Shows
Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaTalking Biotech Podcast Changes and FutureAs we enter our eighth year, the podcast is partnering with Colabra, experts in laboratory IT that will help and accelerate your R&D. You won't see changes in content, but you'll see improvements in website, podcast quality, transcripts and other improvements for the listener. I'm grateful for such substantial listenership and the opportunity to have this forum for my passion of sharing science.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/...
2022-02-1312 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCommunicating COVID19; Careful with CancellationThis week’s guest is the host! It was important to discuss communication tips during a pandemic, especially around popular myths and news stories involving COVID19. Kevin Folta provides counterarguments to today’s most prevalent claims around hydroxychloroquine, disease incidence, and the flu shot. It also marks five years since the New York Times story that portrayed Folta as a corporate patsy. While many aspects of his research and communications efforts thrive today, this deliberate act of cancel-culture now diminishes his impact in other arenas, such as discussing COVID19. This is a rallying cry for more scientists and science enthusia...
2020-09-0653 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaGE Mosquito Release in FloridaFlorida is the canary in the coalmine for mosquito-transmitted disease in the USA. The Florida Keys are especially vulnerable. Traffic through this sensitive string of islands allows infected insects to be rapidly vectored to other areas of the keys, as well as to the mainland. Over the last decade there have been notable incidents of Zika, Chikunguna, Denge and other mosquito-borne diseases. Over the same time a self-limiting mosquito technology has been developed by Oxitec. The mosquitoes have been programmed with genetic changes that render the next generation unable to develop, and it has been extremely successful in Brazil and...
2020-08-2928 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaPenguin Genomics and AdaptationPenguins are charismatic, flightless, diving birds. While typically associated only with Antarctica, their center of origin, radiation and speciation has been widely debated. Dr. Juliana Vianna is part of an Antarctica Genomics Group at the Catholic University of Chile. Her team has analyzed the genomes of penguins and compared it against other data, including the fossil record. They have provided new information to inform our understanding of the evolution and distribution of this interesting group of birds.Follow Dr. Vianna on Twitter here. @Ju_A_Vianna Link to the paper in PNAS# COLABRATalk...
2020-08-2230 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Race to the COVID19 mRNA VaccineMost experts agree that the COVID19 pandemic will not end until a vaccine is available. But traditionally, vaccines take a decade to develop and test. The crisis has ignited efforts from over 130 companies, all racing to develop vaccines to render the population immune to the virus. One exciting new development is the mRNA vaccine, a case where humans are injected with the genetic material of the virus, that ignites an immune response. The advantage of these vaccines is that they are easy to manufacture and quick to test. Boston Magazine Senior Editor Catherine Elton has followed the development of the...
2020-08-1541 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaPrions: Infectious ProteinsA number of strange, devastating and lethal diseases are caused by prions. The most famous of these disorders in animals is Bovine Spongiform Encelapathy, or “Mad Cow Disease”. Unlike other infectious agents like viruses, bacteria or fungi, prion-based diseases are caused by a misfolding of proteins resident in the body. Essentially, this is your own chemistry turning against itself. In this week’s podcast I speak with Dr. Cassandra Terry from London Metropolitan University. She speaks about prion related diseases, their causes, and how what is learned from prions has illuminated an understanding of other complex neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’...
2020-08-0842 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Bull that (probably) Sires Mostly Bulls Male cattle (bulls) convert feed calories to weight gain more efficiently than females (cows). If more bulls could be put into beef production, the process would be even more sustainable. Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam and her research team attempted a clever trick to skew the ratio of males to females in cattle offspring. Sex determination in mammals is driven mostly by a single gene on the Y chromosome. So what if this gene was duplicated elsewhere in the genome? Using CRISPR gene editing, this is exactly what they did. “Cosmo” the bull should produce 75% male offspring. Dr. Van Eenennaam talks ab...
2020-08-0138 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Unfortunate Casualties of an Anti-Biotech AttackIn 2001 the Earth Liberation Front bombed the office of Dr. Toby Bradshaw at the University of Washington. The damage was massive, especially toward non-targeted labs. This is a great story of how misguided activism can have damaging collateral effects, and work against the efforts of scientists that are performing great work for people and a planet.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/ta...
2020-07-2540 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCircadian ClocksMost organisms on earth evolved under constant intervals of light and darkness. The regular intervals led to the evolution of internal clocks that are trained by the light/dark patterns, and condition responses from gene expression to higher physiology and morphology. Dr. Eva Farre of Michigan State University has a notable career in circadian rhythm research in plants. Today she joins the podcast to discuss the value of an internal oscillator to fitness, trait presentation and domestication. We also discuss the fundamental nature of chemistry that controls timing. Co-hosted by Michigan State University graduate student Miles Roberts.# C...
2020-07-1856 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaDNA DemystifiedDr. Alan McHughen has been a leader in biotechnology education for decades, and has served in public academic research as well as an advisor to the State Department in the Obama Administration. He has assembled a book about DNA, the basics of DNA biology and some of the modern applications from ancestry to biotechnological solutions. We have a discussion about the content of DNA Demystified.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/
2020-07-1154 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA Science-Based Glyphosate DocumentaryThe documentary space is littered with videos that misrepresent science, especially around agriculture. Dr. Hidde Boersma is a trained scientist that has taken up the mantle of making high-quality documentary films and other media to tell the real story, without the hyperbole and fear found in most video efforts. The plan now is to tell the story of the activist and attorney assault on glyphosate. Glyphosate is perhaps one of the safest agricultural chemicals, used without incident for over 40 years and reviewed extensively by the world’s foremost regulatory bodies. Since 2014 the compound has been targeted by those wishing to en...
2020-07-0437 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaGene Editing in Species ConservationAnalysis of populations of animals can be problematic, especially when individuals of different species share similar visual characteristics. Dr. Melinda Baerwald has developed a field-friendly way to identify individual species with great sensitivity and specificity, without a complicated DNA prep or temperature cycling equipment. The application of the SHERLOCK method was used to monitor populations of endangered species in Northern California. She describes the application of the assay and its application.Follow Dr. Baerwald on Twitter: @MelindaBaerwald# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s worl...
2020-06-2747 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCOVID19 Update — What is Circular Health?Dr. Ilaria Capua is one of the world’s most prominent virologists, and a Professor at the University of Florida and the Director of the One Health Center of Excellence. In this week’s podcast she updates us on the current state of COVID19 with some important philosophical approaches as to how we should think about the virus. In the second half we discuss her new book, Circular Health, a concept that focuses on the interconnectivity between human actions and outcomes.Her book is available here. Follow her on Twitter at @IlariaCapua# COLABRATalki...
