Scientists have found a new bacterium in the intestines of a cow that can break down plastic. The bacterium, named Ideonella sakaiensis, can break down PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is commonly used for plastic bottles. Researchers hope that this discovery could lead to new methods for recycling plastic waste. PET accounts for a significant amount of plastic waste and takes hundreds of years to decompose naturally. This bacterium has a unique enzyme that allows it to break down PET into its basic building blocks, which could then be used to make new plastic products.