Microplastics, the plastic particles smaller than 5mm in diameter, have been a cause of concern for years because they remain in the environment for a long time and are likely to affect human health. Microplastics have now, for the first time, been found in human ovarian follicular fluid, which raises concerns about the effects of microplastics on women's fertility. This finding is part of a continued quest by scientists to comprehend the ubiquity of microplastics in the human body and their capacity to interfere with essential biological processes.

A peer-reviewed paper in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety uncovered the shocking occurrence of microplastics in the follicular fluid of women receiving assisted reproductive therapies at a fertility clinic in Salerno, Italy. The study analyzed the follicular fluid of 18 women, 14 of whom contained traces of microplastics. Follicular fluid is essential to the development of eggs, offering them the nutrients and biochemical cues needed for optimal egg maturation. Such contamination from microplastics thus has potentially disastrous effects on fertility and hormonal balance.

Luigi Montano, author of the research, was worried about the results, saying it's "an important warning signal about the invasiveness of these emerging contaminants in the female reproductive system." The finding is a major milestone in knowing how microplastics could influence women's fertility, although experts are in agreement that more investigation is needed to comprehensively understand the scope of the effect.

How Do Microplastics In The Body Risks Fertility?

Microplastics are everywhere, from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of the ocean. These microplastics are not only a danger to wildlife, but they are also now well ingrained in the human body. Microplastics have been reported in different tissues of humans by recent research in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Food is the major route of exposure of humans to these contaminants. Microplastics are found in virtually every food, from meat and seafood to fruits and vegetables, so it is almost impossible to exclude them completely.

But not only the plastic itself is a danger. Microplastics may be carrying a range of harmful chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates. These are well-documented as being harmful, including disrupting hormone systems, leading to cancer, neurotoxicity, and developmental issues. For women, these chemicals, transported by microplastics, could have profound effects on reproductive health.

Whereas most studies on microplastics have centered on their effects on male fertility, the finding in ovarian fluid puts the focus on female reproductive health. Montano's work has also found microplastics in human semen and urine, indicating that these contaminants are affecting fertility in both men and women. Women's reproductive systems could be especially susceptible, though, because of the hormonal imbalances brought about by the poisonous chemicals microplastics carry.

Experiments with animals have already identified the occurrence of microplastics with ovarian dysfunction. They have shown that exposure to microplastics could result in lower oocyte maturation (egg formation process) and decreased fertilization potential. Other experiments with mice showed changes in ovarian tissue, which increased fears over the possibility of affecting human fertility. Besides, microplastics can also interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis that governs the generation of hormones required for egg development and reproductive activity.

The endocrine system is crucial for the regulation of female reproductive health through the maintenance of proper levels of hormones. The follicles of the ovaries that provide eggs also generate hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Disturbance of this sensitive hormonal balance can compromise the maturation of eggs and result in infertility. When microplastics penetrate the reproductive system, they have the potential to interfere with the functioning of follicles and granulosa cells, leading to imbalances in the hormones needed for egg development.

Research has indicated that microplastic exposure is capable of augmenting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in oxidative stress and inflammation. This can lead to the apoptosis or death of granulosa cells, a key cell type of the follicle. The loss of granulosa cells is capable of drastically affecting the quantity as well as quality of eggs and eventually fertility.

Role of Chemicals in Microplastics

One of the worst things about microplastics is that they are capable of taking toxic chemicals with them into the body. Toxins like PFAS, BPA, and phthalates interfere with hormone function, and when such chemicals take a ride on microplastics, they are more harmful. The work of Montano also discusses the risks these chemicals pose, which could potentially be causing decreased sperm quality as well as the overall health of the reproductive system.

The research on microplastics in ovarian fluid highlights the "Trojan horse" effect, wherein these harmful chemicals evade the body's defense and enter into critical organs such as the ovaries. Upon entry, these chemicals can permanently harm the reproductive system, both the quality of eggs and the capacity to conceive.

