Nicola Twilley

Nicola Twilley, an author and host of the Gastropod podcast, dives into the intriguing world of food science. She discusses how refrigeration revolutionized our relationship with food, allowing us to enjoy fruits out of season. Twilley explores the role of ethylene in ripening, the innovations in produce storage, and even shares the story of a groundbreaking apparatus designed to keep lettuce fresh. Her insights reveal how the science behind cold influences not just flavor, but the future of food preservation.

Nicola Twilley, co-host of the Gastropod podcast and author of 'Frostbite,' dives into the intriguing world of refrigerators. She unveils how these common appliances affect our food and the planet, debunking myths about what belongs inside. Twilley discusses sustainable alternatives to refrigeration, the historical significance of ice in food preservation, and the revolutionary impact of cold storage on food safety. She also highlights the need for political action regarding the environmental issues posed by our current refrigeration systems.

In this engaging conversation, Nicola Twilley, host of the Gastropod podcast and author of "Frostbite," dives into the fascinating world of phage therapy. She discusses the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections and how phages—viruses that target bacteria—may be the key to combating this crisis. Twilley shares compelling stories, including a young man's battle with a drug-resistant infection, while highlighting the promise and challenges of integrating phage therapy into modern medicine. The discussion also touches on the ecological importance of understanding viral dark matter.

Nicola Twilley, author of "Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves," explores the transformative power of refrigeration on food systems. She reveals how the vast "cold chain" ensures food freshness while also highlighting its environmental repercussions. The conversation tackles the paradox of refrigeration, discussing its role in both reducing waste in developing countries and exacerbating overconsumption in wealthier regions. Ultimately, Twilley advocates for mindful consumption to balance flavor and sustainability.

In this engaging discussion, Nicola Twilley, a science journalist and co-host of the award-winning Gastropod podcast, reveals the hidden truths about refrigeration's role in our food system. She highlights shocking facts, like how many apples can be nearly a year old by the time they hit the store. Twilley discusses the challenging working conditions in cold storage, explores the environmental impact of refrigeration, and advocates for sustainable alternatives. Prepare to rethink food freshness and its implications for your diet and the planet!

Nicola Twilley, co-host of Gastropod and author of 'Frostbite', discusses how refrigeration revolutionized our food systems and even geopolitical dynamics. She highlights its critical role in the food supply chain and connections to historical events like Irish independence. The conversation also critiques the trend of microhistories, exploring how ordinary objects, like refrigeration, have unexpectedly changed the world, and why understanding these narratives is essential for grasping our modern complexities.

In this discussion, Nicola Twilley, co-host of the Gastropod podcast and a food systems expert, dives into America's obsession with shrimp. She reveals how shrimp became a culinary staple, tracing its rise from novelty to national favorite. Twilley also uncovers the darker side of the shrimp industry, from labor abuses in factories to environmental concerns linked to farming practices. With insights into sustainable fishing efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, the conversation highlights the complex dynamics of consumption, ethics, and environmental impact.

Join Dr. Edward Crawley, MIT's Ford Professor of Engineering, Gavin Maguire, Reuters' Global Energy Transition columnist, and writer Nicola Twilley, as they tackle the intricate web of unintended consequences in our tech-driven world. They explore how cleaner shipping fuels paradoxically heighten climate issues and the complexities of e-waste in the green energy wave. Twilley highlights refrigeration's dual role in diet and waste, while they all advocate for systems thinking to navigate this complexity and forge a sustainable future.

Nicola Twilley, author of "Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves," dives into the transformative power of refrigeration. She highlights how this technology reshaped global diets and health, turning seasonal foods into year-round staples. Twilley discusses brewers as pioneers of refrigeration technology and reveals fascinating insights about maintaining freshness in produce like lettuce. She also touches on innovations like lipid coatings as a sustainable alternative to plastic, redefining freshness in the food industry.

Nicola Twilley, author of 'Frostbite' and host of the Gastropod podcast, joins the discussion to explore the fascinating history of refrigeration. She delves into how this technology transformed food preservation and public health, revealing the initial skepticism and societal fears surrounding cold storage. Twilley draws connections to today’s technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of understanding history in shaping public perception. The conversation also touches on Amazon’s rise to a $2 trillion valuation and the retail struggles faced by Walgreens and Nike.