AI Just Helped Build a Plastic-Eating Enzyme
Scientists used AI to design an enzyme that can break down PET plastic, the stuff in water bottles and packaging. The trick? AI nailed one reaction step easily, but getting it to handle all four was tough. Researchers stacked more AI models together, like a high-tech relay race, until they built an esterase that actually digests plastic bonds. This could be huge for tackling plastic waste.