Su Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist known for her coverage of innovative food trends, joins the discussion on critical elections in Ecuador and Guatemala. She highlights Ecuador's turbulent political climate marked by violence, including the assassination of a candidate, contrasting with Guatemala's hopeful mood after a victorious outsider. The conversation shifts to an intriguing medical topic—the resurgence of leprosy in America—and Singapore's pioneering advancements in alternative proteins, showcasing its leadership in lab-grown food innovation.
Guatemala elected a president focused on tackling corruption and violence, while Ecuador faces a run-off election with candidates representing different approaches to addressing corruption and boosting the economy.
Leprosy is making a comeback in Florida, but can now be cured with antibiotics, indicating the need for improved diagnostic capabilities and reducing misdiagnosis as a concern for tackling the disease.
Deep dives
Guatemala and Ecuador Elections: Calls for Change Amidst Corruption and Violence
In Guatemala, Bernardo Arevalo won the presidency with a focus on tackling corruption and violence, while Ecuador faces a run-off election with two different candidates. Luisa Gonzales represents the Citizen Revolution Movement and aims to continue the anti-corruption legacy of Rafael Correa, while Daniel N'Boa, a surprise contender, takes an investment-friendly approach to boost the economy. Both countries share issues of corruption and crime, indicating a desire for change among the citizens. However, the results suggest divergent political directions that may lead to different outcomes based on who wins the elections.
The Return of Leprosy in Florida: A Curable Disease Raising Concerns
Leprosy is making a comeback in Florida, with cases on the rise. The disease, caused by a bacterial infection, was once incurable and stigmatized, but can now be cured with antibiotics. While the risk of infection is low and medical professionals can treat it, misdiagnosis remains a concern. Leprosy is mostly transmitted through prolonged contact with infected individuals, armadillos, or through coughing and sneezing. Efforts to tackle the disease involve arming police forces, reducing poverty, and improving diagnostic capabilities. However, the current situation is unlikely to result in a return to leper colonies and the severe stigma associated with the disease in the past.
Singapore Leading the Way in Alternative Proteins: From Lab-Grown Meat to Microbial Gelato
Singapore is becoming a global leader in alternative proteins due to concerns over food security. With limited land for food production, the country aims to produce 30% of its food by 2030. Singapore offers fast regulatory approvals and licenses for alternative protein products, creating an environment that encourages experimentation. Various companies, such as Solar Foods and Very Dairy, have launched their products in Singapore first. Challenges remain in scaling up production and reducing costs, although America's recent approval of cultivated meat suggests competition for Singapore's lead in the industry. Regardless, the world stands to benefit from increased options in sustainable food sources.
Ecuador and Guatemala faced similar preoccupations with violence and corruption—one of Ecuador’s candidates was assassinated on the campaign trail—but their electoral outcomes were very different. What does that reveal about the region? Once rare in America, leprosy is on the rise again, particularly in Florida (8:04). And how Singapore leads the charge for “alternative proteins” (14:08).
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