‘Curious Conversations’ podcast: Austin Gray talks about microplastics
Austin Gray joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about microplastics and the growing body of research about their impact on human and environmental health. He shared insights related to the public perception of plastic pollution, the history of microplastics, and the direction of future research. Gray also emphasizes the importance of approaching research as public service and the need for effective science communication.
“Curious Conversations” is available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
Takeaways
It can take hundreds of years for plastics to decompose, but microplastics can begin forming in as little as two to eight weeks.
Only about 9 percent of plastics are recycled globally, highlighting a major issue in waste management and the need to better understand microplastics.
The dangers of microplastics to human health can be sensationalized and more research is needed in many areas, but there is evidence of microplastics having a negative impact on cardiovascular systems.
About Gray
Gray is an assistant professor of biological sciences and an affiliate of Virginia Tech’s Global Change Center. His research focuses on addressing questions related to environmental toxicology. He primarily uses physiological and ecological approaches to examine the impacts of legacy and emerging contaminants — microplastics, nanoplastics, and pharmaceuticals — resulting from human influence and assessing their risk to a variety of freshwater and marine organisms.
Learn more
The why: Austin Gray is on a quest to decode microplastics
Researcher measures microplastics' massive changes on the micro world
Researchers detect microplastics in exhaled air of bottlenose dolphins
About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Travis Williams, assistant director of marketing and communications for the Office of Research and Innovation, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
