Nanoparticles in sun creams can stress brain cells: tiny grains send cells into potentially dangerous overdrive

Study conducted by researchers in the US Environmental Protection Agency's research laboratories in North Carolina exposure of mice cells called microglia, which protect neurons in the brain from harm to nanoparticles of titanium oxide, provoke these cells to manufacture chemicals that are protective in the short term but potentially damaging when released in the prolonged manner seen in the experiments. As many sunscreens and other creams use titania nanoparticles, findings are seen by many experts as adding to a growing body of evidence that the safety of nanoparticles should not be taken for granted.