Microplastic pollution is an escalating environmental and public health issue. Defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, microplastics have been found in oceans, rivers, food, drinking water, air, and even human tissues. While scientific research on microplastics has expanded significantly, public understanding and behavioral change remain limited. This literature scan synthesizes global findings on public awareness, perceptions, and responses to microplastics, drawing from surveys, focus groups, and online behavioral data collected by existing studies. It explores the following: (1) general knowledge and perceived environmental and health risks; (2) trust in scientific and governmental sources; (3) willingness to adopt behavioral changes; (4) attitudes toward policy and corporate responsibility. Public concern is high, especially regarding marine life and food safety, but varies across populations based on education, socioeconomic status, and media exposure. Despite growing concern, psychological distance and persistent knowledge gaps hinder meaningful action. Communication strategies such as school programs, media campaigns, and eco-labels show mixed success, while regulatory interventions like plastic bags or microbead bans are more effective when supported by clear public messaging. This literature scan highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to close the knowledge–behavior–policy gap and strengthen public engagement, particularly in urban settings where consumption and waste generation are concentrated.

The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy has posed challenges in managing infectious diseases like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While science teachers have the potential to promote health literacy and influence community attitudes, there is a paucity of research on their vaccination behaviors and perceptions related to COVID-19. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination, and vaccination statuses among pre-service science teachers in South Africa. Final-year Bachelor of Education pre-service life sciences teachers (n = 182) in South Africa were surveyed using a previously validated closed-ended questionnaire. Regression analyses were employed to discern influential factors on vaccination behavior. Most participants demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19’s nature and symptoms, along with the efficacy and safety of vaccines. Nevertheless, prominent misconceptions emerged, such as the misbelief that the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not cause COVID-19 and that vaccines can modify human deoxyribonucleic acid. Regression analyses found a notable correlation between the attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines and actual vaccination status. This study emphasizes the pressing need to rectify prevailing health-related misconceptions and attitudes in teacher education programs to enhance teachers’ role in influencing students’ health behaviors and beliefs.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) of the prostate is a rare, aggressive malignancy that presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We present a unique case of PSCC arising from squamous metaplasia coexisting with a separate adenocarcinoma, forming a collision tumor. Dual-tracer imaging demonstrated distinct FDG and PSMA-avid metastases, reflecting independent biology. This case represents, to our knowledge, the first report of a true prostatic collision tumor with independent PSCC and adenocarcinoma, expanding the spectrum of prostate cancer variants.