2020-06-2041 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Dawn of Plant Genetic EngineeringToday’s podcast marks five complete years of podcast episodes, and there’s no better guest than someone on the Mount Rushmore of plant genetic engineering. We’re joined today by Dr. Robb Fraley, who was at ground zero of the first transformed plants. He recalls the race to transform plants, his time as a leader in the Monsanto company, and his vision for the future.Follow Dr. Fraley on Twitter: @RobbFraley# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared sp...
2020-06-131h 03Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaWhat is Aflatoxin? What is Aflasafe?Aflatoxin is a natural poison emitted by several species of fungi. They infect grain, and exploit insect damage. Millions of people are affected by these toxins that invade world food staples, mostly with a higher incidence of specific cancers, like liver cancer. IITA is an organization committed to improving food staples in the developing world. Dr. Ranjit Bandyopadhyay and his team have discovered a fungal species that out-competes the toxic species, and is being distributed under the Aflasafe label. This product has great potential in assisting in food security and long term public health goals. Co-Hosted by Chalese Brown.
2020-06-061h 00Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Klamath Basin Water Crisis; Your Questions AnsweredToday’s podcast starts with answering your questions, covering biodynamic farming, cover crops and my financial transparency. The second part discusses a battle between sensitivity to endangered species and farmers’ freedom to operate. Environmental policy designed to protect a regional fish species has called for strangling limitations on water use for farmers in the Klamath River Basin in Northern California and Oregon. To protect the fish, farmers will lose this year’s crop, and family businesses are threatened. Ben DuVal is a farmer in the region, farming land handed down from his grandfather. He discusses the situation, the history of the re...
2020-05-3047 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaInside Monsanto; Communication in Science and AgricultureVance Crowe has a background that shifted between the Peace Corps in Kenya, a deckhand on an ecotourism ship, and a position with the World Bank. All had a common thread of situational communication and unique challenges. The biggest challenge came as an opportunity to work for Monsanto as the Director of Millennial Engagement. Vance discusses work inside the company, as well as his experiences with company culture and objectives. He also discusses his time since serving in that role, working to help train agriculture professionals in effective communication. He brings a wealth of information and advice to fellow c...
2020-05-231h 03Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCOVID19: Do Masks Matter?Throughout the COVID19 pandemic we have heard various opinions about wearing face coverings and protective masks. Some see them as critical components of public health. Others see them as a senseless violation of their personal freedom, and claim the masks have absolutely no effect on infectious disease. This week’s podcast is an interview with a world expert, Dr. Raina MacIntyre of the Kirby Institute. She is a leading scholar in the area of PPE and public health and infectious disease, and has been involved in many studies, including comparisons of different kinds of masks, their use, and compliance in...
2020-05-1638 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaPandemic Cuisine: COVID19 and Food TrendsLeah McGrath is a Registered Dietitian with a great presence in social media. She is the corporate dietitian for a major grocery chain, and has had an important role in shaping the messaging around the multitude of food issues. She has been instrumental in debunking bad information in social media space. In this podcast we discuss how the COVID19 crisis has reshaped shopping and consumption patterns, some maybe for the better. Follow Leah on Twitter: @LeahMcGrathRD# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world...
2020-05-0954 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCOVID19 Epidemiology TrendsFrom the dawn of the pandemic there has been a notable rise in false information that clouds public perception and harms trust in scientific guidance. To remedy this situation it is critical that we step into conversations with the best possible information. Dr. Natalie Dean is a biostatistican that studies emerging infectious disease at the University of Florida. In this episode we discuss the current situation, the reporting of statistics, the current trends, and then answer questions from social media. The intent is to provide you with accurate information from the world’s foremost authorities so that you may engag...
2020-05-0443 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Vaccine Manhattan ProjectThe wartime response of the Manhattan Project streamlined production of weapons to revolve World War II. The plan involved massive redundancy, streamlining and parallelization of approaches to ensure the most rapid progress in technology development. Dr. Hannu Rajaniemi of HelixNano called for the development of a Vaccine Manhattan Project in a recent article on Medium, suggesting a pathway to widespread immunization in six months, and at a fraction of the cost of sustained shutdown or consumer reluctance to participate in the economy. He examines the current state of the pandemic, the proposed methods of mitigation, and what the path to...
2020-05-0244 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaMolecular Studies in Weed ScienceWeeds are a tremendous problem in agriculture, costing farmers billions a year in crop loss and the cost of control. In Europe one of the critical weeds is black grass, which causes great losses in wheat and other grass crops. However, little is known about this weed, especially the molecular basis of herbicide resistance. Dr. Dana MacGregor came to the daunting task of attacking the molecular biology of a non-model organism. She has applied an ambitious toolbox from basic science to an aggressive agricultural pest. You can genuinely sense her passions in how to solve problems that matter using the...
2020-04-2535 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCattle DomesticationCattle are currently used for meat, milk, hide products and as work animals. Where did they come from? Who are the wild relatives? Dr. Hans Lenstra from the Utrecht University describes the domestication of cattle, their radiation throughout the world, and the traits that humans have selected. We discuss the current state of genomics as well as how genomic selection, artificial insemination and gene editing might influence the future of cattle production.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. L...
2020-04-1831 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaStewardship of Biotechnology Crops in Africa.Western Africa holds many nations of substantial population and an emerging economies. The nation has recently approved the use of the Bt cowpea to farm without applied insecticide, and with the new technology comes the need to ensure that it is used correctly. Today’s podcast features Francis Onyekachi, Program Officer, West African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). AATF helps with training farmers around the proper stewardship practices and connecting them with national extension experts. He describes the infrastructure that came with deregulation of the cowpea, and describes how the country’s regulators and oversight agencies will work with them to ensur...
2020-04-1136 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaApples to Oranges: Abuse of Meta AnalysisThe meta-analysis is traditionally considered to be a high synthesis of extant scientific literature. Their implicit power places them in headlines and they are used to sway policy and reshape fields of research. However, over the past three decades there has been an explosion in meta-analyses. There are many reasons for this increase, but like everything, as more people are involved, we see a tendency toward abuse of the instrument. There is a trend toward inappropriate comparisons, statistical massaging, and overstepping of data to draw sensational conclusions. Today’s guest is Dr. Geoffrey Kabat, he’s a senior researcher and e...
2020-04-0453 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaSpecial Topics in COVID19In this special edition of the Talking Bitotech Podcast Dr. Kevin Folta covers recent topics in COVID19. These topics are pulled from the headlines and distilled to that you can better communicate the current state of this health crisis.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq...
