Superpowers

The lepidopteran Galleria mellonella worm species is able to quickly break down polyethylene through the use of its saliva.A CSIC research team found that wax worm saliva contains enzymes that can initiate polyethylene degradation in a short period of timeA CSIC research team has found that wax worm saliva degrades plastic. The discovery has numerous potential applications for treating or recycling plastic waste. The team first discovered that this worm species, the lepidopteran Galleria mellonella, can degrade plastic…

Walking is falling forward. Each step we take is an arrested plunge, a collapse averted, a disaster braked. In this way, to walk becomes an act of faith. We perform it daily: a two-beat miracle—an iambic teetering, a holding on and letting go. For the next seven years I will plummet across the world. — Paul Salopek, journalist When you walk somewhere, your entire being is present in the moment. As Salopek said, it is a two-beat miracle. Putting one foot in front of the other literally and figuratively tethers us to the…