Turns out that wax moth larvae salvia can “dissolve” plastic. Any beekeeper who has a polyhive could have told the scientists that!
Here is an extract from a BBC article:
One of the worst forms of plastic pollution may have met its match in the saliva of a humble worm.
Spanish researchers say they’ve discovered chemicals in the wax worm’s drool that break down polyethylene, a tough and durable material.
The researchers say that one hour’s exposure to the saliva degrades the plastic as much as years of weathering.
They hope the breakthrough will lead to new natural approaches to deal with plastic pollution…..read the full article.
