Michael Schatz

Dr. Michael Schatz, a professor of computational biology and oncology at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the genetic world of tomatoes and eggplants. He reveals how researchers have mapped the genomes of these nightshades to locate genes that dictate their size and flavor. With CRISPR gene editing, they are creating bigger fruits while maintaining taste. The conversation also touches on the shift from traditional breeding to modern genetic techniques and the balance between innovation and public safety in genetically modified crops.