2020-03-2933 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Molecular and Cellular Basis of GraftingGrafting is an age-old practice of connecting a set of roots to an aerial portion of a separate plant. Together they typically exhibit enhanced productivity, disease resistance, or other trait that makes grafting a useful practice. But why does it work? How does it work? What happens at the cells in the junction where different plants collide? Dr. Charles Melnyk from the Swedish Agricultural University sheds light on this mysterious process. We cover the history, applications, and what’s happening at the interface of two very different biologies uniting as one.Follow Dr. Melnyk on Twitter: @CharlesMelnyk...
2020-03-2142 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA Deeper Dive into COVID-19As of 3/11/2020 COVID-19 is emerging as a significant health threat worldwide. This pandemic is on the rise, and public health suffers from politicized spin, misinformation, and a lack of good information. This episode is targeted to the Talking Biotech listener that can connect with family and friends, sharing the facts of this outbreak. Today’s guest is Dr. ChubbyEmu, the YouTube physician that has been at ground zero in discussing the coronavirus outbreak. We dig a layer deeper into the disease, its physical manifestations, and the current state of the disease as it spreads into the USA.Watch...
2020-03-1245 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA Universal Flu VaccineSeasonal influenza causes thousands of deaths annually. Part of the problem is that the vaccine must be administered annually because the virus presents different immunological faces to avoid detection. Dr. Peter Palese is a pioneer in studying the molecular biology of the influenza viruses. Today he and colleagues are on a quest to identify a universal flu vaccine that would provide one-time durable immunity. We discuss the strategies and progress toward this public health milestone.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one s...
2020-03-0739 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaImproved Oils from Plants with GEPlants produce a variety of oils, many that are critical to the human diet. The precise chemical qualities of plant oils dictate its stability, use, nutrient quality, or even its use as fuel. Dr. Surinder Singh is an expert in plant oils at CSIRO, the Australian National Research Laboratory. His laboratory has been working on projects in a variety of crops to improve the oil quality for human nutrition, but also as a potential fuel. Such efforts provide a renewable and more sustainable source of valuable oils, taking pressure off of fisheries and carbon-intensive practices.# COLABRATalk...
2020-02-2945 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaAnti CRISPRsThe gene editing explosion has accelerated discovery, food and therapies by defining a new toolbox of useful ways to manipulate DNA. The “Cas” series of enzymes are the core machinery of the editing process, and now scientists are identifying new molecules that inhibit these molecular scissors. Dr. Joseph Bondy-Denomy rides at the front edge of this discovery, and his program is characterizing the naturally-occurring factors in a bacteria/virus arms race that play a role in modulating Cas activity.Follow Dr. Bondy-Denomy on Twitter: @joebondydenomy The Bondy-Denomy Lab website: Here. Conclusion music is Sleepwalk by Sant...
2020-02-2223 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaRemembering Dr. Chad Finn; Intro to the Global Gene Editing TrackerIn the first part of today’s podcast Dr. Kayleen Schreiber and Jon Entine discuss the latest addition to the Genetic Literacy Project, a website called the Global Gene Editing Regulation Tracker. This online resource provides instant access to the current state of gene editing approvals, along with information on gene drives and other important regulatory updates. In the second half Dr. Bernadine Strik remembers her colleague Dr. Chad Finn. Dr. Finn contributed in massive ways to plant breeding, particularly in the development of new berry varieties for the Pacific Northwest. He also shared a tremendous interest in service to his...
2020-02-1548 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaFake News Survivor, and Coronavirus Update Dr. Ilaria Capua is an internationally recognized virologist, and a world expert in avian influenza and other animal viruses. Following her effort to make genetic information about viruses more accessible in the interest of finding faster cures, she was unknowingly put under investigation, as she was central in moving viral information and samples to colleagues worldwide. Wire taps and clandestine evidence gathering filled a file, that eventually would be discovered, leaked and maliciously reinterpreted, alleging that Dr. Capua was the mastermind of an international virus trafficking ring. She was accused in the media, without evidence, of providing viruses for oth...
2020-02-081h 01Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaOpportunities with American Society of Plant BiologistsThe American Society of Plant Biologists is the largest professional society for plant biologists. Dr. Mary Williams discusses some of the ways that ASPB can mentor young scientists, develop careers, partake in ambassador programs, interact with others, and learn communication skills. Hosted by Modesta Abugu.Mary Williams on Twitter: @PlantTeaching Modesta Abugu on Twitter: @modestannedi# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https...
2020-02-0124 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaWomen in GenomicsLike many areas of science, the early days of genomics quickly became a male-dominated discipline. While more women were earning advanced degrees and training in this area, fewer were finding a place in faculty and other leadership positions. Dr. Kellye Eversole and others developed a group to advance networking channels, provide career advice, and relay funding opportunities with the interest in connecting women scientists with others in genomics. For over twenty years this organization has helped to raise opportunities for women in genomics, especially early-career scientists. Their support has helped accelerate the careers of many women in science. Hosted by M...
2020-01-2526 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCassava Innovation in AfricaCassava is a staple food crop in Africa and Asia, yet is widely unknown by the industrialized world. While almost a billion people depend on this crop, production is limited by a series of diseases, and it also lacks critical nutrients that could help reverse local deficiencies. Dr. Chiedozie Egesi is a scientist dedicated to cassava improvement. He discusses the crop, the challenges to growth, and how biotechnology solutions could help facets of production. They also discuss some of the recent momentum in biotech adoption in Africa. Hosted by Modesta Abugu.Follow Dr. EgesiWebsite Twi...
2020-01-1823 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaTalking Biotech HiatusI’ve dreaded this day. I have not missed a Saturday in a long time, but after being told to end the series by the institution I have not been able to find someone that can do the work to host the podcast on a weekly basis.I hope that those that complained to the university feel good about their accomplishment. And it is people that claim to be friends of science, BTW.Right now the most prudent move is to go on a hiatus. I need time to regroup. My feeling is that I’m just...
2020-01-1111 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaBiotech Cotton Comes to KenyaKenya is an emerging economy and has significant investment in advanced technologies. However, a 2013 ban on biotech crops has limited farmer access to the most needed technologies for the field. That moratorium is finally being lifted, as biotech cotton has been approved and will be available to farmers in 2020. Farmers recognize the potential for Bt cotton to reduce or eliminate dependence on the insecticides currently required for production. Today’s guest is Daniel Magondu, Chairman of the Society of Biotech Farmers of Kenya. The episode is hosted by Modesta Abugu, a graduate student studying tomato improvement.Follow Modesta...
