New research shows the gut of the Zophobas morio beetle larvae contains enzymes capable of breaking down the plastic, which is difficult to recycle Beetle larvae that can shred and eat polystyrene may ...

Polystyrene is perhaps the most notorious of all the polymers that together we call “plastics.” They are used in packing peanuts and styrofoam containers, in bottles and disposal cutlery and jewel ...

The common Zophobas morio ‘superworm,’ seen here chowing down on some delicious polystyrene (The University of Queensland) (CN) — What if the key to solving one of our thorniest environmental dilemmas ...

‘Superworms’ acting as mini plastic recycling plants could pave the way for a process scale-up to life-size recycling plants. About 400 million tons of plastic waste is produced each year, globally.

Enzymes produced by gut bacteria in larvae of the beetle Zophobas morio can digest polystyrene. The enzymes could be adapted to degrade plastic in recycling plants. A previous study had found that ...

Washington (AFP) – Packing material, disposable cutlery, CD cases: Polystyrene is among the most common forms of plastic, but recycling it isn't easy and the vast majority ends up in landfills or ...

Scientists assessed changes in the gut microbiome of superworms (Zophobas morio) in a new study. The University of Queensland Researchers in Australia have identified enzymes in the gut of certain ...

Scientists have discovered a virus that caused a nationwide die-off of superworms, a common food for birds, reptiles, other pets and, more and more so, even for humans as an alternative protein source ...

Scientists at Australia's University of Queensland have now discovered Zophobas morio darkling beetles -- whose larvae are known as 'superworms' -- are eager to dine on stryofoam, and their gut ...

Larvae of the Zophobas morio darkling beetles are eager to dine on Styrofoam. (Envato Elements Photo) Packing material, disposable cutlery, CD cases: Polystyrene is among the most common forms of ...