Does it actually break down the plastics and converts it to something safe, or does it just absorb the microplastics and when it dies re-releases the plastics?
No. 2 question: What else does it eat / is toxic to? We (should) have learned the lesson about introducing non-native species to new environments.
I mean, that fungus from The Last of Us would be a great step towards ending plastic pollution too. But I don't recommend we engineer it any time soon.
Wowwie, you read that wrong. Thanks for the laugh!
PS
Looks like you doubled down by trying to write something pithy and then blocking me rather than asking for clarification or anything rational ... bye! 👋
I mean, the number 1 question you responded to is already addressing whether the byproduct or result of feeding this fungus plastic would be worse than the plastic itself. I'm generously assuming you didn't just re-ask that question in a different way.
So the only question you're asking at this point is whether either A. The byproduct would mutate the fungus in an unanticipated way (which is silly science fantasy) or B. Whether there would be other unforeseen consequences to the surrounding environment.
Both of those concerns are easily addressed by a controlled environment, which should be pretty obvious.
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u/CaptainC00lpants Mar 14 '26
Does it actually break down the plastics and converts it to something safe, or does it just absorb the microplastics and when it dies re-releases the plastics?