2020-01-0421 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaInternational Biotechnology, Policy and FutureDr. Stuart Smyth is no stranger to anyone that has watched social media. As a leading ag economist he has consistently represented science and technology fairly and accurately, and tethered to his prolific publication of books and scholarly publication, he is a visible influencer in scientific and social media circles. In today’s podcast we discuss his views on risks and benefits of GE crops, the rules of the EU and his home country of Canada. We discuss the future of new technology, and made a few predictions about the next decade.Follow Dr. Smyth on Twitter: @stuart...
2019-12-2845 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaAn Engineered Cowpea for AfricaThe cowpea is a high-protein food staple in parts of Africa, particularly in the growing countries of Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina-Fasso. Production is predominantly on small holder farms. Production is threatened by the pod borer, the larvae of a moth referred to as Maruca, that limits yields and causes farmers to apply large amounts of insecticide to protect their crops. Dr. TJ Higgins and his team from CSIRO have worked with African scientists to develop a Bt-expressing cowpea. These lines produce the protein that targets maruca larvae, decreasing insecticide use and producing higher yields in field trials. This innovation is...
2019-12-2134 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaPrecision MedicineThere is a massive amount of human genomic DNA sequence data, and it is now possible to identify correlates with specific disease, drug sensitivity and physiological variation. The concept of “genomic medicine” or “precision medicine” is that therapeutic interventions are guided by genetic information. In today’s podcast we speak with Dr. Julie Johnson. Dr. Johnson is a Dean and Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Florida. She outlines what precision medicine is, along with some of its strengths and limitations, as well as some predictions of new approaches on the horizon to improve delivery of specific therapies. Co...
2019-12-1438 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaBacteria Fixing Nitrogen in Plants Nitrogen is essential for crop growth. That reality has led to intensive crop fertilization using nitrogen fixed through the Haber-Bosch process, which has energy costs in production and transport. At the same time there are well known examples of nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with plants, as well as some that colonize within the plant itself. Can these naturally occurring bacteria actually be used within the plant to assist in the nitrogen fixation process? Nolan Berg joins the podcast from Azotics, a company with a pioneer product. This bacterial strain lives within the plant, fixing nitrogen and limiting the need for exogen...
2019-12-0736 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe GE Crop Ban in South AustraliaWhile the country of Australia has been growing genetically-engineered crops for over 15 years, the state of South Australia has banned their use. This moratorium has been in place since 2004, and requires farmers to shift to alternative crop protection strategies that often have a significant yield penalty. Recent changes in political representation in the region appeared to be more farmer friendly, and many felt that change was coming. Unfortunately, local activists connected to Green Party representatives in Parliament, were able to derail efforts to end the moratorium. Today’s podcast meets with Caroline Rhodes, CEO of Grain Producers South Australia. She...
2019-11-3037 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaArtificial Intelligence and Machine LearningThe genomics era has generated tremendous data sets, yet the information they reveal is limited by the human biases that search them. Are there ways to examine complex data sets for hidden patterns that can unearth new perspectives in biology? This is the role of machine learning, and the patterns form the basis of artificial intelligence that then executes new tasks. While these concepts seem difficult to fathom, Dr. Gabe Musso makes them understandable, and describes the ways they may be applied in contemporary contexts.The BioSymetrics website is here The BioSymetrics Twitter feed is here.
2019-11-2337 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaEgg Production and GE EthicsThere is an unfortunate side to egg production. Only female chickens produce eggs, so layers are selected at hatching. Chicks are sexed with a vent inspection. Females are kept for egg production. Males live a short ride down a conveyor into a chipper, where they are instantly killed. This practice raises ethical and practical questions. Dr. Nigel Urwin and his collaborators devised a way to identify the sex of eggs before hatching, allowing male eggs to be saved for direct consumption or vaccine manufacture. The concept is brilliant yet unfortunately stalled. It is a great solution to an important proble...
2019-11-1639 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaFood BullyingMichele Payn is a much sought after speaker, author and podcast host. She has introduced the third book in her trilogy, this one about the phenomenon of others taking issue with someone’s food choices. The book, aptly titled “Food Bullying”, explores the social-psychological basis of food bullying as well as important issues in agriculture that conjure the response. She presents an important snapshot of the current state of food discussions, as food is not just something we eat, it is the basis of a much deeper connection to social status and group identity.Michele’s website Follow...
2019-11-0944 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCAR-T Cells: Engineered to Attack CancerCan we use genetic engineering to help the body’s immune system target cancer cells? This is exactly what happens with CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cell therapy. CAR-T cells are T-cells, immune cells of the body that are reprogrammed to identify specific surface signatures that define specific types of cancer cells. It allows these immune agents to seek and destroy cancer cells with great accuracy and with fewer side effects to traditional chemotherapy or radiation. While in their infancy, these techniques show great promise for future therapies. Today’s guest is Dr. Joe Fraietta, a leader in CAR-T cell solution...
2019-11-0230 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaImpossible Burgers and BiotechnologyThe Impossible Burger is meat alternative that gets its meat-like qualities from a combination of plant-based ingredients, plus “meatiness” from a biotech-derived product. There is a lot of discussion about the product, and the internet has even questioned the safety of the biotechnology steps used in its creation. This episode discusses the Impossible Burger with Dr. Chana Davis, a scientist familiar with the product. We discuss questions about meat alternatives, processed food, and if this truly is a vegetable replacement. We also share thoughts on the future of food and if everything will someday be derived from a manufacturing process...
2019-10-2646 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaEdible Cotton SeedCotton production is massive, but mostly used for fiber. The cotton seed is a tremendous potential resource as it contains high amounts of oil and high-quality protein. However, the seeds are not directly edible by most mammals because they contain a toxic chemical called gossypol. Gossypol is a terpenoid that the plant produces as a natural insecticide. A team led by Dr. Keerti Rathore at Texas A&M University has worked for decades to produce cottonseed without gossypol. The plants have now been approved for production by USDA-APHIS and the FDA. The technology may now be used to produce new...
2019-10-1943 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaFarm Aid: Anti Biotech and Farmer Choice?The Farm Babe Michelle Miller is a farmer, speaker, columnist and blogger that advocates for agricultural producers, and seeks to better connect consumers to agricultural reality. She recently attended Farm Aid, the annual concert event that originally was held to provide funding to struggling farmers in the 1980’s. Since then farming has become even more challenging, but Farm Aid has seemed to shift its focus to more political causes than direct farmer assistance. Michelle reports what she experienced at a recent Farm Aid concert and its associated press conference. It is clear that they have minimal interest in supporting larg...
2019-10-1232 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaEngineered Microbes to Fix NitrogenNitrogen is a reality of growing plants, and must be supplied to maximize crop yields. At the same time our atmosphere is >70% nitrogen that is not usable by plants in its atmospheric form. Humans have devised processes to “fix” nitrogen into plant usable forms, but they require energy and the products need to be transported, both leading to a substantial carbon footprint. A number of microbes naturally fix nitrogen, yet do not form good associations with all plants. Joyn Bio is a collaborative effort by a number of companies in chemistry and synthetic biology. Their CEO Dr. Michael Mille talks ab...
