Yeast Turns Plastic Into Edible Cookies | Science News

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 13, 2026 · 1m

Scientists are turning trash into treats by engineering yeast to convert plastic waste and plant leftovers into edible, protein-packed cookies—part of a NASA-backed project aiming to solve both pollution and hunger. These microbial “factories” break down PET bottles and agricultural waste into nutrients, fats, vitamins, and even vanilla flavor, all 3D-printed into nutritious µBites. While still in testing, early aroma tests suggest people would eat them in emergencies—whether on Earth or Mars. The vision? One day, microbes will make entire meals from waste, revolutionizing food for isolated…