By: Dr. Andy Holt

Dr. Andy Holt — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:39:20 +0000

Scientists are indeed aware that plastics cause problems in some experiments. However, problems are “avoided” by trying not to use plastics (not always possible) or by ignoring what are often relatively minor effects. To say that “it’s a rare problem to be sure” is actually very wrong. We have shown effects on several enzymes and receptor systems, and I have received many e-mails from other scientists over the past week with similar stories of effects on other functional proteins – ion channels seem to be particularly susceptible to the effects of many plastic leachates. Some of the horror stories I have heard are quite astounding, and the detective work done to confirm plastics as the source of the problems typically took months. In our Pharmacology Department (fewer than 20 active research groups), two groups have confirmed plastic-related problems and two further groups are investigating what they believe to be plastic-related problems. Four research groups from fewer than twenty! This is an issue affecting, most likely, a minority of experiments, but a small percentage of a huge number of experiments is still a very large number! Rather than stick their heads in the sand, scientists should look carefully at whether their own experiments may be susceptible. These are potent effects, and in some cases, they are predictable effects – one of the compounds we identified (oleamide) is probably the most potent reversible inhibitor of human monoamine oxidase-B identified to date!

By: gillt

gillt — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:17:34 +0000

I think most molecular biologists are aware of the possibility for plastic contamination when using DMSO, especially during certain pcr reactions. When there are unexpected results, troubleshoot. It’s a rare problem to be sure, and seems a bit over-hyped.

Comments on: Plastic Lab Equipment May Be Distorting Research Results

By: Dr. Andy Holt

By: gillt