2019-10-0551 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Ugly Politics of Glyphosate LitigationDr. David Zaruk has become the foremost authority on the questionable practices within the IARC and their decision-making process. Over the last several years he has taken a key point position in interpreting the IARC’s 2015 decision and the political landscape around the agricultural chemical glyphosate. While controversy swirls, he brings it back to reality with deep dissections of the politics involved in the IARC guidance and other regulatory decisions. He has paid a personal and professional price for telling the truth. He is undoubtedly the leader in communicating the facts about the activist assault on science, reason, and a lo...
2019-09-281h 04Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaMosquito Biotech Solutions – Getting the Story StraightThe tiny mosquito is a nuisance in the industrialized world, yet around the world it is a ruthless killer, spreading blood-borne diseases that bring about pain and suffering, particularly in developing nations. In many regions these are invasive species with little to no ecological role. For years scientists have used “sterile insect technique” to control them, a process that treats sexually compatible insects with radiation, rendering them infertile. The low-fertility insects are released into the wild and crash problematic populations. The Oxitec company has a genetic solution. Mosquitoes have been genetically engineered to contain a lethal gene that can be turn...
2019-09-2132 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaPlagiarism and Image Manipulation in Scientific PubilcationDr. Elisabeth Bik is a hero. Classically trained with plenty of lab-bench expertise, today she patrols the best scientific literature in search for plagiarism and image manipulation. Her expert eye identifies manipulated images in our best scientific publications, including the revered science weekly journals that present allegedly breakthrough work. Dr. Bik talks about her path to become a publication sleuth, a high-resolution machine with an eye for things that just don’t look right. She talks about her work, its repercussions and how pervasive plagiarism and image manipulation are in contemporary science.Please follow her on Twitter. @Micr...
2019-09-1445 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaAn HIV Preventative in GE RiceWhile HIV incidence has remained stable in the industrialized world, the virus is still transmitted in the Developing World. The development of methods of prophylaxis are critical to disease containment, yet moving products into affected areas is not practical or affordable. Dr. Evangelia Vamvaka was part of a team that placed anti-HIV proteins into rice. The rice produced a transgenic protein that inhibited the virus, and did so with great efficacy in the presence of other compounds from the plant. The rice can be ground to a powder and potentially be used as an HIV preventative wherever rice is grow...
2019-09-0730 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaSupporting Farmer Choice in South AustraliaAustralia has welcomed the use of genetically engineered crops, and farmers have found particular benefit from broad acre canola and cotton cultivation. However, the benefits were not realized by some states because of local moratoriums imposed by state governments. Farmers in South Australia grow wheat, canola and pulses, along with wine grapes, olives and other horticultural crops. They would like the option to grow GE canola, as it may offer some benefits. More importantly, new technologies in gene editing may permit rapid response to new threats as well as tackle current issues in drought, frost, and pathogens. Fortunately, a s...
2019-08-3129 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA Bioengineered Hangover Helper?Genetically engineered microbes commonly manufacture our vitamins and amino acid supplements, but can they be supplements themselves? Zbiotics has developed genetically engineered bacteria that may help to metabolize the residues of alcohol consumption, altering the accumulation of the compounds that lead to next-day malaise. These microbes are consumed as a pro-biotic, fortifying the digestive system with a means to break down deleterious metabolites. Today’s podcast covers the technology with Dr. Zack Abbott from Zbiotics, including a discussion of how a “proudly GMO” product resonates with consumers.Zbiotics LInks:https://www.instagram.com/zbiotics/ https://www.face...
2019-08-2436 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaFood 5.0 -How We Feed the FutureRobert Saik is an agronomist and entrepreneur with a lifetime of experience in farming. For years he has been a leading advocate for farmers, and a passionate voice promoting the newest technologies, whether they are genetic or engineering marvels on the farm. The 200th episode of the Talking Biotech Podcast aptly hosts Rob and the introduction of is new book, Farming 5.0, How We Feed the Future. Rob discusses the five waves of agricultural history and speaks to their convergence in the modern farm. It is an accessible and important text that helps everyone understand the modern tenor of food and...
2019-08-171h 03Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaGene Editing and Sickle Cell Disease Tweet Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that predominantly affects people of African descent. The disease results in chronic pain and early death, and is caused by a misfolding of oxygen-toting hemoglobin, a central protein in red blood cells. Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the CRISPR Therapeutics companies have combined to test a potential therapy. A patients stem cells are gene edited using CRISPR/Cas9 so that they stop producing adult mutant hemoglobin, and produce a fetal version instead. The engineered stem cells are returned to the patient, who then manufactures fetal hemoglobin in their own blood...
2019-08-1022 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaNano Bar Codes and Product FidelityProducts move from producer to consumer through complicated networks called supply chains. These routes of custody involve many people and organizations, and oftentimes cross international borders. All of these product touch-points are opportunity for contamination or willful adulteration of the product. High value products like authentic high-end wine, honey or olive oil can be diluted with lesser value amendments, which misleads the consumer and can introduce food safety issues. Carverr Inc has a solution. Today’s podcast speaks with Dr. Ellen Jorgensen and Vishall Bhuyan, the co-founders of the company. They use a signature blend of probiotics in the product...
2019-08-0331 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCitrus Greening Disease UpdateWhat is the current state of the devastating citrus greening disease, Huanglongbing (HLB). Dr. Jude Grosser from the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center discusses the current state of the disease, the current therapies and the future possibilities of leveraging genetics and nutrition to help keep citrus in production.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.c...
2019-07-2740 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaImmunotherapies Against HIVThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the causal agent of the spectrum of disorders known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). For decades, those infected have found relief from anti-retroviral therapies that suppress viral numbers. However, the treatments are difficult, require strict compliance and are not 100% efficacious. New therapies have been developed that target the virus using Chimeric Antigen Receptor engineered T cells. These immune cells have been armed with genetically engineered receptors and localization signals that home in on a target, like HIV. Dr. Pamela Skinner is a Professor at the University of Minnesota. Her group collaborates with other...
2019-07-2043 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaBt Brinjal in BangladeshBangladesh is a population dense country with relatively little farmland. Subsistence farmers make a living by growing, harvesting and selling brinjal, or the fruit westerners know as the eggplant. The biggest threat to production is the fruit and shoot borer, an insect larvae that digs into the fruit, leaving its waste, and inviting pathogens and decay. To combat this, farmers traditionally use massive amounts of insecticides, upward of 80-100 sprays per season. It is their family’s livelihood, so sprays protect the crop, and protect the family. The Bt brinjal is genetically engineered to produce a natural protein that stops...
