A group of scientists studied how bacteria break down harmful chemicals found in gasoline. They found that these bacteria work best at 35 degrees Celsius and can degrade benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. When these chemicals are mixed together, the bacteria degrade them in a specific order. They also discovered that one type of bacteria called Rhodococcus rhodochrous can break down these chemicals on its own. The researchers observed different interactions between the chemicals, with some helping or hindering the degradation process. Ethylbenzene was found to be the most powerful inhibitor of the breakdown process.