Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

This episode of the Talking Biotech podcast features Dr. Anita Shukla discussing the critical issue of antibiotic resistance and the innovative engineering solutions being explored to combat it. The conversation covers the evolutionary nature of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the importance of antibiotics in healthcare, and the collaborative efforts of the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA) to identify research priorities and strategies. Dr. Shukla emphasizes the need for novel therapeutic approaches, improved drug delivery systems, and the integration of advanced detection methods to address the growing challenge of AMR.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta interviews Dr. Sarah Taber, who shares her journey from agricultural consulting to running for Ag Secretary in North Carolina. It is mostly a story of dedication to changing the norms and changing the rules to benefit more farmers, trying to break deeply entrenched interests to create real change. The conversation explores the challenges facing North Carolina agriculture, the need for innovative ideas to shift from traditional crops to more profitable produce, and the political landscape that influences agricultural policies. Sarah discusses her motivations for running, the strategies she employed during her campaign, and the lessons learned from the experience. The episode concludes with insights on the future of agriculture in North Carolina and advice for aspiring politicians.

Dr. Kevin Folta dives into the current state of avian influenza, exploring the elusive H5N1 strain and its history. He raises crucial concerns about surveillance and the ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanizing infected poultry. The shift from traditional vaccines to mRNA technology is examined, revealing troubling cuts in funding for effective vaccination strategies. Moreover, the discussion highlights the potential risks of an avian influenza pandemic, emphasizing the need for proactive public health measures and the urgent necessity of informed discourse on vaccination.

This episode of the Talking Biotech podcast delves into the evolutionary significance and domestication history of corn (maize). Dr. Kevin Folta hosts a discussion with Regina Fairbanks and Dr. Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra from UC Davis, exploring the traits that enabled maize's domestication, the role of the TGA gene, and the implications for modern breeding. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding maize's genetic diversity and how modern tools may be used to unravel long standing questions about maize domestication.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Kevin Folta and Luis Ventura discuss the recent constitutional ban on genetically engineered corn in Mexico. They explore the implications of this regulation, the disinformation surrounding it, and the challenges faced by Mexican farmers. The conversation also touches on the broader impact of this ban on biotechnology in Latin America and the potential economic consequences for trade between Mexico and the United States.

Luis Ventura, a biotechnology expert and contributor to the Genetic Literacy Project, dives into the rich cultural and economic tapestry of corn in Mexico. He unpacks the ramifications of the moratorium on genetically modified corn and its implications for farmers facing drought. The conversation also touches on the contentious debate surrounding GM corn, biodiversity concerns, and the historical ties of corn to U.S.-Mexico relations. Ventura emphasizes the need for modern agricultural advancements to support local economies while navigating shifting public perceptions.

This conversation explores the intersection of natural products and synthetic biology, emphasizing the importance of science communication and outreach. Julia Ball shares her passion for connecting the public with plant science, while Dr. Philip Zerbe discusses the potential of synthetic biology in producing valuable natural products, particularly terpenoids. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in educating the public about biotechnology and the role of synthetic biology in sustainable drug production. In this conversation, Dr. Philipp Zerbe discusses the intersection of synthetic biology and natural products, focusing on the advancements in omics technologies and their role in bioactivity screening and pathway engineering. He highlights the recent breakthroughs in Taxol production, the complexities of intellectual property in synthetic biology, and the varying consumer perceptions of bioengineered products. Additionally, he provides insights into career guidance for students interested in these fields, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and networking.

Stefan Van Grieken, CEO and co-founder of Cradle, dives into the groundbreaking fusion of AI and protein engineering. He discusses the crucial functions of proteins in biology and how Cradle’s software is reshaping protein design for therapeutics and industrial use. The conversation also explores the ethical implications of this technology, challenges like immunogenicity, and the potential for sustainable solutions via AI. With insights into the future of biotech, Van Grieken highlights how machine learning could lower innovation barriers in drug development.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta discusses the introduction of the Purple Tomato by Norfolk Healthy Produce. Dr. Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Healthy Produce, shares insights on the development, consumer reception, and regulatory landscape surrounding this innovative product. The conversation highlights the importance of consumer education and the potential for biotechnology to address health and nutritional needs. Dr. Pumplin discusses the technology and genetic engineering involved, the importance of plant breeding, and the health benefits associated with anthocyanins. He emphasizes the company's commitment to creating high-quality products while addressing public perceptions of GMOs and the future of biotechnology in agriculture.

Courtney Swan, host of the Real Foodology podcast and integrative nutritionist, dives into the rampant disinformation surrounding food and farming. She critiques misleading narratives about food safety linked to glyphosate and genetically engineered crops, highlighting how misinformation influences public perception and congressional testimonies. The discussion emphasizes the need for accurate scientific communication to combat these misconceptions. Swan warns of the economic implications of distrust in food systems engineered by misleading online campaigns.