The Magic Plastic Eating Mushroom
Photo: Pestalotiopsis microspora Sourse: NYPG
Could it be? Is it true? What could this mean for the future?
So, apparently there is this fungus, a.k.a mushroom, growing in the Amazonian rain forest that has a very interesting ability. Pestalotiopsis microspora was discovered by Scott Strobel, a biochemistry professor from Yale, and his students when on their annual rainforest adventure. This fungus seems to be able to prosper on a diet entirely of, get this, polyurethane.
Thats right guys, plastic. This stuff can even breakdown polyurethane in anaerobic conditions, such as.....wait for it...... the depths of a landfill. Now think about that for a second. Mind-blown yet?