flu, answered

Sky-high egg prices have drawn renewed attention to the bird flu outbreak, which has caused more than 166 million wild and domestic birds in the U.S. to die since it began.
NBC News - Mar. 9

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Hegseth says Musk did not see China war plan as Trump announces new jet fighter program – US politics live

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Octopus jumps shark and goes for a ride on its back

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Russia continues strikes on Ukraine as drones hit Odesa overnight

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The Guardian - 2h

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The New York Times - 9m
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Why Shoppers Abroad Are Boycotting U.S. Goods

A growing number of Europeans and citizens of other countries are choosing not to buy American products to demonstrate their anger at President Trump’s policies.
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Boat Race sinks to academic snobbery lows amid ‘slimy’ eligibility row

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The Guardian - 39m