BPA-induced reproduction

BPA, a chemical commonly used in plastic bottles, DVDs, hockey helmets and cans of food causes fish to change their reproductive behavior and mate outside their species, according to a study published on July 10 in Evolutionary Applications.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota, USA, studied the effects of exposure to the chemical bisphenol-A, or BPA, on two local fish species, one native and one recently introduced. After 15 days of exposure, researchers observed that both male and female fish exposed to BPA were more likely to approach and interact with fish from the other species, compared to unexposed fish. BPA, it seems, blurs the species boundaries. BPA has previously been linked to serious health problems,  such as breast cancer, obesity and early onset of puberty.