Plastic | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/plastic/RSS feed for PlasticenFri, 16 Oct 2026 17:03:22 +0000Microplastics Have Been Linked With Myriad Human Health Problems. Scientists May Have Finally Figured Out How They Harm the Bodyhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/microplastics-have-been-linked-with-myriad-human-health-problems-scientists-may-have-finally-figured-out-how-they-harm-the-body-180989694/Lab experiments suggest that tiny bits of plastic can react with water inside us to produce highly reactive molecules. They can lead to damaging oxidative stress and inflammationFri, 16 Oct 2026 17:03:22 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/microplastics-have-been-linked-with-myriad-human-health-problems-scientists-may-have-finally-figured-out-how-they-harm-the-body-180989694/Could This Dutch Invention Help Tackle Plastic Pollution in America's Waterways?https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/could-this-dutch-invention-help-tackle-plastic-pollution-in-americas-waterways-180989651/The Netherlands has had success with the Bubble Barrier, which pumps air bubbles from the bottom of a canal or river to direct plastic to the surface. Now, Lansing, Michigan, is looking to be the first to install the technology statesideFri, 09 Oct 2026 17:49:27 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/could-this-dutch-invention-help-tackle-plastic-pollution-in-americas-waterways-180989651/Would You Eat a Cookie Made From Upcycled Plastic? Scientists Propose a New Way to Deal With Waste and Provide Food in Extreme Environmentshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/would-you-eat-a-cookie-made-from-upcycled-plastics-scientists-propose-a-new-way-to-deal-with-waste-and-provide-food-in-extreme-environments-180989413/A team of researchers programmed yeast to turn broken-down plastic and agricultural waste into sweet treats called µBites. They might come in handy during deep-space missions or in disaster zones, although some critics say the food is impracticalMon, 31 Aug 2026 15:42:33 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/would-you-eat-a-cookie-made-from-upcycled-plastics-scientists-propose-a-new-way-to-deal-with-waste-and-provide-food-in-extreme-environments-180989413/