The bacteria turning waste plastic into painkillers

Researchers have genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to convert waste plastic into painkillers like paracetamol, demonstrating its versatility in biotechnology. E. coli has been a key model organism for decades, aiding in various biological discoveries and breakthroughs, from gene manipulation to insulin production. While E. coli remains a popular choice for industrial applications due to its ease of manipulation and predictability, some experts suggest exploring other microbes for potentially superior biotech solutions that may be overlooked in favor of E. coli.