Scientists all over the world have been trying to find new remedies for the growing plastic pollution crisis when suddenly they accidentally came up with a workable answer. Researchers studying a newly-discovered bacterium found that with a few tweaks, the bug can be turned into a mutant enzyme that starts eating plastic in a matter of days.
The surprise discovery was made when scientists began investigating the structure of a bacterium found in a waste dump in Japan. The bug produced an enzyme, which the team studied using the Diamond Light Source. At first, the enzyme looked similar to one evolved by many kinds of bacteria to break down cutin. But after some gentle manipulation, the team actually improved its ability to eat PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the type of plastic used in drinks bottles.
