This episode explores a material science breakthrough from Rutgers University. Chemist Yuwei Gu and his team, inspired by nature's safe decomposition of DNA and proteins, have developed synthetic polymers with built-in, easy-to-break chemical bonds.This innovation allows for fully programmable material degradation. Manufacturers can now fine-tune plastic structures to decompose over a set period—from days for packaging to years for durable items. The breakdown is activated under normal conditions, requiring no special treatment or high heat. This novel strategy offers a powerful new direction in solving the global plastic waste crisis.

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