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The world is facing a severe plastic pollution problem, with 22 million tonnes of plastic waste ending up in the environment every year. To tackle this issue, researchers are developing innovative solutions. Two startup companies, E.V.A. Biosystems and Rice University, have made significant breakthroughs. E.V.A. has created a “smart” plastic that can sense when it’s in the ocean and break down without creating microplastics. The company adds special bacteria to conventional plastic, which detects when it’s in aquatic environments and activates enzymes to break down the material. Rice University researchers, inspired by mussels’ adhesive properties, have developed a bioengineered microorganism with powerful cling capability that can help transform environmental cleanup. This innovation can also curb biofouling, a major challenge in industries such as shipping and medicine. These solutions have the potential to address the growing problem of plastic pollution worldwide. While more work is needed, these developments demonstrate the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.