Researchers have identified a species of bacteria that uses just two enzymes to break down a tough type of plastic polymer. The findings are published in the 11 March issue of Science.

AAAS has named Baratunde A. Cola to receive the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science, recognizing “his commitment to an exceptional research career while sharing his passion for science by engaging in creative outreach with teachers and students in underrepresented communities.”

He will receive the prize at an awards ceremony on 15 February at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.