Latest

PFAS

·July 3, 2025·5 min read

Forever Chemicals May Disrupt Brain Development

Despite its reputation as a safer chemical, PFHxA—a short-chain PFAS—may cause long-term behavioral changes when exposure occurs early in development. Researchers found that male mice exposed to PFHxA in utero and through breastfeeding displayed increased anxiety, memory deficits, and lower activity levels.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 6, 2025·7 min read

The Genetic Impact of Forever Chemicals on Brain Function

Researchers have found that per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) alter the expression of specific genes in brain-like cells, potentially contributing to neurotoxicity. Among six tested compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) caused the most significant changes, downregulating genes crucial for neuron survival and upregulating those linked to cell death.

This shows a teen awake at night with a bottle of water in their hand.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 4, 2024·7 min read

80-Minute Sleep Loss in Teens Exposed to “Forever Chemicals”

igher blood levels of four specific types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," are linked to poorer sleep quality in young adults. These chemicals, found in everyday products and the environment, have been shown to disrupt genes responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles, leading to decreased sleep duration and more sleep disturbances.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 4, 2024·6 min read

“Forever Chemicals” May Disrupt Brain Development

Exposure to PFAS, chemicals found in everyday products, can disrupt brain development in zebrafish, a model often used to predict effects in humans. Researchers discovered that PFAS activate specific genes related to behavior changes in zebrafish larvae, particularly those in the ppar gene group.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 5, 2020·5 min read

What the brain really thinks about forever chemicals

Exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, so-called "forever chemicals," results in a decline of both dopamine levels and dopamine neurons in roundworms.