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
Nations agree to fund nature in a breakthrough for biodiversity
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a rare display of unity amid global tensions, nations reached a landmark agreement to fund nature conservation. ...
Read MoreThriving in uncertainty: science-backed ways to build resilience
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world increasingly defined by unpredictability, many of us would rather accept a negative outcome than face ...
Read MoreHow to have a conversation with someone you disagree with
Recent events in the United States underscore a deep trend towards polarization that is spreading throughout the country. As current events bring up strong ...
Read MoreYour future rooftop could be made out of easy-to-install solar shingles
The roofs of the future may be made entirely out of solar panels. At least that’s the goal of GAF Energy, which has recently ...
Read More
