Sci Adv September 2023 PMID 37729416

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

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Mentions

91
Peak: 61 in Sep 2023
across 5 sources since Sep 2023

Extended reach

1,180,224
potential audience

Total likes

27,147

Video views

1,019,300

Mentions per month

Sep 2023 – Dec 2024

Where it's discussed

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  • Bluesky2 posts
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  • YouTube1 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

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.

AgreementStrong agreement

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

InterestHigh interest

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

EngagementModerate 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.

ImpactHigh impact

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

Abstract in brief

  • 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.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Kevin K. Yang 楊凱筌
@KevinKaichuang · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 146 likes · 31 shares · 20,670 followers View post →
Ernesto Arias-Palomo
@EAriasPalomo · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 109 likes · 25 shares · 459 followers View post →
CuriosaMente
@curiosamente · X

¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?

Aug 18, 2024 · 20 likes · 9 shares · 40,009 followers View post →
Pere Colomer-Vidal
@colomervidal91 · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 6 likes · 242 followers View post →
MACOATL
@Checomal · X

https://t.co/gK6ALAmjJI

Aug 18, 2024 · 4 likes · 2,280 followers View post →
Tomoya Imai
@bikkeimai · X

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

Feb 27, 2024 · 4 likes · 189 followers View post →

All mentions

Darwin De La Encina
@Darwin_Encina · X

Dec 20, 2024 · 1,115 followers View post →
Avolink
@avolink1 · X

https://t.co/j4ei2HiArh

Aug 28, 2024 · 182 followers View post →
Darwin De La Encina
@Darwin_Encina · X

Aug 26, 2024 · 1,115 followers View post →
321Juan 123
@321Juan123 · X

Aug 23, 2024 · 1 followers View post →
Francisco Enrique
@fenrique4 · X

Aug 19, 2024 · 1,092 followers View post →
Óscar I
@Sr_Omh · X

https://t.co/bskMsTFDni Reciclar

Aug 19, 2024 · 1 like · 65 followers View post →
Vlarek
@Vlarx · X

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

Aug 18, 2024 · 9 shares · 486 followers View post →
Interesante
@einsteresante · X

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

Aug 18, 2024 · 9 shares · 422 followers View post →
Miguel Moreno (Taylor's version)
@QueenSubject · X

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

Aug 18, 2024 · 9 shares · 534 followers View post →
CARONTE
@AGUILAGOMEZZ · X

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

Aug 18, 2024 · 9 shares · 380 followers View post →
Javier Lacroix
@javierlacroix · X

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

Aug 18, 2024 · 9 shares · 734 followers View post →
jorge león ln
@JorgeLeonLeon · X

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

Aug 18, 2024 · 9 shares · 1,214 followers View post →
Jhuan Sin Tierra
@Qromal · X

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

Aug 18, 2024 · 9 shares · 1,051 followers View post →
MACOATL
@Checomal · X

https://t.co/gK6ALAmjJI

Aug 18, 2024 · 4 likes · 2,280 followers View post →
CuriosaMente
@curiosamente · X

¿POR QUÉ NO USAMOS GUSANOS COME PLÁSTICOS?

Aug 18, 2024 · 20 likes · 9 shares · 40,009 followers View post →
JX Chen
@Burly426 · X

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

Apr 8, 2024 · 25 shares · 87 followers View post →
JX Chen
@Burly426 · X

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

Apr 6, 2024 · 25 shares · 87 followers View post →
Tomoya Imai
@bikkeimai · X

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

Feb 27, 2024 · 4 likes · 189 followers View post →
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 · X

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

Oct 4, 2023 · 2 shares · 2,759 followers View post →
2438@ROM
@t2438 · X

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

Oct 4, 2023 · 2 shares · 817 followers View post →
Shota Suzuki
@structure_bio36 · X

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

Oct 4, 2023 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 798 followers View post →
Tornero Lab
@TorneroLab · X

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

Sep 29, 2023 · 25 shares · 79 followers View post →
Jérôme OLLIER
@jeromeollier.bsky.social · Bluesky

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi6813

Sep 27, 2023 View post →
Jerome OLLIER https://jeromeollier.bsky.social/
@JeromeOLLIER · X

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

Sep 27, 2023 · 948 followers View post →
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 ...

