Friday, 10 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > Exposure to microplastic makes animals want to eat it more
Tech and Science

Exposure to microplastic makes animals want to eat it more

Last updated: July 19, 2025 4:50 am
Share
Exposure to microplastic makes animals want to eat it more
SHARE

Nematode worms can learn to prefer plastic-contaminated prey over cleaner food

Heiti Paves/Alamy

Predators have been found to develop a preference for prey contaminated with microplastics, even in the presence of clean food. This discovery could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystem health and human consumption habits.

A study on nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) conducted over multiple generations revealed a shift in their food preferences. Initially choosing clean bacteria over plastic-contaminated microbes, the nematodes eventually showed a preference for the plastic-laced food.

According to Song Lin Chua from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the worms’ attraction to plastic could be attributed to their reliance on senses like smell to locate food. After prolonged exposure, the nematodes may perceive microplastics as food-like and opt to consume them. Chua suggests that this learned behavior is reversible and akin to a matter of taste, similar to humans’ fondness for sugar.

Lee Demi from Allegheny College emphasizes the significance of these findings, stating that the nematodes’ dietary choices could impact ecosystem dynamics. The ripple effect of predators favoring plastic-contaminated prey could ultimately affect human diets as well.

Chua warns that the consequences of this behavior could permeate through the food chain, highlighting the urgent need for further research and intervention to mitigate the potential risks associated with plastic pollution in ecosystems.

See also  Canon Selphy QX20 Review: The Best of Both Worlds
TAGGED:animalsEatexposureMicroplastic
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Opinion | The ‘Little Epstein Theory’ vs. ‘Big Epstein Theory’ Opinion | The ‘Little Epstein Theory’ vs. ‘Big Epstein Theory’
Next Article “The Multiple’s Too High,” Says Jim Cramer “The Multiple’s Too High,” Says Jim Cramer
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Virginia Political Economy: James Buchanan’s Journey

In James M. Buchanan and Liberal Political Economy, Richard Wagner contends that James Buchanan's academic…

June 2, 2025

Marilyn Manson will not be charged in LA with sex abuse: DA

Goth Rocker Marilyn Manson Cleared of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Charges After a comprehensive…

January 24, 2025

New US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro: Elias Rodriguez Charged With Murder in Shooting Deaths of Israeli Embassy Staffers, Could Face Death Penalty |

In a striking display of both legal authority and emotional gravity, Jeanine Pirro, the newly…

May 22, 2025

Disney+ Launches ‘Always-On’ Subscriber Perks and Sweepstakes

Disney is rolling out a series of exciting offers and sweepstakes to encourage more sign-ups…

May 29, 2025

Liverpool scenarios: What has to happen for Reds to win Premier League title with Arsenal 13 points behind

Liverpool is on the verge of winning their first Premier League title since the 2019-20…

April 22, 2025

You Might Also Like

Worlds Apart Crossword
Tech and Science

Worlds Apart Crossword

October 10, 2025
Lasers made muon beams, no massive accelerator needed
Tech and Science

Lasers made muon beams, no massive accelerator needed

October 10, 2025
Brain scans reveal where taste and smell become flavor
Tech and Science

Brain scans reveal where taste and smell become flavor

October 10, 2025
Astronomers saw a rogue planet going through a rapid growth spurt
Tech and Science

Astronomers saw a rogue planet going through a rapid growth spurt

October 10, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?