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996 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 239 ratingsTalking Biotech is a weekly podcast that uncovers the stories, ideas and research of people at the frontier of biology and engineering.
Each episode explores how science and technology will transform agriculture, protect the environment, and feed 10 billion people by 2050.
Interviews are led by Dr. Kevin Folta, a professor of molecular biology and genomics.
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Episodes
319 – Reprogramming T-Cells for Immunotherapies
November 20, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 30.1 MBTweet T Cells are the body’snatural defenders against pathogens. In the past they have been reprogrammed to recognize specific surface antigens of cancer cells to attack and destroy them. The approach has worked well against a variety of cancers. The limitation is that they addition of genetic material is limited by transfer techniques. This episode of the Talking Biotech Podcast discusses the new approach with Dr. Ken Drazan of Arsenal Bio. They have devised a strategy to place gene...
Breeding Future Olives
November 13, 2021 05:00 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBOlives have a prominent role in the production of aromatic healthy culinary oils and brined olives for the table. Olive oil production occurs worldwide on old-growth orchards that are subject to a number of modern production challenges. Disease, pests, climate change and other issues threaten sustainable production. Today’s guest is Prof. Lorenzo Leon, an olive breeder from IFAPA in Cordoba, Spain. He has taken on the mantle of creating the next generation of superior olive cultiv...
318 – Breeding Future Olives
November 13, 2021 05:00 - 38 minutes - 36.1 MBTweet Olives have a prominent role in the production of aromatic healthy culinary oils and brined olives for the table. Olive oil production occurs worldwide on old-growth orchards that are subject to a number of modern production challenges. Disease, pests, climate change and other issues threaten sustainable production. Today’s guest is Prof. Lorenzo Leon, an olive breeder from IFAPA in Cordoba, Spain. He has taken on the mantle of creating the next generation of superior olive cult...
Insulin from Synthetic Biology
November 06, 2021 04:58 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBThirty million Americans depend on daily doses of insulin to stay alive. This small protein hormone is responsible for the regulation of blood sugar, and plays a key role in all aspects of physiology, as well as long-term effects on health. Despite its importance, the vast majority of insulin is produced off shore, leaving it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions that could be hazardous for many Americans. Domestic production is hindered by a variety of barriers, from production t...
317 – Insulin from Synthetic Biology
November 06, 2021 04:58 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBTweet Thirty million Americans depend on daily doses of insulin to stay alive. This small protein hormone is responsible for the regulation of blood sugar, and plays a key role in all aspects of physiology, as well as long-term effects on health. Despite its importance, the vast majority of insulin is produced off shore, leaving it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions that could be hazardous for many Americans. Domestic production is hindered by a variety of barriers, from production to...
316 – What We Can Learn from Ancient DNA
October 30, 2021 00:00 - 52 minutes - 50.7 MBTweet How can analysis of DNA isolated from old, preserved organisms, bones, or tissues tell us about life today? Dr. Beth Shapio is a professor at the University of California Santa Cruz and an HHMI Investigator. She has studied the genomic information from ancient preserved sources to describe events and adaptations that underlie species evolution. In this episode we discuss the technology behind isolating ancient DNA, its utility in resolving evolutionary lineages, and understandin...
What We Can Learn from Ancient DNA
October 30, 2021 00:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBHow can analysis of DNA isolated from old, preserved organisms, bones, or tissues tell us about life today? Dr. Beth Shapio is a professor at the University of California Santa Cruz and an HHMI Investigator. She has studied the genomic information from ancient preserved sources to describe events and adaptations that underlie species evolution. In this episode we discuss the technology behind isolating ancient DNA, its utility in resolving evolutionary lineages, and understanding ...