Sep 27, 2023 · 1 share View post →
Philippe A. Robert
@PRobertImmodels · X

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

Sep 24, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,078 followers View post →
ioan ieremie
@ioan_ieremie · X

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

Sep 24, 2023 · 31 shares · 10 followers View post →
Sam Tipps
@SamTipps · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 25 shares · 674 followers View post →
GAMA Miguel Angel
@miangoar · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 25 shares · 1,506 followers View post →
Jan Soroczynski
@Jan_Soro · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,313 followers View post →
adeliebiology
@adeliebiology · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 31 shares · 62 followers View post →
Salman Ibne Eunus
@ibne_eunus · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 31 shares · 934 followers View post →
Louis Robinson
@LouisBRobinson · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 31 shares · 145 followers View post →
Bukenya Lukman
@lukman_bukenya · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,029 followers View post →
Lucas Tafur
@structureltp · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 25 shares · 285 followers View post →
Eva Smorodina
@EvaSmorodina · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,167 followers View post →
Oscar Llorca
@OscarLlorcaCNIO · X

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

Sep 23, 2023 · 25 shares · 209 followers View post →
Dominika Borek
@dmborek · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 650 followers View post →
atikah
@Atikxh_ · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 38 followers View post →
yibuerbu
@xybuyibuer · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 244 followers View post →
Juvenal Yosa
@El_Dryosa · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 610 followers View post →
Jacob West-Roberts
@Jwestrob · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 687 followers View post →
IGPXT
@lNFORMATlCS · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 377 followers View post →
sri
@srivsesh · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 406 followers View post →
Kaveh N
@kaveh_Nasr · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 207 followers View post →
Eve Beavers
@espacetimeCO · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 899 followers View post →
Sara J. Weaver, Ph.D.
@sarajweaver · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,010 followers View post →
Ryoji Takahashi
@ryoji_takahashi · X

https://t.co/uZbbEasbMd

Sep 22, 2023 · 34 followers View post →
Diego Balboa
@_DiegoBalboa_ · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,228 followers View post →
Noelia Ferruz
@ferruz_noelia · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 5,336 followers View post →
Ulrich Eckhard Lab (IBMB-CSIC)
@EckhardLab · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 264 followers View post →
Álvaro López Codina
@alc0700 · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 25 shares · 139 followers View post →
Michael Jendrusch
@majendrusch · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 173 followers View post →
GLASS_PhD
@joybeingfree99 · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 6,641 followers View post →
Ankit Singla
@In_AnkitSingla · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 25 shares · 1,484 followers View post →
Phillip Kyriakakis
@breakliquid · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 25 shares · 6,554 followers View post →
Shiva Shankar S
@BioShankar · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 160 followers View post →
Ajitesh Shukla
@ajitesh_shukla7 · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,468 followers View post →
Dan Fulop
@fulop_dan · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,503 followers View post →
Paul Lourdu Xavier
@PaulLXavier · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 1,175 followers View post →
MachineBiology
@BiologyMachine · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 8 followers View post →
Burçin Acar
@neseruzgari · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 779 followers View post →
J. Fernando Bazan @jfernandobazan.bsky.social
@jfernandobazan · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 705 followers View post →
casblaauw.bsky.social
@casblaauw · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 31 shares · 186 followers View post →
Kevin K. Yang 楊凱筌
@KevinKaichuang · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 146 likes · 31 shares · 20,670 followers View post →
Tim Blower
@BlowerLab · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 25 shares · 1,807 followers View post →
Isabel Pardo
@IsaParmen · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 25 shares · 275 followers View post →
Joost Snijder
@joostsnijder · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 25 shares · 1,365 followers View post →
Kelvin Lau
@klausenhauser · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 25 shares · 3,028 followers View post →
Pere Colomer-Vidal
@colomervidal91 · X

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

Sep 22, 2023 · 6 likes · 242 followers View post →
David J. Castillo-Cornejo PhD.
@davesnetvault · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 817 followers View post →
Bou-Nader lab
@CharlesBNader · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 1,221 followers View post →
Brady Johnston
@bradyajohnston · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 16,485 followers View post →
Pablo Alcón
@palconh · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 688 followers View post →
Manuel Sánchez
@ManoloSanchezA · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 1,729 followers View post →
Eduardo Oliver
@eduolpe · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 2,711 followers View post →
CIB Margarita Salas (CSIC)
@CIB_CSIC · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 4,706 followers View post →
Francisco J. Enguita
@fenguita · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 2,361 followers View post →
Marta
@Marta_Sanz3 · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 47 followers View post →
Rafael Giraldo
@rafgir63 · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 25 shares · 642 followers View post →
Ernesto Arias-Palomo
@EAriasPalomo · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 1 like · 459 followers View post →
Ernesto Arias-Palomo
@EAriasPalomo · X

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

Sep 21, 2023 · 109 likes · 25 shares · 459 followers View post →