2019-07-1334 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCountering Disinformation in AfricaThe African continent is emerging in many ways, yet still is developing economically. Technology is a huge part of the African transformation, yet farmers there are often forbidden to use crop technologies that were developed for Africa, by African scientists and governments. The resistance is rooted in a vigorous disinformation campaign by European NGOs that spread fear, uncertainty and doubt among the African populations. In June 2019 these organizations funded a meeting on Agroecology in Nairobi Kenya. Part of the conference was a performance by four all stars of the anti-agriculture, anti-technology-for-Africa movement. Tyrone Hayes, Giles-Eric Seralini, Don M. Huber, and J...
2019-07-061h 00Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaDomesticating Bacteria for Industrial ProductionBacteria surround us and have specialized functions in adaptation and metabolism. Could they be helpful as micro machines that catalyze key reactions? Could teams of collaborating bacteria be combined to perform important industrial processes? Dr. Sarah Richardson from MicroByre asks that question. She is in the business of bacterial discovery and domestication, bringing wild bacteria that perform important chemistry into human control. Her company then uses collaborations of microbes to take on important production jobs.Follow Dr. Richardson on Twitter: @theGermWrangler Microbyre’s website: http://www.microbyre.com/# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by...
2019-06-2931 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCuring PRRS with Gene EditingPork production worldwide is limited by a series of viral pig diseases that slow growth, cause illness and restrict reproduction. One of these is known as PRRS, Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome. PRRS has a massive cost to producers, as they either have to manage the disease or spend significant resources in vaccination and biosecurity. Dr. Christine Burkard of the Roslin Institute has a solution. Her team has studied how the virus docks with cells and replicates. They have successfully edited the viral attachment domain from the receptor protein using Cas9-mediated gene editing in pig zygotes. The resulting anim...
2019-06-2233 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaIndian Farmers Protest for Technology AccessWhile Indian farmers have realized benefits from GE cotton, food crops have been forbidden from this growing country. Their neighbor to the west, Bangladesh, has realized great gains from the “Bt” Brinjal (eggplant). Farmers there used to spray 80-100 times a season to protect their crop. In 2014 the Agriculture Minister approved the “Bt” Brinjal, a variety that protects itself from the pest using a naturally-occurring bacterial protein that is toxic to fruit-boring insect larvae. The number of sprays declined to 1-2 per season. Indian farmers wanted the same benefit, and seeds have been making their way into India, despite the fact t...
2019-06-1527 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaGlyphosate: The Murder of a MoleculeThe war against agricultural biotechnology shifted in the last several years. Carefully constructed steps by those opposed to technology have managed to malign a relatively innocuous compound– the herbicide glyphosate. The compound is used in many applications, from GE crops to drying down some grains prior to harvest. Armed with analytical chemistry, activist groups claim to detect glyphosate everywhere, of course in minuscule amounts. But when those amounts are not zero, it provides a means to stoke fear and drive policy change. It is amazing to watch what is happening around glyphosate, a compound with a long regulatory history and yea...
2019-06-1338 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaDinosaurs, DNA and De-ExtinctionThe visions of Jurassic Park are an extrapolation of actual research being performed all over the world. Research has shown that avian dinosaurs (birds) possess latent genes that can be re-activated to restore forelimbs, hands and teeth. Dr. Jack Horner is a world-renowned paleontologist that has been involved in the efforts to adjust modern avian traits to demonstrate morphological f Brain Bar in Budapest, Hungary, May 31, 2019.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.c...
2019-06-0817 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Future of Fruit and Vegetable ProductionTechnology is exploding in all areas of life, but sadly has been slow to reach agriculture. We are stuck in the rhythms of old unsustainable practices. But things are changing quickly thanks to data, robotics, revival of old practices, new technologies and better genetics. This episode is Kevin Folta speaking to Brain Bar in Budapest, Hungary, May 30, 2019.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter...
2019-06-0128 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaAfrican Biotechnology UpdateThere is sad irony that the African continent has the most potential benefit from crop biotechnology, yet has the least access to the technology. The bottlenecks are political, not scientific, as excellent technology is being developed and procured by African agricultural technology groups. Much of the anti-biotech sentiment is shaped by U.S. and E.U. non-governmental organizations, particularly activist organizations that flood the continent with disturbing disinformation. The technology deficits affect smallholder farmers, particularly women. Professor Jennifer Thomson has been a leading voice in biotechnology and women’s advocacy in Africa. She shares her stories and views, and helps...
2019-05-2540 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaBlackberry Domestication and BreedingBlackberries are a popular, healthy fruit with increasing availability to the consumer. Over the last century significant progress has been made in its genetic improvement. In this episode the history, breeding efforts and future of blackberry are discussed by Dr. Chad Finn, USDA-ARS Plant Geneticist and Small Fruit Breeder.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/po...
2019-05-1846 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA Potential Cure for Citrus Greening DiseaseHuanglongbing, or HLB, is the Chinese term for the Yellow Dragon Disease– usually referred to as Citrus Greening. The disease first appeared in the USA in the Miami area in 2005, and since has spread to every grove. The disease is a terminal infection of the tree, culminating in its decline and death. Currently there is no cure. The Florida industry is crashing, the disease is found across citrus producing states, including California. Scientists have attempted many strategies to solve the problem, from nutrition to transgenics. The problem is that the most likely solutions do not have public buy-in, as gene...
2019-05-1138 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaPsychophysics, Smell and Taste / Women in ScienceDr. Linda Bartoshuk has been recognized as an expert on interactions between the smell, taste, psychology and the brain for many decades. While so important to our experiences, smell and taste are poorly understood by the general public. Dr. Bartoshuk explains some of these important nuances of how we sense the world around us, and how that integrates with perception and liking. In the second part we discuss her experiences as a woman navigating overt sexism, harassment and discrimination as she moved from high school, through her education and into her faculty positions– even as a recognized world expert and...
2019-05-041h 02Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaBanned But Doing It Anyway!I was very excited to be participating in the Southern Seed School here in Gainesville, FL. I had talks prepared on three cool topics– the history of the University of Florida plant breeding programs, plant breeding and genetic improvement, and new crops for Florida. I was not being compensated for my time on a Sunday, which is perfect. The group was a a paying audience of plant enthusiasts and gardeners, all excited to learn more about seed saving. Genetics, I feel, is a huge part of that, and non-scientists don’t think of it very much. My job was to fill...
