00:04Plastic is a global problem, with microplastics having been found in every corner of the planet and even inside human
00:10tissue.
00:11However, there's one tiny creature that may help, as native African mealworm larvae have been found to be capable of
00:17eating and breaking down polystyrene.
00:19Polystyrene is more often called Styrofoam, and it's made from plastic and used for all kinds of consumer and industrial
00:25packaging.
00:26It is difficult to recycle as the methods of doing so are both expensive and create other pollutants.
00:31Which is why researchers have been on the lookout for other better ways, and these guys might just be the
00:36key.
00:36Scientists have discovered that the larvae of the Kenyan lesser mealworm can both chew through and their gut bacteria can
00:42process Styrofoam.
00:43Researchers found that when a polystyrene diet was supplemented with a nutrient-dense brand side dish, the insect larvae could
00:49survive and were also efficient at breaking down the packaging material.
00:52In addition, the researchers also looked at the insects' guts, finding a veritable cornucopia of bacteria, all known to be
00:59able to digest complex materials, including ones that are synthetic.
01:07We'll see you next time!
01:09See you next time!