315 – Integrated Molecular Strategies in Combating Disease
October 23, 2021 02:04 - 53 minutes - 40.2 MBTweet New strategies in gene therapy are integrating multiple modern techniques to take on contemporary challenging diseases, such as solid-tumor cancers. Dr. Eric Ostertag of Poseida Therapeutics describes their transposon-based gene therapies that deliver useful gene replacements through biodegradable, tissue-targeted nanoparticles. This contrasts against the older gene therapy technologies that relied on viral delivery. In addition, Poseida offers new approaches in CAR-T cell therapies...
Integrated Molecular Strategies in Combating Disease
October 23, 2021 02:04 - 54 minutes - 50 MBNew strategies in gene therapy are integrating multiple modern techniques to take on contemporary challenging diseases, such as solid-tumor cancers. Dr. Eric Ostertag of Poseida Therapeutics describes their transposon-based gene therapies that deliver useful gene replacements through biodegradable, tissue-targeted nanoparticles. This contrasts against the older gene therapy technologies that relied on viral delivery. In addition, Poseida offers new approaches in CAR-T cell therapie...
Genetic Counseling in the Biotech Era
October 16, 2021 18:51 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBGenetic counselors play a critical role from pre-natal guidance to lifelong expertise in managing genetically-based disorders. With the tools of rapid sequencing and computational biology, the genetic counselor has new tools to predict genetic disorders and advise symptom management. Today’s guest is Pilar Magoulas, a Certified Genetic Counselor from Texas Children’s Hospital. She has won awards for her expertise in genetic counseling. We discuss the traditional roles of genetic co...
314 – Genetic Counseling in the Biotech Era
October 16, 2021 18:51 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBTweet Genetic counselors play a critical role from pre-natal guidance to lifelong expertise in managing genetically-based disorders. With the tools of rapid sequencing and computational biology, the genetic counselor has new tools to predict genetic disorders and advise symptom management. Today’s guest is Pilar Magoulas, a Certified Genetic Counselor from Texas Children’s Hospital. She has won awards for her expertise in genetic counseling. We discuss the traditional roles of genetic ...
313 – Rediscovery of New Cancer Drugs
October 09, 2021 19:42 - 32 minutes - 30.6 MBTweet Drug pipelines are thick with novel compounds that may have an effect on our most insidious diseases. However, most either fail early trials or are withdrawn because companies don’t see the return on investment of driving them forward. These shelved compounds still may have important roles in treating orphan diseases. The Children’s Tumor Foundation identifies these compounds lost to corporate expectations and re-analyzes them for therapeutic potential for other indications. Dr. An...
Rediscovery of New Cancer Drugs
October 09, 2021 19:42 - 33 minutes - 31 MBDrug pipelines are thick with novel compounds that may have an effect on our most insidious diseases. However, most either fail early trials or are withdrawn because companies don’t see the return on investment of driving them forward. These shelved compounds still may have important roles in treating orphan diseases. The Children’s Tumor Foundation identifies these compounds lost to corporate expectations and re-analyzes them for therapeutic potential for other indications. Dr. A...
Evidence that Modern Birds are Dinosaurs
October 02, 2021 10:54 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBThe classical assumption was that the modern dinosaur lineage led directly to today’s reptiles. However, a growing suite of evidence has shown that modern birds more closely emulate prehistoric creatures. Today’s guests are Profs Alexander Vargas (University of Chile) and Joao Bothelo (Catholic University of Chile). Their work on comparative anatomy in embryos has unveiled additional similarities between birds and dinosaurs, and pharmacological and molecular evidence has shown that...
312 – Evidence that Modern Birds are Dinosaurs
October 02, 2021 10:54 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBTweet The classical assumption was that the modern dinosaur lineage led directly to today’s reptiles. However, a growing suite of evidence has shown that modern birds more closely emulate prehistoric creatures. Today’s guests are Profs Alexander Vargas (University of Chile) and Joao Bothelo (Catholic University of Chile). Their work on comparative anatomy in embryos has unveiled additional similarities between birds and dinosaurs, and pharmacological and molecular evidence has shown th...
