Your Brain Is Full of Plastic | MOONSHOTS

The speaker begins by highlighting the significant microplastic contamination issue, noting that humans have approximately five grams of plastic in their brains (equivalent to a credit card's worth), with 90% absorbed through the digestive system and some through skin contact. The main focus shifts to a breakthrough solution developed by a company that has engineered microorganisms capable of breaking down plastic at the molecular level. Initially, researchers discovered a single enzyme from a microbe that could degrade plastic, but further investigation revealed that the process actually involves multiple microbes working in concert. This discovery proved advantageous because it allowed scientists to better understand the various enzymes involved and to genetically edit individual microbes to produce different enzyme variants targeting specific types of plastics. Using directed evolution techniques and advanced editing tools, the company was able to enhance these microbes significantly, expanding both the range of plastics they can break down and dramatically increasing the rate at which they degrade plastic per surface area. The ultimate vision presented is the development of a supplement that people could take to break down microplastic bonds in their digestive system before the particles can be absorbed into the body.