A lot of times, super good articles on health come up but we’re too busy to read it in its entirety. The one written by Sayer Ji on B. Subtilis, a gut bacteria we may have, is very extensive and quite overwhelming for those who may not be used to reading. To help more people see its importance, here’s a summarized version. But if you do want to read it for yourself, here’s Sayer’s Ji’s full article.

Summary:

Scientists discovered soil bacteria (B. subtilis strain MZA-75) that break down polyester polyurethane plastics. Even more impressive, another strain (AP-04), can destroy over 36% of thin plastic film in just two months. It breaks the plastic apart at a molecular level.

Other things it can do:

• break down pyrethroids—a common class of pesticides sprayed on most conventionally grown crops worldwide.

• destroy other harmful chemicals like pendimethalin (a weed killer) and penthiopyrad (a fungicide). One enzyme from this bacterium destroys multiple types of dangerous herbicides while also helping plants grow stronger.

• when working with other certain bacteria, it can break down phenol—one of the most fundamental toxic industrial chemicals.

• an enzyme extracted from it can destroy multiple dangerous mold toxins (mycotoxins)—hidden contaminants in grains and animal feed responsible for widespread but poorly understood health problems in both farm animals and humans.

• a specific strain (Bs-15) can consume glyphosate, an herbicide that can affect your kidney and liver.