Debunking Jeffrey Smith
September 25, 2021 00:00 - 2 hours - 124 MBWe must be dedicated to fighting back against false information in food and medicine. Jeffery Smith is a personality with no scientific training that has used disinformation to taint an important public discussion on biotechnology for over 25 years. One of the ways he does this is to hijack legitimate scientific venues, making them think he conveys actual information. He then uses their media to push his false information that ultimately affects the public trust in food, farming ...
311 – Debunking Jeffrey Smith
September 25, 2021 00:00 - 2 hours - 150 MBTweet We must be dedicated to fighting back against false information in food and medicine. Jeffery Smith is a personality with no scientific training that has used disinformation to taint an important public discussion on biotechnology for over 25 years. One of the ways he does this is to hijack legitimate scientific venues, making them think he conveys actual information. He then uses their media to push his false information that ultimately affects the public trust in food, farming a...
Influencing a Conversation with a #ScienceHug
September 19, 2021 15:09 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBIn this week of technical failures and personal challenges, this week’s podcast investigates the merits of civil conversation. In an angry online environment, can we use the tools of trust building, listening, and empathy to build trust and have greater influence? I discuss my current circumstances and the status of the social media discussion of vaccine hesitancy and genetic engineering. Can we influence the acceptance of good technology with a soft touch? Can we win more heart...
310 – Influencing a Conversation with a #ScienceHug
September 19, 2021 15:09 - 36 minutes - 60.1 MBTweet In this week of technical failures and personal challenges, this week’s podcast investigates the merits of civil conversation. In an angry online environment, can we use the tools of trust building, listening, and empathy to build trust and have greater influence? I discuss my current circumstances and the status of the social media discussion of vaccine hesitancy and genetic engineering. Can we influence the acceptance of good technology with a soft touch? Can we win more hearts...
Relax and Enjoy Your Food
September 11, 2021 05:00 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBThere is no such thing as bad food, it is just bad diets, so says Craig Good. Various life events caused him to rethink his relationship with food, and a keen skepticism led him to carefully evaluate the mistakes we make, the myths we accept, and the potential reasons we have an epidemic of diet-related illness and an internet packed with fad diets. The punchline is common sense, but comes after a discussion of food facts, psychology, and a prescription for healthy eating. Follow...
309 – Relax and Enjoy Your Food
September 11, 2021 05:00 - 40 minutes - 40.3 MBTweet There is no such thing as bad food, it is just bad diets, so says Craig Good. Various life events caused him to rethink his relationship with food, and a keen skepticism led him to carefully evaluate the mistakes we make, the myths we accept, and the potential reasons we have an epidemic of diet-related illness and an internet packed with fad diets. The punchline is common sense, but comes after a discussion of food facts, psychology, and a prescription for healthy eating. Follow ...
308 – Misinformation and GMOs
September 04, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes - 56.7 MBTweet How does misinformation about genetically engineered crops (GMOs) start and how do we correct it? These are questions asked by Prof. Robert Bird of the University of Connecticut. Prof. Bird discusses how an errant article can become the basis of misinformation spread, and how communicators can help push back against misinformation. Sign up for the online class here.
Misinformation and GMOs
September 04, 2021 05:00 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBHow does misinformation about genetically engineered crops (GMOs) start and how do we correct it? These are questions asked by Prof. Robert Bird of the University of Connecticut. Prof. Bird discusses how an errant article can become the basis of misinformation spread, and how communicators can help push back against misinformation. Sign up for the online class here. # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing r...
Glyphosate Residues and Dietary Exposure
August 28, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBThe herbicide glyphosate has been used for decades, with increased use paralleling the adoption of genetically engineered crops. The compound has a strong safety record and international regulatory consensus stating no unique health risks when used as directed. However, claims of cancer risk have increased in social media and websites, despite only cursory and/or circumstantial evidence of any actual causality. Juries have supported class-action lawsuits with substantial payouts ba...
