Published 2 years ago

Scientists Identify ‘Superworm’ Capable of Eating Plastic

Summary by Ground News

Superworm is a common name for the larval stages of the darkling beetle (Zophobas morio) Scientists in Australia have discovered that superworms can live and even grow on a diet of only polystyrene, also known colloquially as Styrofoam. The researchers described their finding as a first step in discovering natural enzymes that could be used to recycle this type of plastic.

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BBC News

Plastic-munching superworms offer hope for recycling

The key to transforming recycling could lie in the gut of so-called superworms, researchers say.

2 years ago·United Kingdom

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The Guardian

Foaming at the mouth: the superworms making a meal of polystyrene waste

New research shows the gut of the Zophobas morio beetle larvae contains enzymes capable of breaking down the plastic, which is difficult to recycle

2 years ago·London, United Kingdom

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Sydney Morning Herald

The ‘superworms’ that might save us from plastic pollution

Scientists have discovered “superworms” can eat plastic, but the worms themselves are not the thing the scientists find the most interesting.

2 years ago·Sydney, Australia

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The Washington Post

This Styrofoam-eating ‘superworm’ could help solve the garbage crisis

As the garbage crisis escalates, scientists across the world are trying to find bacteria and bugs that consume trash. A Styrofoam-eating worm is the latest.

2 years ago

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ABC Australia

It's a 'horrible plastic' — and these 'superworms' can grow from eating it

Beetle larvae that can break down polystyrene could yield enzymes useful in recycling plastics, researchers say — but others are not convinced.

2 years ago·Australia

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CBS News

super worm recycling eat plastic australia scientists bacteria gut

Watch "super worm recycling eat plastic australia scientists bacteria gut", a video on CBSNews.com. View more videos and watch CBS News, a live news stream featuring original CBS News reporting.

2 years ago

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