Curiosity Weekly Re-release: Silk-Making Bacteria, Deep Coral, CRISPR Agriculture
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Dec 25, 2024 Discover how researchers engineered bacteria to transform plastic waste into spider silk, offering a unique solution to pollution. Dive into the depths of the ocean with the discovery of a massive coral reef, revealing hidden ecosystems right off the U.S. coast. Explore the promise of CRISPR technology in tackling invasive witchweed in Africa, which threatens staple crops. Learn how gene-edited crops could enhance food security and boost local economies, revolutionizing agriculture across the continent.
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Plastic Pollution Crisis
- The world's oceans are accumulating over 30 billion tons of plastic waste annually.
- Current recycling efforts are insufficient, with less than half of the produced plastic being recycled.
Upcycling Plastic into Spider Silk
- Upcycling offers a potential solution to the plastic problem, transforming plastic into useful materials.
- Researchers have found a way to turn plastic garbage into biodegradable spider silk using bacteria.
Bacteria-produced Spider Silk
- This artificial spider silk mimics the properties of natural spider silk, offering strength and biodegradability.
- The bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, consumes polyethylene after it's pre-digested into a waxy goo.