Aussie Scientists Develop Super Flies to Tackle Waste
Highlights
- Genetically modified black soldier flies can eat more organic waste.
- These flies produce products like biofuels, lubricants, and animal feed.
- This approach reduces methane emissions from landfills.
- It turns waste into useful resources, supporting a circular economy.
- There is potential to use these flies to clean up contaminated waste.
A team of researchers at Australia's Macquarie University is working on genetically modifying black soldier flies to supercharge their waste-eating abilities. They say that these flies can fight against the global waste crisis.
At the university, scientists are modifying flies' DNA to create larvae that can eat various types of organic waste, from food scraps to tougher materials. This could help cut down landfill waste, which produces harmful methane gas.
Black soldier flies not only eat waste but also create useful substances like fatty acids and enzymes. These can be turned into biofuels, lubricants, and animal feed.
To take advantage of this breakthrough, the research team has started a company called EntoZyme. They aim to have genetically engineered flies operating in waste facilities by the end of the year.
It might sound like science fiction, but scientists have also thought about potential risks. They plan to include genetic traits that prevent the flies from surviving outside controlled environments, ensuring they do not escape and cause issues.
This new method of waste management is a promising step toward a more sustainable future. By using natural processes, we can address one of our biggest environmental challenges.
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Source: The Guardian
