Plastic pollution is a big problem. The good news is that a research team has finally found a microbe that eats plastic. Unlike natural polymers (such as cellulose in plants) plastics aren’t biodegradable. Bacteria and fungi co-evolved with natural materials, coming up with new biochemical methods to harness the resources from dead matter. But plastics have only been around for about 70 years. So micro-organisms simply haven’t had much time to evolve the necessary biochemical tool kit to break it down and turn it into chemicals they need to grow. But after testing 250 samples for 5 years, researchers have now found a culture that dissolves plastic.
Recycling 2.0: Scientists discover a plastic-eating bacteria
More of Today's Solutions
Understanding The Neurodivergent Perspective
What’s it like to live in a body and brain that functions differently than the majority of your peers? We are not talking about ...
Read MoreGiant tortoise believed extinct for 100 years is actually alive
We previously shared a story about a family finding their pet tortoise alive and well in their attic after it had been missing for ...
Read MoreAI could identify chickens in distress and improve conditions
We’ve already written before about AI’s potential to improve pigs’ lives by listening to them. Now, scientists have found they can use AI on ...
Read MoreThe future of healing: 3D printing skin directly onto open wounds
Pennsylvania State University researchers achieved a major medical science breakthrough by being the first team ever to 3D print real human skin tissue directly ...
Read More
