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Antidepressant wastewater disrupts fish brain proteins at low levels

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 11:56 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found wastewater antidepressants disrupt fish brain proteins.
The Environmental Science & Technology paper reported river drug levels matched laboratory concentrations that impair fish.
Fish serotonin transporters shut down at up to ten-fold lower concentrations than human equivalents.
Professor Shinichi Miyagawa warned the results indicate aquatic-wildlife risk, noting one-in-six Americans regularly use antidepressants.

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Story summary

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found wastewater antidepressants disrupt fish brain proteins.
The Environmental Science & Technology paper reported river drug levels matched laboratory concentrations that impair fish.
Fish serotonin transporters shut down at up to ten-fold lower concentrations than human equivalents.
Professor Shinichi Miyagawa warned the results indicate aquatic-wildlife risk, noting one-in-six Americans regularly use antidepressants.