Today’s Solutions: April 03, 2025

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.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Friendships across income lines boost social mobility, study shows

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A new study has found that friendships bridging economic divides can meaningfully improve social mobility—and even boost future ...

Read More

New cat color unlocked: ’salty liquorice’ sheds light on feline genetics

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a surprising turn for feline genetics, scientists have officially identified a new cat coat color that defies ...

Read More

3 myths about self-help and personal growth we should all stop believing

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When you hear the term "self-help," you may envision a stack of books with catchy, motivational titles. However, ...

Read More

Do you have a toxic friend? A therapist’s advice on how to set boundaries 

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Friendships can be a source of joy and comfort, but unfortunately, even the most intimate connections can become toxic. ...

Read More