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Scientists have found an innovative approach to combat the global plastic waste crisis and make something sweeter in the process. To meet the demands for vanillin, the primary component of vanilla bean extract, and reduce plastic waste, researchers are converting plastic into vanilla flavoring using genetically engineered bacteria, according to a new study published in Green Chemistry. This study marks the first time researchers brewed up a "valuable" chemical compound from plastic waste, reports Damian Carrington for the Guardian. "This is the first example of using a biological system to upcycle plastic waste into a valuable industrial chemical and this...

The legend says that vanilla was introduced to Europe by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who had seen the Aztec Emperor Montezuma drink his xocolatl (sort of a chocolate drink) with a bit of vanilla. The Mesoamerican flavoring gained massively in popularity in the 19th century, when botanists found a way to hand-pollinate it, which allowed for it to be grown around the world. Today, the vast majority of vanilla (some 60%-80%) comes from the African island of Madagascar, and it is the second most expensive spice (only behind saffron) in the world, mostly because it’s difficult to produce. However, at...

A 50-year-old Connecticut woman was arrested Wednesday for driving under the influence of vanilla extract. Police were called at 4:45 p.m. after a person reported a car stopped at a New Canaan intersection with the driver sitting behind the wheel with her eyes closed. Police identified the driver as Stefanie Warner-Grise. “Upon speaking with Warner-Grise, officers detected an odor of vanilla coming from her breath, her speech was slurred and she was unable to answer basic questions,” according to the arrest report. “In addition, several bottles of pure vanilla extract were located inside the vehicle.” After she failed sobriety tests,...