00:00Plastic is a global problem, with microplastics having been found in every corner of the planet
00:09and even inside human tissue.
00:11However, there's one tiny creature that may help, as native African mealworm larvae have
00:15been found to be capable of eating and breaking down polystyrene.
00:20Polystyrene is more often called styrofoam, and it's made from plastic and used for all
00:23kinds of consumer and industrial packaging.
00:26It is difficult to recycle, as the methods of doing so are both expensive and create
00:30other pollutants, which is why researchers have been on the lookout for other better
00:34ways, and these guys might just be the key.
00:37Scientists have discovered that the larvae of the Kenyan lesser mealworm can both chew
00:40through and their gut bacteria can process styrofoam.
00:44Researchers found that when a polystyrene diet was supplemented with a nutrient-dense
00:47brand side dish, the insect larvae could survive and were also efficient at breaking down the
00:51packaging material.
00:53In addition, the researchers also looked at the insect's guts, finding a veritable cornucopia
00:57of bacteria, all known to be able to digest complex materials, including ones that are
01:03synthetic.
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