Editha

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

Scientists have discovered that the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis, isolated from a landfill in Islamabad, Pakistan, can rapidly break down polyurethane, one of the world’s most durable plastics. This material is widely used in insulation, furniture, footwear, coatings, and synthetic leather, and it typically persists in the environment for hundreds of years.

In laboratory tests, the fungus colonizes the surface of polyurethane films, secreting enzymes that disrupt its chemical bonds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed clear signs of degradation, including cracks, pits, and surface erosion. Within just two months in liquid culture, the plastic films were broken down into smaller fragments, with near-complete degradation observed.

This represents the first reported case of A. tubingensis degrading polyurethane. The process is an example of mycoremediation, the use of fungi to clean up environmental pollutants. Other fungi have also shown the ability to use plastics as a primary food source, even in low-oxygen landfill conditions.

Researchers are now exploring the potential of fungal enzymes for large-scale applications, such as bioreactors, to help address the global plastic waste crisis. If scaled effectively, these biological approaches could offer a practical, low-cost method to reduce the billions of tons of persistent plastic accumulating worldwide.

[Khan, S., et al. (2017). Biodegradation of polyester polyurethane by Aspergillus tubingensis. Environmental Pollution, 225, 469–480. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.03.012]

[Editha @edithasays]

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[Editha @edithasays]

@chrissyteigen Notice that he doesn’t actually answer the question.

[Editha @edithasays]

@clofing10 @thestrivetofit My deepest condolences! I’ve enjoyed watching Candy grew with you as well as all of us through your vlogs.

[Jessica K. Willett, MD @jkwillettmd]

Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed it to be. Don't think you've lost time. There is no short-cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the NOW...and now is right on time.

[Oliver Darcy @oliverdarcy]

You've probably read a lot about John McCain. You probably think you know the story about what happened to him when he was captured as a POW. But I urge you to read this by David Foster Wallace. Just read it. https://t.co/gINsATvw2E

[Clint Smith @ClintSmithIII]

If you read one thing today, it should be this 2016 David Remnick profile of Aretha Franklin. It's phenomenal.

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[Stanford Children's @StanfordChild]

A chance encounter at Packard Children's has led to a heart-warming reunion. Brandon, our pediatric resident, was born 28 years ago in our NICU where Vilma was his nurse. Fast forward nearly 30 years, and Vilma recognized Brandon’s name while he was rounding at our hospital.

[Editha @edithasays]

@chrissyteigen *which

[Editha @edithasays]

I love Glow Recipe! https://t.co/RWqu7NPgr0

[Editha @edithasays]

@FLOTUS happy birthday!! Your shirt is so pretty!! Where can we get it?

[Editha @edithasays]

https://t.co/D1rVdLxMAO