307 – Glyphosate Residues and Dietary Exposure
August 28, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBTweet The herbicide glyphosate has been used for decades, with increased use paralleling the adoption of genetically engineered crops. The compound has a strong safety record and international regulatory consensus stating no unique health risks when used as directed. However, claims of cancer risk have increased in social media and websites, despite only cursory and/or circumstantial evidence of any actual causality. Juries have supported class-action lawsuits with substantial payouts bas...
Florida’s COVID Response / Long COVID
August 21, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBToday’s podcast features two interviews about COVID19. The first is an interview with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried. Commissioner Fried has been an outspoken critic of the state’s handling of the pandemic, she pulls no punches about the errors in policy, and discusses her efforts and vision for a COVID-free future. In the second half Brady Holmer discusses long COVID. As the pandemic continues unfortunate patterns are emerging with regard to chronic cognitive, p...
306 – Florida’s COVID Response / Long COVID
August 21, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBTweet Today’s podcast features two interviews about COVID19. The first is an interview with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried. Commissioner Fried has been an outspoken critic of the state’s handling of the pandemic, she pulls no punches about the errors in policy, and discusses her efforts and vision for a COVID-free future. In the second half Brady Holmer discusses long COVID. As the pandemic continues unfortunate patterns are emerging with regard to chronic cognitive, pu...
305 – Early Cancer Detection with Liquid Biopsy
August 14, 2021 05:00 - 26 minutes - 28.8 MBTweet Many cancers are much more curable if detected early. However, the current suite of detection methods are slow, expensive and can’t detect a problem until it is advanced. Dr. Steven Quake of the Chan-Zukerberg Biohub is working with a group to perfect the liquid biopsy. Using just a patient’s blood, the test strive to identify cell-free RNA and /or DNA that often is shed into the bloodstream from solid tumors. Detection of such molecules may help diagnosticians identify cellular tran...
Early Cancer Detection with Liquid Biopsy
August 14, 2021 05:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBMany cancers are much more curable if detected early. However, the current suite of detection methods are slow, expensive and can’t detect a problem until it is advanced. Dr. Steven Quake of the Chan-Zukerberg Biohub is working with a group to perfect the liquid biopsy. Using just a patient’s blood, the test strive to identify cell-free RNA and /or DNA that often is shed into the bloodstream from solid tumors. Detection of such molecules may help diagnosticians identify cellular tr...
304 – Last Minute Guests!
August 07, 2021 05:00 - 59 minutes - 52.5 MBTweet Yay for gremlins! Technical difficulties precluded the planned podcast, but that didn’t stop two good interviews from materializing a the last minute. Cameron Siggs is an attorney in south Florida. He came into a conversation in a Whole Foods Market that demonstrated the power of engagement and kind dialogue. In the second half we visit with registered dietitian Leah McGrath about farmers markets, seasonal produce and strange consumer expectations. Two great interviews with excelle...
Last Minute Guests!
August 07, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 56 MBYay for gremlins! Technical difficulties precluded the planned podcast, but that didn’t stop two good interviews from materializing a the last minute. Cameron Siggs is an attorney in south Florida. He came into a conversation in a Whole Foods Market that demonstrated the power of engagement and kind dialogue. In the second half we visit with registered dietitian Leah McGrath about farmers markets, seasonal produce and strange consumer expectations. Two great interviews with excell...
303 – Activating Suites of Plant Genes with Cas9
July 31, 2021 05:00 - 24 minutes - 25.1 MBTweet The role of Cas9 as an editing/deletion nuclease has been well established, but can it be used to turn genes on? Dr. Yiping Qi of the University of Maryland has developed a system where Cas9’s specificity is used to recruit gene expression activation factors to plant promoters. The approach allows activation of sets of genes associated with disease resistance or other useful plant traits.
Activating Suites of Plant Genes with Cas9
July 31, 2021 05:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBThe role of Cas9 as an editing/deletion nuclease has been well established, but can it be used to turn genes on? Dr. Yiping Qi of the University of Maryland has developed a system where Cas9’s specificity is used to recruit gene expression activation factors to plant promoters. The approach allows activation of sets of genes associated with disease resistance or other useful plant traits. # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your ...