2019-04-2720 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaInsect Resistant Cowpea in AfricaCowpea is a critical crop in Western Africa. It is consumed by millions daily, but also feeds livestock, all the while providing important nitrogen fixation for the farm. Cowpea cultivation is threatened by Maruca vitrata, a butterfly who’s caterpillar stage feasts on the beans within the cowpea pod. Scientists in Nigeria have implemented a strategy using the Bt protein to fight against this pest. Today’s podcast interviews Francis Onyekachi, Program Manager for the West African Maruca Resistant Cowpea Project. He talks about the crop, the technology, and the strategy to ensure its continued efficacy. Co-hosted by Nigerian native an...
2019-04-2037 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA Synthetic Light Switch Increases PhotosynthesisOne of the limiting factors in photosynthesis is the plant’s ability to take up carbon dioxide to assimilate into carbohydrates. At least part of the problem is the size of the small pores, or stomata, that are used for gas exchange between the inside of the leaf and the outside environment. Pore size is dictated by guard cells, two sausage-shaped cells that swell and deflate to open the pore. The process can be triggered by an influx of potassium ions. Prof. John Christie and collaborators at the University of Glasgow and Milan, Italy designed a light-activated potassium switch, a ch...
2019-04-1333 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaSleep: A Time for DNA RepairSleep remains a mystery to science, as it is a state where an organism is vulnerable to potentially deadly forces. It therefore must be important to physiology and survival. Prof. Lior Appelbaum and his team have examined the effect of sleep on brain activity using zebrafish embryos. Chromosomes were colored for visualization, and dynamic movements are imaged for analysis. The results show that when a fish is sleeping, chromosomes in the brain are very active and undergoing repair. The interpretation is that sleep is an essential state where neuronal activity is put on hold why the cells can repair the...
2019-04-0645 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaGenetic Engineering and Healthier Soybean OilsSoybeans are legumes that produce abundant oil. The oils have been popular for consumers and in food service, but they could have improved performance in cooking applications and also did not have the heart-healthy profiles of other plant-derived oils. With a simple genetic tweak scientists were able to radically change the oil content of soybean oil to high oleic content. This type of oil has no trans fat, less saturated fat, and a significant level of monounsaturated fat. The process has been achieved by traditional breeding as well as by gene editing, producing a soybean oil with improved cooking perf...
2019-03-3037 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA GE Salmon Comes to MarketThe transgenic, fast-growing salmon was first developed in 1989. The goal was simple, use fish genes to remove seasonal growth effects, with the hopes of creating a fish that could grow faster. Faster growth means fewer resources to produce an equivalent amount or finished food product. This results in greater availability of a sustainable, consistent, high quality source of salmon, a great protein source with oils suggested to have positive roles in health. However, the road to approval has been long. As the first GE animal, the AquaBounty salmon had navigated a complex regulatory maze, that now has finally allowed it...
2019-03-2327 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe Angry Chef- Food, Fat and FadsAnthony Warner is known as The Angry Chef, achieving notoriety as a food-fad/social critic. He has roots in biochemistry and trained as a chef, with years of experience in a variety of cooking venues. He is recognized for his books, columns and blogs, where he provides scientifically consistent critical analysis of current food trends and historical food foibles. His new book is entitled The Truth About Fat.Follow Anthony Warner on Twitter This link goes to the blog One Angry Chef Buy the book, The Truth About Fat # COLABRATalking Biotech is...
2019-03-1649 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaEarly Career Scientists – Research and CommunicationToday’s graduate students understand that participation in science communication can significantly enhance a scientific career. While there are challenges, the idea of being willing to share science with the public can have tremendous benefits, yet there are few universities that stress the mechanics and psychology of public engagement. The Cornell Alliance for Science held a science communication workshop in San Diego, geared toward graduate students. Three of the participants, Andrew Katz (Colorado State), Bliss Betzen (Kansas State) and Saarah Kuzay (UC Davis) join Drs. Kevin Folta and Paul Vincelli to discuss their projects, their projects, and their long-term aspi...
2019-03-0943 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaPlants Engineered to Remediate Military ToxinsMilitary preparedness means testing ammunition and ordinates in controlled field trials, as well as decommissioning of obsolete weaponry. The result is a significant environmental deposit of residues of TNT and RDX, two explosives used in the production of military hardware. These compounds are environmentally persistent and leach into groundwater. They represent significant environmental toxins near military bases. Dr. Liz Rylott and her team at the University of York have developed plants capable of inactivating these compounds. Plants take up RDX and TNT, however, these compounds remain stable within the plant. Using genes from unusual bacterial species, plants have been eng...
2019-03-0221 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA Cancer Epidemiologist Discusses Glyphosate ClaimsThe report saturated the popular media, claims that the herbicide glyphosate increased cancer risk by 41%. This alarming statistic punctuated news reports, based on a new analysis of old data performed by a statistics team at the University of Washington. These claims did not study cancer in general, but instead focused on a rare cancer known as Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL). Their conclusions were generated from re-analysis of previous reports, the most powerful of which showed absolutely no association between glyphosate use and NHL. So how do reports with marginal/no associations and a powerful report with no association morph into a re...
2019-02-211h 14Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaEthos Chocolate – Ingredients from GE PlantsIn the days of fear-based food labeling the market has been screaming for a science-friendly alternative. Ethos Chocolates are distributed for free by A Fresh Look, an independent organization of farmers that want to set the record straight with regard to crop technology. Today I speak with Dr. Rebecca Larson, Scientific Director for A Fresh Look. We discuss the motivation behind Ethos Chocolates and the overwhelming reception the product has enjoyed.Learn more at Ethos Chocolate# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-c...
2019-02-1618 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThe AAAS Glyphosate Award ControversyThis week the American Association for the Advancement of Science announced an award to two Sri Lankan researchers for their research showing that glyphosate was a “deadly herbicide” that was causing kidney disease in farmers. Of course, I remember some work they did in forming a hypothesis and eventually measuring heavy metals and farm chemicals in urine, but I never recall such a definitive conclusion. Because there was none. The research is what the research is, but AAAS made a huge blunder in allowing a completely incorrect interpretation of the current literature to hit their pages. Of course, now this h...
2019-02-0931 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaBees Delivering PesticidesThe relationship between pollinators and crop protection strategies has always pitted them against each other, with concern about how insecticides and herbicides might affect charismatic non-target insects like bees. A new technology by the company Bee Vectoring Technologies rewrites the definition to the relationship. In this approach, bees exit the hive to deliver a fungicide to the flower, a biological control that competes against pathogenic fungi that start their damage early in fruit development. In this episode I speak with representatives from the company about the technology, its application, and its safety with regard to pollinators and the environment.
