On Dec. 4, 2024 a study led by researchers from TGen and Arizona State University showed that pre-clinical models exposed to the herbicide glyphosate develop brain pathologies associated with neurodegenerative disease. The findings suggested the brain may be much more susceptible to the damaging effects of the herbicide than previously thought. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is one of the most pervasive herbicides used in the U.S. and worldwide.

The research identified an association between glyphosate exposure and symptoms of neuroinflammation, as well as accelerated Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology. This study tracked both the presence and impact of glyphosate’s byproducts in the brain long after exposure ends, showing an array of persistent, damaging effects on brain health.

The glyphosate exposure also resulted in premature death and anxiety-like behaviors. The scientists discovered that these symptoms persisted even after they discontinued exposure for a 6-month recovery period. The study also revealed an accumulation of aminomethylphosphonic acid —a byproduct of glyphosate — in brain tissue, raising serious concerns about the chemical’s safety for human populations. The research was published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation.