Plastic degradation by insect hexamerins: Near-atomic resolution structures of the polyethylene-degrading proteins from the wax worm saliva.

Mercedes Spínola-Amilibia, Ramiro Illanes-Vicioso, Elena Ruiz-López, Pere Colomer-Vidal, Francisco Rodriguez-Ventura, Rosa Peces Pérez, Clemente F Arias, Tomas Torroba, Maria Solà, Ernesto Arias-Palomo, Federica Bertocchini

September 2023 Sci Adv

Synopsis of Social media discussions

In the discussions, phrases like 'we should use plastic-eating worms' and 'the structure was solved for the protein' reflect the enthusiasm and urgency surrounding the study. Many comments also highlight the 'structural discoveries' made using cryoelectron microscopy, indicating interest in the scientific methods employed, while the tone of amazement implies a recognition of the research's potential impact on plastic waste management.

A
Agreement
 Strong agreement

There is a strong consensus among the posts that highlight the significance of the publication, particularly criticizing the ongoing plastic waste issues.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

The discussions indicate high curiosity as many users are excited about the implications of using wax worms for plastic degradation.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

While several posts reflect a surface-level understanding, some delve deeper into the specifics of the research, such as the structural discoveries from the insect saliva.

I
Impact
 High level of impact

Users perceive this research as potentially transformative for environmental issues, suggesting that it could lead to practical solutions for plastic pollution.

Social Mentions

YouTube

1 Videos

Bluesky

2 Posts

Twitter

80 Posts

Blogs

2 Articles

News

6 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

1,019,300

Total Likes

27,147

Extended Reach

1,180,224

Social Features

91

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

  • Darwin De La Encina
    @Darwin_Encina (Twitter)


    view full post

    December 20, 2024

  • Avolink
    @avolink1 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/j4ei2HiArh
    view full post

    August 28, 2024

  • Darwin De La Encina
    @Darwin_Encina (Twitter)


    view full post

    August 26, 2024

  • 321Juan 123
    @321Juan123 (Twitter)


    view full post

    August 23, 2024

  • Francisco Enrique
    @fenrique4 (Twitter)


    view full post

    August 19, 2024

  • Óscar I
    @Sr_Omh (Twitter)

    https://t.co/bskMsTFDni Reciclar
    view full post

    August 19, 2024

    1

  • Vlarek
    @Vlarx (Twitter)

    RT @curiosamente: ¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    9

  • Interesante
    @einsteresante (Twitter)

    RT @curiosamente: ¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    9

  • Miguel Moreno (Taylor's version)
    @QueenSubject (Twitter)

    RT @curiosamente: ¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    9

  • CARONTE
    @AGUILAGOMEZZ (Twitter)

    RT @curiosamente: ¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    9

  • Javier Lacroix
    @javierlacroix (Twitter)

    RT @curiosamente: ¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    9

  • jorge león ln
    @JorgeLeonLeon (Twitter)

    RT @curiosamente: ¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    9

  • Jhuan Sin Tierra
    @Qromal (Twitter)

    RT @curiosamente: ¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    9

  • MACOATL
    @Checomal (Twitter)

    https://t.co/gK6ALAmjJI
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    4

  • CuriosaMente
    @curiosamente (Twitter)

    ¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?
    view full post

    August 18, 2024

    20

    9

  • JX Chen
    @Burly426 (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    April 8, 2024

    25

  • JX Chen
    @Burly426 (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    April 6, 2024

    25

  • Tomoya Imai
    @bikkeimai (Twitter)

    Polyethylene-degrading enzyme. The structure was solved for the protein directly isolated from the insect saliva. Wao. https://t.co/cZXZkv1GHm
    view full post

    February 27, 2024

    4

  • 圧到的に成長したぬーとりあはかぴばらと区別できないですわ（極悪令嬢・圧ヌ一ちゃん）
    @piyota0 (Twitter)

    RT @structure_bio36: Plastic degradation by insect hexamerins: Near-atomic resolution structures of the polyethylene-degrading proteins fro…
    view full post

    October 4, 2023

    2

  • 2438@ROM
    @t2438 (Twitter)

    RT @structure_bio36: Plastic degradation by insect hexamerins: Near-atomic resolution structures of the polyethylene-degrading proteins fro…
    view full post

    October 4, 2023

    2

  • Shota Suzuki
    @structure_bio36 (Twitter)

    Plastic degradation by insect hexamerins: Near-atomic resolution structures of the polyethylene-degrading proteins from the wax worm saliva | Science Advances https://t.co/6XIumn9zPF
    view full post

    October 4, 2023

    3

    2

  • Tornero Lab
    @TorneroLab (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 29, 2023

    25

  • Jérôme OLLIER
    @jeromeollier.bsky.social (Bluesky)

    https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi6813
    view full post

    September 27, 2023

  • Jérôme OLLIER
    @jeromeollier.bsky.social (Bluesky)

    Plastic degradation by insect hexamerins: Near-atomic resolution structures of the polyethylene-degrading proteins from the wax worm saliva - @ScienceMagazine Plastic waste management is a pressing ecological, social, and economic challenge. The saliva ...
    view full post

