Scientists discover a plastic-eating “Pac-Man” enzyme with a surprising secret
Scientists have discovered a remarkable “Pac-Man enzyme” that helps bacteria devour certain types of plastic and may offer new hope in the fight against plastic pollution. Researchers found that several biodegradable plastics completely broke down in soil within about a year, while conventional plastic remained largely unchanged.
Yet plastic waste is not completely beyond the reach of nature. Bacteria and other microorganisms can colonize its surfaces, forming communities known as biofilms. These communities create a distinctive microbial ecosystem that scientists call the "p... [12300 chars]
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- Friday, 16 October 2026, 4:03 pm IST
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