Superworms, a species of worms that can be at least five times the size of mealworms and wax worms, can digest Styrofoam.
The time it takes for plastic to biodegrade could be cut in half with the help of these worms.
The worms had guts of steel after being fed nothing but polystyrene.
The study states that superworms were able to complete their life cycle to pupae and imago. Superworms reared on polystyrene had minimal weight gains which resulted in lower pupation rates.
Vice points out that they might be able to help tackle the plastic pollution crisis. The worms might be able to eat plastic if they can survive.
It isn't a miracle cure. Polystyrene-eating worms were negatively impacting their health due to the presence of pathogenicbacteria on the plastic.
Researchers are optimistic. Chris Rinke, a senior lecturer at the University ofQueensland and the senior author of the study, told Vice that they have a catalogue of all thebacteria that are found in the superworm gut.
Rinke wants to take the superworms out of the equation for a new method of recycling plastic.
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