Although the results of Montano's study are dire, experts all concur that additional research must be done in order to understand specifically what kind of risks microplastics have for women's fertility. University of New Mexico researcher Xiaozhong Yu was keen to highlight the need for determining the degree of microplastic exposure that will lead to harmful effects. His group is performing larger epidemiological studies to answer these questions.

In addition, the complete extent of the reproductive hazards is unknown. Although animal research indicates dramatic effects on fertility, human information is limited. Experts think more intensive studies, especially those that follow the long-term outcome of exposure to microplastics, are necessary to achieve a better understanding of how these contaminants could affect human reproductive health.

How To Reduce Exposure to Microplastics?

While microplastics are almost impossible to escape completely, there are precautions one can take to minimize exposure. Minimizing the use of plastic items, particularly in the kitchen, is what experts suggest. Steering clear of single-use plastic wrapping, storing food in stainless steel or glass containers, and choosing organic fruits and vegetables without pesticide contamination can all help lower exposure to microplastics. Also, refraining from heating plastic products, like food containers made of plastic or coffee cups, can prevent the release of toxic chemicals into food.

Identification of microplastics in human ovarian fluid is a major breakthrough on how environmental pollution affects female fertility. Although much more research should be conducted, the existing discovery is something that should be alarmed about. Presence of these poisonous particles in the reproductive system in addition to their accompanying chemicals can be a significant threat to the fertility of women and reproductive well-being in general.

As microplastics keep on invade our surroundings and bodies, it is crucial to acknowledge the possible risks they may pose to our reproductive systems. The results of this study are a call to action for scientists, policymakers, and the public to act to curb plastic pollution and protect reproductive health for generations to come.

Every year on 25 April, World Malaria Day is observed to raise awareness about one of the deadliest yet preventable diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 263 million malaria cases and 5,97,000 malaria deaths across 83 countries in 2023. The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. As per the numbers, this Region was home to 94% of the malaria cases, accounting for 246 million and 95% of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 75% of all malaria deaths in the Region.

Ahead of World Malaria Day, WHO also called for renewed efforts at all levels - from global policy to community action to accelerate progress towards eliminating malaria.

World Malaria Day 2025 Theme

This year, WHO has joined the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners in promoting: "Malaria Ends With US: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite". This is a grassroot campaign that aims to re-energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

World Malaria Day History

World Malaria Day was first celebrated internationally in 2008, building upon the earlier "Africa Malaria Day", which had been observed b African countries since 2001. The date, April 25, was established by WHO in 2007 during the World Health Assembly. In 2007, it was the 60th session of the World Health Assembly where the proposal to rename Africa Malaria Day to World Malaria Day was made to acknowledge the global presence of malaria.

World Malaria Day Significance

The day has a strong significance in healthcare as it brings attention to the disease that still continues to take so many lives, especially in low-income and tropical regions. It also serves as an important reminder to continue spreading awareness about the disease as well as promoting its prevention, treatment and continuous international cooperation to fight against it.

What Is Malaria?

The WHO describes malaria as a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes, mostly found in tropical countries. However, they are preventable and curable.

WHO notes: "Malaria is spread to people through the bites of some infected anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria. The first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and difficult to recognize as malaria. Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.

There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. The other malaria species which can infect humans are P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi."

What Are The Symptoms?

The early symptoms are fever, headache and chills, which can usually start within 10 to 15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk. Severe symptoms include:

• extreme tiredness and fatigue
• impaired consciousness
• multiple convulsions
• difficulty breathing
• dark or bloody urine
• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• abnormal bleeding

A new AI-powered blood test that can detect 12 types of cancer is to be tested on NHS patients. Using this test, experts would now be able to detect cancerous cells in people much before the symptoms appear. The trial, conducted on 8,000 patients, will analyse blood samples for tiny fragments of genetic material released by tumours.

The test called miONCO-Dx, was created using data from 20,000 patients. Initial tests have produced promising results, having shown that it can detect 12 of the most lethal and common cancers, including bowel cancer, at an early stage, with over 99% accuracy. With no other trial currently working in the same way, this is a world-leader and will support in placing Britain at the forefront of revolutionising healthcare. Notably, the UK government has awarded £2.4m to run the trial of the genetic test, which was developed by the University of Southampton and the biotech startup Xgenera.

