Bacteria Breakthrough: A New Hope for Plastic Pollution

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking discovery of a plastic-eating bacterium that could revolutionize waste management. We also celebrate Robert Langer's recognition as a nanoscience pioneer and discuss his contributions to drug delivery systems. Additionally, we uncover new findings about the asteroid impacts that contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs and examine the science behind the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.

Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/10/03/plastic-eating-bacteria-pollution-solution/
https://thehoya.com/science/robert-langer-nanoscience-pioneer-honored-at-carnegie-science-event/
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/03/asteroid-that-eradicated-dinosaurs-not-a-one-off-say-scientists
https://www.13abc.com/2024/10/03/science-behind-helenes-historic-flooding-western-north-carolina/

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:41) Plastic-eating bacteria could combat pollution problems, scientists hope
(00:03:00) Robert Langer, Nanoscience Pioneer, Honored at Carnegie Science Event
(00:06:03) Asteroid that eradicated dinosaurs not a one-off, say scientists
(00:09:08) The science behind Helene's historic flooding in western North Carolina