Scientists from one of Russia’s largest universities have discovered a plant enzyme to replace the animal version often used in wine and cheese production. The enzyme is from a commonly found flowering weed called Bidens pilosa, a plant native to the Americas. The researchers from South Ural State University used fresh leaves from the plant to break down biological proteins. The process was faster than when animal enzymes were used, which is a promising result that could promise savings for multiple industries, both in time and money. Often used for its medicinal purposes, the Bidens pilosa plant is also highly invasive agriculturally. If demand is high, regions fighting the effects of the plant could reap unexpected financial rewards with the removal of the plant.