Matt HodgkinsonJan 13

I'd seen some of these rebuttal studies, and now The Guardian is reporting on how supposed reports of high microplastics levels in human tissues are being critiqued for their methodology.

In basic terms, scientists try to measure polyethylene (and other plastics) by vaporising the tissue with heat and detecting what polyethylene turns into when burned. However, normal human fats can produce the same compounds when burned. Inadequate controls and hype chasing have led to unsupported claims.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/13/microplastics-human-body-doubt

#Microplastics #MicroplasticsInBody #MicroplasticsInBrain #ResearchIntegrity #ScientificErrors #Rebuttals #TheGuardian #PlasticPollution #ScientificControversy

‘A bombshell’: doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body

Exclusive: Some scientists say many detections are most likely error, with one high-profile study called a ‘joke’

The Guardian
michaelDec 8, 2023

7-Dec-2023
It turns out, this #fossil plant is really a fossil baby #turtle

Researchers nicknamed the fossil “Turtwig” after a Pokemon that’s half-turtle, half-plant

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1010060 #science #evolution #ScientificErrors

It turns out, this fossil plant is really a fossil baby turtle

<p>Researchers re-examined a plant fossil found decades ago in Colombia and realized that it wasn't a plant at all: it's a fossilized baby turtle. It's a rare find, because juvenile turtles' shells are soft and often don't fossilize well.</p>

EurekAlert!