Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

In today's throwback to 2022, Dr. Avindra Nath of the NIH reviews research efforts in proteins expressed from human endogenous retroviruses. It is a fascinating discussion of how genome relics may be contributing to insidious human disease. 

This throwback episode to 2018 is an interview with plant breeding pioneer Dr. Maxine Thompson. 

Dr. Zack Abbott, CEO of ZBiotics and microbiologist, dives into the fascinating world of engineered probiotics designed to enhance gut health. They tackle the staggering fiber deficiency affecting 95% of Americans and explain how innovative probiotics can convert sugars into dietary fiber right in your gut. Zack shares insights on the science of levansucrase and its benefits for microbial diversity and gut integrity. With future possibilities for probiotics, they discuss addressing modern health challenges from dietary gaps to toxin detoxification.

Dr. Liza Lockwood, an expert on peer review and scientific integrity, joins Cameron English and Kevin Folta to discuss the frailties of academic publishing. They dive into the nuances of peer review, addressing concerns over low-quality studies and the pressure of 'publish or perish' culture. The trio explores how misinformation spreads and the challenges in correcting it, particularly during the COVID era. They also tackle the fallout from fraudulent research, emphasizing the critical need for transparency and accountability in science.

Dr. Jonathan Howard, a neurologist and chief of neurology at Bellevue Hospital, delves into the troubling rise of pandemic disinformation. He shares insights from his frontline experiences treating COVID patients and discusses how pre-existing anti-vaccine sentiments infiltrated mainstream discourse. Howard identifies key figures influencing public health narratives and critiques the media's role in amplifying misinformation. He emphasizes the urgent need for the medical community to combat falsehoods and restore trust in science.

Dr. Matthew Disney, an expert in small-molecule therapeutics at the UF Scripps Institute, dives into the revolutionary potential of RNA as a therapeutic target. He explores its pathogenic roles in diseases like ALS and myotonic dystrophy, and discusses innovative strategies to design small molecules that target structured RNA. Disney also highlights how RIBOTACs can recruit RNA-degrading enzymes, and shares insights on targeting viral genomes, including strategies for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2, showcasing the promising future of RNA therapeutics in combating various diseases.

Dr. Maxwell Scott, entomologist and expert in genetic pest management at North Carolina State University, delves into the menace of the screw worm, a parasitic insect affecting livestock. He shares insights on the historic success of the sterile insect technique in eradication efforts and discusses the current resurgence in North America. Fascinatingly, he explores innovative gene drive technologies being developed to manage screw worm populations while addressing public perception and regulatory challenges surrounding these genetic solutions.

Dr. Jackie Douglas, a medical oncology fellow at Johns Hopkins specializing in neoantigens and cancer immunotherapy, dives into the promising world of personalized cancer treatments. She explains how neoantigens, unique to cancer cells, can be targeted for therapy. The discussion includes HLA alleles' roles, challenges like patient variability, and the exciting potential of mRNA vaccines in clinical trials. Douglas emphasizes the need for affordable therapies and shares insights on future advancements, all while maintaining a hopeful outlook for cancer patients.

Derek Small, co-founder and CEO of Syndeo, discusses groundbreaking advances in treating neurological disorders, including the Boost platform for drug development. He highlights the critical role of synaptic function in mental health and the promise of event-driven pharmacology. The conversation also delves into the potential of psychedelics for therapeutic use and the innovative drug Zalquistinol, currently in trials for depression and Alzheimer's. Small advocates for destigmatizing mental health while emphasizing the need for targeted therapies and innovative strategies in drug discovery.

The podcast dives into the controversies surrounding glyphosate and its connection to major agricultural companies. It critiques a sensationalized science communication episode that inaccurately ties glyphosate to cancer fears. The discussion highlights the complexities farmers face with herbicide regulations and seed choices. It also examines the shifting safety classification of glyphosate by regulatory bodies. The episode emphasizes the importance of peer-reviewed research in countering misinformation and maintaining scientific integrity.