302 – COVID19 Detection in Masks and Wearables
July 24, 2021 05:00 - 36 minutes - 31 MBTweet COVID19 is the spectrum of pathologies caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. While the pandemic moves well into its second year, the importance of detection in populations cannot be overstated. However, testing methods typically include visiting testing centers, and it is hard to find a test that is both rapid and precise. Dr. Peter Ngyuen is a scientist with the Wyss Institute that has designed wearable sensors to detect specific viruses. We talk about the amazing synthetic biology tec...
COVID19 Detection in Masks and Wearables
July 24, 2021 05:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBCOVID19 is the spectrum of pathologies caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. While the pandemic moves well into its second year, the importance of detection in populations cannot be overstated. However, testing methods typically include visiting testing centers, and it is hard to find a test that is both rapid and precise. Dr. Peter Ngyuen is a scientist with the Wyss Institute that has designed wearable sensors to detect specific viruses. We talk about the amazing synthetic biology te...
301 – Virus Resistant Cassava in Kenya
July 17, 2021 05:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MBTweet Cassava is a staple for one in ten people on earth, grown mostly by small famers tending a few acres. One of the challenges is insect-vectored virus Cassava Brown-Streak Virus that destroys the root. Scientists from Africa and the Danforth Center in St. Louis MO, USA have collaborated to create a cassava line that is genetically engineered to suppress the virus. The approach is similar to what was done to save the papaya in Hawaii, essentially using a portion of the virus sequenc...
Virus Resistant Cassava in Kenya
July 17, 2021 05:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBCassava is a staple for one in ten people on earth, grown mostly by small famers tending a few acres. One of the challenges is insect-vectored virus Cassava Brown-Streak Virus that destroys the root. Scientists from Africa and the Danforth Center in St. Louis MO, USA have collaborated to create a cassava line that is genetically engineered to suppress the virus. The approach is similar to what was done to save the papaya in Hawaii, essentially using a portion of the virus sequence...
300 – The Battle to Teach Science
July 10, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 93.4 MBTweet Episode 300 is guest-hosted by Ally Kennedy. She interviews Dr. Kevin Folta about the obstacles to communicating science over the last decade. From a libelous piece in the New York Times, to coordinated smear campaigns, and a university’s rejection of academic freedom, they discuss the details of these events and their impact on Folta’s ag/science communication efforts. It is an eye-opening discussion of the battles faced for stepping into a public discussion, along with the personal...
The Battle to Teach Science
July 10, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 59 MBEpisode 300 is guest-hosted by Ally Kennedy. She interviews Dr. Kevin Folta about the obstacles to communicating science over the last decade. From a libelous piece in the New York Times, to coordinated smear campaigns, and a university’s rejection of academic freedom, they discuss the details of these events and their impact on Folta’s ag/science communication efforts. It is an eye-opening discussion of the battles faced for stepping into a public discussion, along with the person...
299 – Revisiting Huber’s Claims
July 03, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBTweet He jet-sets around the planet and writes letters to government officials, brandishing academic and military credentials. He speaks with authority as an affiliate of a land-grant university. His claims rattle audiences and frighten regulators in the Developing World. Dr. Don M. Huber is a Professor Emeritus at Purdue University. Over the last decade he has taken the point to denigrate agricultural biotechnology and its associated chemistries. Many of his fantastical claims are pa...
Revisiting Huber’s Claims
July 03, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBHe jet-sets around the planet and writes letters to government officials, brandishing academic and military credentials. He speaks with authority as an affiliate of a land-grant university. His claims rattle audiences and frighten regulators in the Developing World. Dr. Don M. Huber is a Professor Emeritus at Purdue University. Over the last decade he has taken the point to denigrate agricultural biotechnology and its associated chemistries. Many of his fantastical claims are pat...
