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The skeleton (green) and nervous system (magenta) of sea urchin larvae are affected by chemicals from microplastics. Left - not treated. Right - treated. Credit: Periklis Paganos
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Plastics in the ocean can release chemicals that cause deformities in sea urchin larvae, new research shows. Scientists soaked various plastic samples in seawater then removed the plastic and raised sea urchin embryos in the water. The study, led by the University of Exeter, found that urchins developed a variety of abnormalities, including deformed skeletons and nervous systems.

Original Article