5 ms·
"bacteria haven't evolved the correct enzymes" Yet. The results might not be that great for humanity either. Especially if the bacteria get, shall we say, over
by nkssy 5y ago
"bacteria haven't evolved the correct enzymes"
Yet. The results might not be that great for humanity either. Especially if the bacteria get, shall we say, overly eager and efficient?... and plentiful.
That said, there's plenty of obscure bacteria having a decent stab at the problem and having a good time. Humans are helping them along as well.
Like all decently powerful tools there's a possibility for harm and hope.
- Dyac 5y agoThis is a fiction book about the aftermath of an oil spill, developing enzymes to digest the hydrocarbons and how it all then gets a bit out of control.. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86452.Ill_Wind https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86452.Ill_Wind
- kwhitefoot 5y agoReminds me of Doomwatch:The Plastic Eaters, from 1970. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomwatch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomwatch
- AtlasBarfed 5y agoOR more dramatically, good ole ICE-9 from Cat's Cradle
- AlchemistCamp 5y agoSounds like on of Neal Stephenson's books: https://www.nealstephenson.com/zodiac.html https://www.nealstephenson.com/zodiac.html
- heurisko 5y agoI am inclined to prefer the scenario where plastic is more readily decomposed, rather the situation where we are in now, where plastic is entering the food chain and organisms, including ourselves. Other than climate change, I think plastic pollution is the issue of our time.