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Microplastics in Sperm is Disturbing
What are the implications?
Uchenna
May 30, 2024
Leading Story
Microplastics in Human Testicles
Microplastics in Testicles
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic debris, typically less than five millimeters in length, which result from the degradation of larger plastic products or are manufactured as small particles.
Microplastics can originate from a variety of sources: A) Primary microplastics are manufactured small for use in products such as cosmetics. B) Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items like water bottles, plastic bags, and other consumer products.
Recent research reveals a startling decline in sperm count among men today compared to their grandfathers, with male factor now leading causes of infertility. Intriguingly, microplastics might be playing a role. A study analyzing autopsy samples from men aged 16 to 88 in New Mexico discovered microplastics in their testicles, as well as in neutered dogs. Notably, the concentration of microplastics were three times higher in human testicles than in dogs, with a corresponding correlation observed between lower sperm count in dogs and the presence of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) a type of plastic.
This study adds to the mounting evidence that microplastics, along with other chemicals found in everyday products, are adversely impacting fertility. This raises further questions and concerns about potential effects on fetal development and postnatal health by these plastics and other chemicals.
Table of Contents
Career
Black Girls Code Break into Tech Panel
If you are looking into break into tech, sign up for this virtual panel by Black Girls Code occurring June 18. RSVP as soon as possible as the May event filled up quickly.
Tech
Visa to Announce a Single Card for all Accounts
The future of payments is evolving! Are you weary of juggling multiple cards for different accounts? Visa is set to simplify your life with its innovative Payment Passkey Service. This cutting-edge feature will soon allow you to make online payments using biometric verification, such as facial scans or fingerprints, eliminating the need for traditional passwords and one-time codes. "The era of cumbersome password entries is coming to an end, making way for a quicker, more secure way to verify user identity and process payments," says Jack Forestell the Chief Product and Strategy Officer of Visa. Are you ready for a streamlined and secure approach to handling your finances?
Visa to reveal new tech
Politics
Possession of Abortion Pill in Louisiana May Get You Arrested
The abortion pill is now in the same category of cocaine and heroin in Louisiana. Due to the reduction of rights related to reproduction, Melinda French Gates, has committed to donating ONE BILLION dollars to support women and families.
Abortion Pill now a controlled substance
Economy
Fast Food is now seen as a Luxury
A new survey from Lending Tree reveals a changing perspective on fast food among Americans, with 80% now viewing it as a luxury due to rising costs. Additionally, 62% of Americans are reducing their fast-food consumption in response to escalating prices. This shift is part of a broader trend, as food inflation continues to climb, with food away from home increasing by 0.3% in April from March and showing a 4% increase compared to last year. Consequently, fast food giants are witnessing a pullback in consumer spending, signaling a significant shift in dining habits, which has caused major food chains to decrease prices in hopes of increasing sales.
Celebrity
Black Actors Fighting for Appropriate Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists on Set
Naomie Harris and Lashana Lynch
Discrimination related to actors’ hair and makeup continues to be an issue, and several of Black stars like Naomie Harris and Lashana Lynch are championing a Time’s Up UK campaign to secure a professional, fair, and equal hair and makeup experience on set for actors of Black and Global Majority backgrounds. The campaign advocates for the inclusion of a specific hair and makeup clause in deal memos to address this need. Addressing the often-overlooked issue of hair and makeup discrimination, Lynch expressed the undue burden Black artists face when expected to perform without the same support as their peers, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility in the industry to uplift and support every artist equally.
Fashion
Are the Prada Galleria Bags Art?
Prada has unveiled its latest iteration of the iconic Galleria bags, with prices starting at $4,000 and reaching $8500. Each piece showcases exquisite floral designs that demand appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship involved. Introduced in 2007, the Galleria bag has become a cornerstone of the Prada collection, synonymous with luxury and timeless design. The 2024 update features detailed anemone flowers, each meticulously constructed with either five or six petals. The creation of each bag involves assembling two large flowers, three medium flowers, and seven small flowers, requiring 40 minutes per flower and 7-8 hours to complete each embroidered frontal panel. This painstaking attention to detail underlines the unique artistry that Prada brings to the world of high fashion.
Prada
Recommendations
Add The Lagos Wife to Your Summer Reading List
The Lagos Wife, by Vanessa Walters, is an excellent thriller about a woman who travels to Nigeria from England to find her missing niece. This book will keep you guessing until the end on what happened. The book may also be under the name The NigerWife. Also, HBO is developing it into a drama series.
Randomness from my Timeline
“Why Can’t I Say the ‘N’ Word?”
Author Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a compelling explanation on the contextual use of the N-word and other sensitive terms, highlighting why they may be acceptable within certain groups but not others. He discusses the intriguing question of why some non-Blacks are drawn to use that word. This thought-provoking piece is a must-watch; it’s something you’ll want to save and share for its insightful exploration of language and cultural ownership.
@b.l.a.a.c Is it because they invented the N word that YTs wanna say it so bad? #TaNehisiCoates thinks so. #america #blacktiktok #blackdiaspora #faafo
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