    September 27, 2023

    1

  • Jerome OLLIER https://jeromeollier.bsky.social/
    @JeromeOLLIER (Twitter)

    Plastic degradation by insect hexamerins: Near-atomic resolution structures of the polyethylene-degrading proteins from the wax worm saliva - @ScienceMagazine Plastic waste management is a pressing ecological, social, and economic challenge. The saliva https://t.co/cZYe8M0kYU
    view full post

    September 27, 2023

  • Philippe A. Robert
    @PRobertImmodels (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 24, 2023

    31

  • ioan ieremie
    @ioan_ieremie (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 24, 2023

    31

  • Sam Tipps
    @SamTipps (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    25

  • GAMA Miguel Angel
    @miangoar (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    25

  • Jan Soroczynski
    @Jan_Soro (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    31

  • adeliebiology
    @adeliebiology (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    31

  • Salman Ibne Eunus
    @ibne_eunus (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    31

  • Louis Robinson
    @LouisBRobinson (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    31

  • Bukenya Lukman
    @lukman_bukenya (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    31

  • Lucas Tafur
    @structureltp (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    25

  • Eva Smorodina
    @EvaSmorodina (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    31

  • Oscar Llorca
    @OscarLlorcaCNIO (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 23, 2023

    25

  • Dominika Borek
    @dmborek (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • atikah
    @Atikxh_ (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • yibuerbu
    @xybuyibuer (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Juvenal Yosa
    @El_Dryosa (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Jacob West-Roberts
    @Jwestrob (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • IGPXT
    @lNFORMATlCS (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • sri
    @srivsesh (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Kaveh N
    @kaveh_Nasr (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Eve Beavers
    @espacetimeCO (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Sara J. Weaver, Ph.D.
    @sarajweaver (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Ryoji Takahashi
    @ryoji_takahashi (Twitter)

    https://t.co/uZbbEasbMd
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

  • Diego Balboa
    @_DiegoBalboa_ (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Noelia Ferruz
    @ferruz_noelia (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Ulrich Eckhard Lab (IBMB-CSIC)
    @EckhardLab (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Álvaro López Codina
    @alc0700 (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    25

  • Michael Jendrusch
    @majendrusch (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • GLASS_PhD
    @joybeingfree99 (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Ankit Singla
    @In_AnkitSingla (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    25

  • Phillip Kyriakakis
    @breakliquid (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    25

  • Shiva Shankar S
    @BioShankar (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Ajitesh Shukla
    @ajitesh_shukla7 (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Dan Fulop
    @fulop_dan (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Paul Lourdu Xavier
    @PaulLXavier (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • MachineBiology
    @BiologyMachine (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Burçin Acar
    @neseruzgari (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • J. Fernando Bazan @jfernandobazan.bsky.social
    @jfernandobazan (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • casblaauw.bsky.social
    @casblaauw (Twitter)

    RT @KevinKaichuang: Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YH…
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    31

  • Kevin K. Yang 楊凱筌
    @KevinKaichuang (Twitter)

    Structures of hexamerins (!) from wax worm saliva (!!) that break down plastics (!!!). @EAriasPalomo https://t.co/YHd90YaX6a https://t.co/25Ni6Y4pcU
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    146

    31

  • Tim Blower
    @BlowerLab (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    25

  • Isabel Pardo
    @IsaParmen (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    25

  • Joost Snijder
    @joostsnijder (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    25

  • Kelvin Lau
    @klausenhauser (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    25

  • Pere Colomer-Vidal
    @colomervidal91 (Twitter)

    Check out our last publication in #ScienceAdvances about plastic degradation by insects
    view full post

    September 22, 2023

    6

  • David J. Castillo-Cornejo PhD.
    @davesnetvault (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Bou-Nader lab
    @CharlesBNader (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Brady Johnston
    @bradyajohnston (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Pablo Alcón
    @palconh (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Manuel Sánchez
    @ManoloSanchezA (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Eduardo Oliver
    @eduolpe (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • CIB Margarita Salas (CSIC)
    @CIB_CSIC (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Francisco J. Enguita
    @fenguita (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Marta
    @Marta_Sanz3 (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Rafael Giraldo
    @rafgir63 (Twitter)

    RT @EAriasPalomo: In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    25

  • Ernesto Arias-Palomo
    @EAriasPalomo (Twitter)

    full story @ScienceAdvances https://t.co/iHMN2Bm3ed
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    1

  • Ernesto Arias-Palomo
    @EAriasPalomo (Twitter)

    In our latest work we use #CryoEM to analyze polyethylene degrading proteins directly from native source
    view full post

    September 21, 2023

    109

    25

Abstract Synopsis

  • Researchers discovered that wax worm saliva can breakdown polyethylene, a common plastic, in just a few hours, offering a potential solution to plastic waste management.
  • Using cryoelectron microscopy, scientists identified four key proteins in the saliva, named Demetra, Cibeles, Ceres, and a new protein, Cora, responsible for this degradation process.
  • The study reveals that these proteins form distinct macromolecular complexes, which may influence their ability to oxidize and degrade plastics, prompting further investigation into their functions and possible biotechnological uses.