article_snippet: polar bears are suffering potentially harmful changes to polar bears brains due to the accumulation of pollution in the Arctic, according to a new study.
article_snippet: Scientists have found that key processes in the brains of polar bears are being disrupted by man-made chemicals such as stain repellents and water-proofing treatments.
article_snippet: The researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark found that areas of polar bears' brains where levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were highest also had disrupted levels of enzyme activity.
article_snippet: However relatively high levels have recently been found in polar bear brains . '
article_snippet: Results from our study support the hypothesis that PFAS concentrations in polar bears from East Greenland have exceeded the threshold limits for neurochemical alterations. '
article_snippet: Given the importance of these systems in cognitive process and motor function, the present results indicate an urgent need for a better understanding of neurochemical effects of PFAS exposure to wildlife.'
article_snippet: The researchers, whose work is published in the journal Environmental Research, examined the brains of nine polar bears that had been killed by hunters in East Greenland.
article_snippet: the brains of nine polar bears that had been killed by hunters in East Greenland then measured the levels of PFASs in different regions of the brain and compared the brains of nine polar bears that had been killed by hunters in East Greenland to levels of enzyme activity there.
article_snippet: Researchers found pollutants were associated with lower levels of neurotransmitters in polar bear brain tissue .
article_snippet: lower levels of neurotransmitters in polar bear brain tissue were highest in the brain stem, which controls vital life functions, and the cerebellum, which is responsble for coordinating movement and balance.
article_snippet: key neurotransmitters in the bear's brains are known to be important for behaviour, learning and memory.
highlights_snippet: Researchers at University of Copenhagen studied polar bear brain tissue .
  