06/02/2026
Sociologist Seulki Kim is teaming up with engineers and health scientists to study microplastics and nanoplastics in everyday drinks and find out how much we consume.
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Critical concept: the release rate of plastic particles into liquids under different conditions. Understanding these differences could guide manufacturers toward safer designs and help consumers make more informed choices.
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Researchers also need to study how these particles interact with the body.
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An advanced laser-based technique can produce the particles needed for the study in hours instead of months and years.
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The team aims to translate their findings into practical guidance. By identifying how daily habits influence exposure, the team hopes to provide evidence-based recommendations - including collaborating with manufacturers and communicating to early childhood educators.
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Backed by a grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
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Nebraska Department of Sociology
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences