Fungi discovered in the Amazon by a Yale University student group, appears to have an appetite for polyurethane (aka common plastic). As you know, plastic can last for a long time, which is a problem. Enter Pestalotiopsis microspora (not pictured), the first fungi that can survive on a diet of polyurethane alone in an oxygen-free environment. This last distinction is important, as it is close to the condition at the bottom of a landfill.
The students, part of Yale’s annual Rainforest Expedition and Laboratory with molecular biochemistry professor Scott Strobel, were in the jungles of Ecuador searching for plants. They’ve since
isolated the enzymes that allow the organism to degrade plastic as its food source, and published their findings.
How long before we’re feeding our garbage to fungi?
Image: Adam Hickmott / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I like food too much.
both sound like there is a huge potential to help correct huge environmental issues
For sure. Looking forward to hearing more about it.