Researchers found the polymer-munching microbes in the rumen, one of four compartments comprising the bovine stomach.
The bacteria, described Friday in the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, could be used to reduce plastic litter in landfills and polluted ecosystems.
The discovery wasn't entirely unexpected, as the diet of cows and other ruminants features a significant amount of natural plant polyesters.
Scientists figured the bacteria could probably break down synthetic plastics, too, which are similar in their construction and chemical composition.
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