Environment

Plastic Eaters

A group of plastic-consuming bacteria and fungi have been discovered living along China’s Yellow Sea coast, raising the possibility that the massive amount of global plastic pollution may be managed. “A total of 184 fungal and 55 bacterial strains capable of breaking down various plastics were found,” the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew said in a statement.

This could lead to the development of efficient enzymes that are able to degrade plastic waste. The new discoveries were found in a “terrestrial plastisphere,” which the scientists describe as an ecosystem that has evolved to thrive in the presence of

Pollen Control

Japan announced plans to reduce the amount of pollen released by the country’s cedar and cypress trees by half over the next 30 years in an effort to ease the misery of hay fever suffered by about 40% of the population. More than 90% of existing cedar trees will be felled and replaced with species that release less pollen.

A large number of cedars were planted for reforestation in the aftermath of World War II as the country’s economy recovered. The government in Tokyo says it will encourage homebuilders to use more timber from domestic cedar trees and will ask companies to let employees work remotely to reduce pollen exposure, especially during spring.