How Does It Work?

The test was created by Xgenera, in collaboration with the University of Southampton. As little as 10 drops of blood are all that's needed to detect up to 12 common cancers. The test works by measuring the microRNA in a blood sample and using AI to identify if cancer is present and, if so, where it is located in the body.

What Cancers Will It Detect?

Lung, gastric, prostate, oesophageal, liver, bladder, ovarian, bowel, pancreatic and breast cancers–as well as bone and soft tissue sarcoma and a type of brain tumour. The Department of Health said the test was now ready for the "validation and verification" stage.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, said: "This blood test has the potential to help us detect bowel cancer earlier and reduce the need for invasive tests, and the next step in this trial will now be vital in gathering further evidence on its effectiveness and how it could work in practice."

How Is A Blood Test Conducted?

A blood test is a simple medical procedure used to check various health conditions. Here's how it is typically conducted:

1. Preparation: Depending on the test, you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours. The healthcare provider will explain any specific instructions.

2. Collection: You’ll usually be seated or lying down. A healthcare professional will tie a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. The inside of your elbow is the most common site for drawing blood.

3. Cleaning: The area is cleaned with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection.

4. Drawing Blood: A sterile needle is inserted into the vein, and blood is collected into one or more vials or tubes.

5. Post-collection: Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to stop any bleeding.

6. Processing: The blood samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.

Novovax, the maker of the only protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available in the US announced that its shot is on track for full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is an important development for the company. It has sent its stock soaring up to 21% on Wednesday morning for trading. It is said that this will also ease the fears of political interference that may have caused delay in the process.

Vaccine For Emergency Use Only

While the other mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have received full FDA approval for specific age groups, Novovax's vaccine still awaits the approval. It is only authorized for emergency use.

The emergency use authorization or the EUA allows vaccines to be distributed during public health emergencies. However, once the emergency ends, the FDA can remove them from the market unless full approval is granted.

Why Did The Delay Happen?

The FDA originally planned to approve Novovax's vaccine by April 1. However, as per the inside sources, the process was paused at the direction of Dr Sara Brenner, the FDA's acting commissioner. The delay has also raised concerns, especially after Dr Peter Marks, the FDA's longtime vaccine chief, reportedly left his post due to disagreements with the Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is a known vaccine skeptic.

What Makes Him A Vaccine Skeptic?

In the past, RFK Jr. has worked closely with many anti-vaccine activists who work for his nonprofit group Children's Health Defense. While in his recent speech, he said that he has "never been anti-vax and have never told the public to avoid vaccination", his track record shows otherwise.

In a podcast interview, he said, "There is no vaccine that is safe and effective" and told FOX News that he still believes in the now long-debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In another 2021 podcast, he urged people to "resist" CDC guidelines on getting their kids vaccinated. "I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, better not get them vaccinated," he said.

His non-profit also led an anti-vax campaign sticker and he appeared next on the screen to a sticker that read: "If you are not an anti-vaxxer you are not paying attention," reports AP.

What Does The Vaccine Need For Approval?

The FDA recently asked Novavax to outline a plan to collect additional clinical data from people who have received the vaccine. Novavax says it is “engaging with the FDA expeditiously” and hopes to secure full approval as soon as possible. Full FDA approval is considered the gold standard, as it reflects a higher level of scrutiny and confidence in a product’s safety and effectiveness.

How Is This Vaccine Different From Others?

The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the US teach the immune system to recognize the virus' spike protein, which is its outer coating. the Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccine deliver genetic instructions that help the body create a temporary version of spike protein that trigger an immune response. In contrast, the Novovax's shot contains lab-grown copies of the spike protein itself, which are then combined with a substance that boosts the immune response.

This traditional approach—called a protein-based vaccine—has been used for decades in vaccines for diseases like hepatitis B and shingles. For people who are hesitant about mRNA vaccines, Novavax offers an alternative that uses a well-established method.