Scientists at the University of Hawaii have discovered that certain marine fungi found near Oʻahu can naturally break down polyurethane, a common plastic. This offers a promising biological solution to the severe problem of plastic pollution in oceans, which affects marine life, human health, and economies. The fungi, collected from diverse coastal habitats, showed an impressive ability to adapt and increase their plastic-degrading abilities over time. Led by Ronja Steinbach and Professor Anthony Amend, the research marks one of the first major studies into marine fungi's potential to tackle plastic waste. As only a tiny fraction of marine fungi have been studied, this discovery could pave the way for new, eco-friendly cleanup methods and contribute to global efforts to address plastic pollution.