Researchers from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) have discovered that nanoplastics damage the cell’s mitochondria, possibly leading to a rise in neurodegenerative diseases. The study was led by undergraduate student Devin Seward and Dr Gavin Davey from TCD’s School of Biochemistry and Immunology. Produced when larger plastics break down in the environment, polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) are smaller than microplastics. To understand how these plastics affects brain function, the research team studied the mitochondria in rat brain tissue. Mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, is critical for producing the energy needed for brain function.