298 – Good Science Information vs Disinformation Feedback Loops
June 26, 2021 05:00 - 58 minutes - 56.4 MBTweet The Genetic Literacy Project is a popular science news website. A diverse set of articles and viewpoints are presented, with original articles and news aggregated from the internet. Over the last decade the website as been accused of simply being a “front” for the seed industry, even though there is no such tie to these businesses. Such accusations are levied by websites and NGOs that reject the science presented. A recent expose’ in the Genetic Literacy Project analyzed the organ...
Good Science Information vs Disinformation Feedback Loops
June 26, 2021 05:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBThe Genetic Literacy Project is a popular science news website. A diverse set of articles and viewpoints are presented, with original articles and news aggregated from the internet. Over the last decade the website as been accused of simply being a “front” for the seed industry, even though there is no such tie to these businesses. Such accusations are levied by websites and NGOs that reject the science presented. A recent expose’ in the Genetic Literacy Project analyzed the org...
Smart People, Bad Food Choices
June 19, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBJack Bobo has been studying food, farming and the associated psychology for decades, asking questions about the choices people make around food. His recent book Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices addresses the psychology of value, risk and food choice. Follow Jack Bobo on Twitter : @Jack_A_Bobo Futurity website here. # COLABRA Talking 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 mo...
297 – Smart People, Bad Food Choices
June 19, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBTweet Jack Bobo has been studying food, farming and the associated psychology for decades, asking questions about the choices people make around food. His recent book Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices addresses the psychology of value, risk and food choice. Follow Jack Bobo on Twitter : @Jack_A_Bobo Futurity website here.
296 – Turning Plastic Waste Into Vanilla
June 12, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.9 MBTweet We have two major problems. Vanilla is mostly produced in a narrow set of unstable economies and the supply chains are especially vulnerable. There is massive demand for vanilla flavoring. The other major problem is plastic bottles. Plastic waste from PET bottles creates a massive environmental hazard, and is purely unsustainable. What if those bottles could be used as a substrate to produce useful compounds, like vanilla flavoring? Dr. Joanna Sadler asked that exact question a...
Turning Plastic Waste Into Vanilla
June 12, 2021 05:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBWe have two major problems. Vanilla is mostly produced in a narrow set of unstable economies and the supply chains are especially vulnerable. There is massive demand for vanilla flavoring. The other major problem is plastic bottles. Plastic waste from PET bottles creates a massive environmental hazard, and is purely unsustainable. What if those bottles could be used as a substrate to produce useful compounds, like vanilla flavoring? Dr. Joanna Sadler asked that exact question ...
Evidence of Widespread Gene Transfer
June 05, 2021 05:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBAnalysis of massive genomic DNA sequence data indicates that gene transfer between similar species actually happened, and did so at a surprising rate. Today’s podcast with Dr. Luke Dunning of University of Sheffield discusses his recent findings that indicate grasses are sharing genes with each other. It is an interesting discussion about horizontal gene transfer, from its mechanism, to its outcomes, to its effect on genetic variation and evolution. Follow Dr. Dunning on Twitter ...
295 – Evidence of Widespread Gene Transfer
June 05, 2021 05:00 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBTweet Analysis of massive genomic DNA sequence data indicates that gene transfer between similar species actually happened, and did so at a surprising rate. Today’s podcast with Dr. Luke Dunning of University of Sheffield discusses his recent findings that indicate grasses are sharing genes with each other. It is an interesting discussion about horizontal gene transfer, from its mechanism, to its outcomes, to its effect on genetic variation and evolution. Follow Dr. Dunning on Twitt...
294 – Widespread GMOs in Nature
May 29, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 34.8 MBTweet One of the major objections to genetic engineering is that a DNA segment is transferred to the crop, and lands in a somewhat random location. That’s because genetic engineering largely uses Agrobacterium to perform the genetic exchange. But Agrobacterium came from nature, and there is significant evidence that DNA transfer events have been happening for thousands to millions of years. Dr. Leon Otten has been studying Agrobacterium for decades, and now is identifying recent evidenc...