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pollution

This shows a child's head, a brain and smoke stacks.

·June 14, 2025·6 min read

Air Pollution Alters Fetal Brain Structures

A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to common air pollutants like NO₂, PM2.5, and black carbon is associated with subtle but measurable changes in fetal brain structure during the second and third trimesters. Using specialized ultrasound scans, researchers found increased volumes in brain cavities, including the lateral ventricles and cisterna magna, and changes in areas related to motor coordination and sensory processing.

This shows the outline of a person, a brain and smoke stacks.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 7, 2025·5 min read

Air Pollution May Impair Language Skills, Brain Health

Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter may harm cognitive health, particularly language ability, in older adults. In a new study of individuals aged 65 and over, those living in England’s most polluted areas consistently scored lower on cognitive assessments, especially in language-based tasks.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 7, 2025·6 min read

Lead Pollution Linked to IQ Decline in Roman-Era Europe

A study analyzing Arctic ice cores reveals that lead pollution during the Roman Empire's height contributed to an estimated 2-3 point IQ decline across Europe. The pollution stemmed from silver mining and smelting, which released vast amounts of lead into the atmosphere.

This shows gas pumps, a person and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·3 min read

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

A new study estimates that childhood lead exposure, peaking between 1960 and 1990 due to leaded gasoline, caused 151 million excess cases of mental illness by 2015. Researchers linked historic lead exposure data to mental health symptoms, finding that personality changes and mental health disorders were most pronounced among Generation X.

This shows a pregnant woman with a mask on.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·November 13, 2024·3 min read

Air Pollution Linked to Autism Risk During Developmental Stages

A new review highlights how air pollution, particularly fine particles and nitrogen oxides, can elevate autism risk by disrupting critical brain development processes. Key mechanisms, including nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter disruptions, reveal how prenatal and early childhood exposure impact neurological health. Small particles, such as PM2.5, can cross the placenta, potentially harming fetal brain development, especially for genetically predisposed individuals.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 25, 2024·6 min read

Air Pollution Linked to White Matter Changes in Children

A recent study links exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy and childhood with lasting changes in the brain's white matter microstructure, affecting cognitive development through adolescence. The research, which followed over 4,000 participants, found that pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were associated with developmental delays in white matter integrity.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 6, 2024·3 min read

Nighttime Light Pollution Linked to Higher Alzheimer’s Risk

A recent study has found a positive correlation between nighttime light pollution and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the United States. Researchers discovered that higher levels of light at night are associated with increased AD rates, particularly among individuals under the age of 65.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 27, 2024·4 min read

Diabetes, Pollution, and Alcohol Amplify Dementia Risk

Researchers identified key risk factors and genetic influences impacting a specific brain network vulnerable to aging, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. This 'weak spot' in the brain is especially susceptible to diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol consumption.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 23, 2023·4 min read

Air Pollution Exposure Linked to Parkinson’s Risk: Study Identifies U.S. Hot Spot

Exposure to air pollution has previously been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Now, researchers provide preliminary data linking air pollution to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The new study, which considered geographical data and diagnosis rates for Parkinson's, revealed those who live in the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley are at particularly higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 25, 2023·6 min read

Prenatal Pollution Exposure Linked to Lower Cognitive Scores in Early Life

Maternal exposure to air pollution during mid-to-late pregnancy was associated with lower scores on tests of cognition, language, and motor skills in children at the age of two.

This shows smoke stacks overlayed with a child's eyes

Featured Neuroscience

·September 23, 2022·3 min read

An Association Between Exposure to Air Pollution in the First 5 Years of Life and Alterations in Brain Structure

Assessing a child's exposure to air pollution on a monthly basis from conception to the age of 8.5, researchers found the greater the exposure to air pollution before the age of 5, the greater the alteration in brain structure by preadolescence.

This shows a baby's hand in an adults hand

Featured Neuroscience

·September 2, 2022·5 min read

Pollution Alters Infant Microbiome, Influencing Brain Development

Exposure to air pollution within the first 6 months of life alters a child's microbiome, increasing the risk for allergies, diabetes, obesity, and influencing brain development.

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pollution

Air Pollution Alters Fetal Brain Structures

Air Pollution May Impair Language Skills, Brain Health

Lead Pollution Linked to IQ Decline in Roman-Era Europe

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

Air Pollution Linked to Autism Risk During Developmental Stages

Air Pollution Linked to White Matter Changes in Children

Nighttime Light Pollution Linked to Higher Alzheimer’s Risk

Diabetes, Pollution, and Alcohol Amplify Dementia Risk

Air Pollution Exposure Linked to Parkinson’s Risk: Study Identifies U.S. Hot Spot

Prenatal Pollution Exposure Linked to Lower Cognitive Scores in Early Life

An Association Between Exposure to Air Pollution in the First 5 Years of Life and Alterations in Brain Structure

Pollution Alters Infant Microbiome, Influencing Brain Development

Extreme Heat Linked to Delays in Early Childhood Development

Blocking a Key Protein Greatly Reduces Alzheimer’s Damage

Why Memories Change: How the Brain Rewrites the Past

Astrocytes Found to Drive Key Brain Changes in Nicotine Addiction

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