Recycled glass and salt-loving bacteria are helping scientists bring back coastal cypress

By: Elise Plunk

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: July 16, 2026

Words: 676

Last Updated: 5 days, 2 hours ago

Body Text Preview

Tulane University researchers and the recycling facility Glass Half Full are using evolutionary relationships between bacteria, fungi and plants to grow cypress and other plant species in glass sand created from recycled bottles.

Scientists hope to build back areas of Louisiana’s coast that have been eroded with the glass sand they have developed. Wetland plants like Louisiana’s iconic bald cypress need to grow and establish themselves to keep new sand from washing away.

…

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us