Research & News

Research & News brings together clear, practical explanations of new microplastics studies, product developments, and headlines. Plastic Free Kitchen looks at what the evidence actually shows, what it cannot prove, and what it may mean for everyday kitchen choices.

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Three Shellworks VIVOMER cutting boards in merino, lilac and meadow

Meet Shellworks' VIVOMER Cutting Board

Shellworks has opened US preorders for a $62 cutting board made from VIVOMER, a fermentation-produced PHA-based polymer. It promises dishwasher convenience without the polyethylene or polypropylene surface used in conventional...

Meet Shellworks' VIVOMER Cutting Board

Shellworks has opened US preorders for a $62 cutting board made from VIVOMER, a fermentation-produced PHA-based polymer. It promises dishwasher convenience without the polyethylene or polypropylene surface used in conventional...

Conceptual editorial photograph of illustrative microplastic fragments and fine fibers resting on a cropped adult hand, with a calm white mouse nearby and separate.

Can Polyethylene Microplastics Worsen Fatty Liv...

A small mouse study found higher liver-injury and selected fat-related measurements after daily polyethylene exposure. It does not show that ordinary food-packaging use causes fatty-liver disease in people.

Can Polyethylene Microplastics Worsen Fatty Liv...

A small mouse study found higher liver-injury and selected fat-related measurements after daily polyethylene exposure. It does not show that ordinary food-packaging use causes fatty-liver disease in people.

Can a Magnetic Material Remove Microplastics Fr...

A new magnetic adsorbent removed more than 95% of known model micro- and nanoplastics under selected laboratory conditions. It also performed well in two industrial laundry liquids. The result is...

Can a Magnetic Material Remove Microplastics Fr...

A new magnetic adsorbent removed more than 95% of known model micro- and nanoplastics under selected laboratory conditions. It also performed well in two industrial laundry liquids. The result is...

What Can a Microplastics Blood Test Actually Te...

An at-home blood test may report particles detected in a dried blood sample. It cannot currently diagnose illness, translate a count into personal health risk, or prove that a lifestyle...

What Can a Microplastics Blood Test Actually Te...

An at-home blood test may report particles detected in a dried blood sample. It cannot currently diagnose illness, translate a count into personal health risk, or prove that a lifestyle...

Do Microplastics in the Human Brain Prove a Lin...

No. Researchers have detected plastic material in postmortem brain tissue, including higher measured concentrations in a small dementia subgroup. The findings cannot show whether particles contributed to dementia, accumulated because...

Do Microplastics in the Human Brain Prove a Lin...

No. Researchers have detected plastic material in postmortem brain tissue, including higher measured concentrations in a small dementia subgroup. The findings cannot show whether particles contributed to dementia, accumulated because...

Do Plastic Cutting Boards Shed Microplastics In...

Yes. Cutting on polyethylene and polypropylene boards can release plastic particles, and some can transfer to food. This makes worn plastic boards a reasonable place to reduce plastic contact. The...

Do Plastic Cutting Boards Shed Microplastics In...

Yes. Cutting on polyethylene and polypropylene boards can release plastic particles, and some can transfer to food. This makes worn plastic boards a reasonable place to reduce plastic contact. The...