2019-01-3028 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaGenetically Engineered Animals- Regulated as DrugsThe new techniques in gene editing have made rapid, precise genetic changes possible in animals. Some of the greatest benefits are genetic resistance to disease, generation of less waste, and more rapid growth on the farm. The world has adopted these new techniques and devised sensible and appropriate mechanisms of regulatory oversight. However, in the USA regulation of genetically-engineered animals is cumbersome, and arrests solutions from reaching the field. In short, a GE animal is regulated as a drug, whereas a GE plant is regulated as a GE plant. Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam sets out to correct this discrepancy. She po...
2019-01-2649 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaWhat We Know vs. What We Think We KnowResearchers and communicators in biotechnology have experienced it for a long time– the people that oppose genetic engineering frequently know the least about it. This observation was studied formally by a group of cognitive and social psychologists. Their conclusion: The people with the most extreme attitudes about genetic engineering also have the least working knowledge about the science behind it. In this week’s podcast Dr. Philip Fernbach from the University of Colorado discusses the results of the study, along with a deeper discussion into the ramifications of these findings as they apply to science communication.Link to the...
2019-01-1940 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaHelp Researchers Save Threatened ForestsOur forests are critical to ecology. They sequester carbon from human activity, and serve as great resources for renewable building materials, fuels and recreation. However, our forests are threatened like never before. Rapidly changing climates, human activity, and new pests and pathogens have caused massive change in forest populations over a very short time, with some species driven nearly to extinction. Scientists are poised to meet these problems with modern biotechnology. The problem is that the certification and regulatory bodies that govern the work have great restrictions on the kind of research that may be performed, and they all but...
2019-01-1229 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaEngineering Indoor Air Cleaning PlantsIndoor air is filled with hazardous trace compounds that arise from flooring, furniture, and even showering. While they pose a minor risk, they are present, and more so in our energy efficient homes. Dr. Stuart Strand has devised houseplants that express a detoxification gene from the human liver. The plants remove these compounds from the air, and may be important contributors to public health in the future.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www...
2019-01-0523 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaTwo Critical Updates – Brinjals and ChestnutsThis week’s podcast features and update on two critical technologies– the Bt Brinjal (eggplant) in Bangladesh and the blight resistant American Chestnut. Both of these were covered in earlier episodes, and an update on their status is long overdue. Dr. Tony Shelton of Cornell University and Dr. Bill Powell from SUNY share their stories. Follow Dr. Powell on Twitter @ChestnutPowell Follow Dr. Tony Shelton’s Progress here and download the recent paper here. # COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research toget...
2018-12-2932 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaEvolution of Weed ResistanceWeed resistance is a complex problem with incredible ramifications for agricultural production. It also provides an outstanding opportunity to examine how resistance happens– is it continual development of new mutations, new mutations in the same genes, or is it simply spread of already resistant material? Genome sequencing and comparative genomics indicates that it is all of the above. A recent paper by Kreiner et al tells the story of Amaranth resistance and its origins, particularly with presence in Canadian agriculture. Follow Julia on Twitter @jmkreinz And here is Julia’s website # COLABRATalking Biotech...
2018-12-2222 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaBrockovich’s Deceptive Guardian ArticleOn December 6, 2018 environmental advocate Erin Brockovich published a high-profile opinion piece in The Guardian. The piece was laced with scientific inaccuracies and inflammatory rhetoric about glyphosate, indicating in no uncertain terms that it causes cancer and is present in just about all food. None of these claims are supported by peer-reviewed literature. Further examination shows that Brockovich is a consultant for the law firm that is managing the class action against one company that manufactures the compound. In this week’s podcast Rob Saik and Kevin Folta sit down and discuss the piece and the sad tale of a powe...
2018-12-1516 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaBiotechnology Outreach and ExtensionDr. Thomas Zinnen has worked with the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service for almost three decades. His principal job has been sharing information about technology with the state through creative programs and activities. He shares his thoughts on communication with the public, along with some excellent examples of how to get non-scientists to implement scientific reasoning. Follow Tom on Twitter @tmzinnen# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/...
2018-12-0850 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaThoughtful Questions from a ListenerGary Nolan works in marketing, but enjoys science podcasts, including Talking Biotech. He also frequently blogs about politics, social trends, and science. He finds that he still wrestles with some of the concepts around genetic engineering. This week’s podcast is dedicated to Gary and folks like him– those that want to ask their questions and get honest answers. This week Dr. Kevin Folta answers Gary’s questions about gene editing, transgenic plants and a host of other issues.Follow Gary Nolan on Twitter @lgcllibertarian Website : Logical Libertarian# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by...
2018-12-011h 34Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaCareers in Plant BreedingPlant breeding is an important discipline, and the foundation of plant genetic improvements. While modern techniques like gene editing sometimes steal the spotlight, the foundational varieties must have outstanding performance before such amendments are remotely relevant. Today plant breeders are in high demand, both in industry and academia. Drs. Patricio Muñoz and Marcio Resende are two early-career plant breeders, working on blueberry and sweetcorn, respectively. Both implement the most modern genomics approaches to breeding and selection, with an eye on accelerating production of new varieties. As relatively recent graduates, both provide their insights into the preparation necessary to find...
2018-11-2432 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaConflict of InterestThe term “Conflict of Interest” is thrown around a lot these days, mostly to sully reputations or cast doubt on quality research. That perception of what a conflict of interest is, is quite different than what it actually is. Dr. Chris MacDonald is an expert in Conflict of Interest, disclosure and transparency at Ryerson University. We had a great discussion about what a conflict of interest is, how to avoid them, and how to operate in a climate where the term is so frequently misapplied.Follow Dr. MacDonald on Twitter @ethicsblogger Read The Business Ethics Blog The...
2018-11-1734 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaSupporting Farmers, Fighting “Non-GMO”They are farmers. They also own A&C Liquid Assets, a liquor store in Hoxie, Kansas. Allison and Cole Nondorf saw the Smirnoff commercial where they proudly proclaim that they reject “GMO” seed technology, the same seeds that the Nondorf’s (and most of their community) use on their farms. The idea of selling Smirnoff products when the company brazenly rejects the technology your community depends on, seemed to be incompatible ideas. A&C Liquid Assets pulled all of the products and hopes to bring attention to how companies that support non-scientific, anti-farmer positions need to be called out and not su...
2018-11-1014 minTalking Biotech with Dr. Kevin FoltaA Look Into the Future of TechnologyThe future gets closer every day, and many argue that technology will radically change the world for the better in the next 20 years– if we have the courage to let it. Matt Ward is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and host of the Fringe FM Podcast. He shares his provocative view of how technology is shifting life and priorities, and how the strangling force of regulation stands to slow progress.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at...
2018-11-0345 min