Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

n this episode, Dr. Kevin Folta speaks with Joe Damond about the rapidly evolving landscape of life sciences, particularly focusing on gene and cell therapies. They discuss the exciting advancements in medical technology, the economic challenges associated with developing new therapies, and the implications for healthcare systems and patient access. The conversation also touches on the role of providers in administering these advanced treatments, the global disparities in access to innovative therapies, and the regulatory challenges that need to be addressed. Finally, they explore the potential of AI in transforming healthcare and the importance of ensuring equitable access to new medical technologies.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Kevin Folta interviews Jenny Du, co-founder and senior vice president of operations at Apeel, a company focused on reducing food waste through innovative post-harvest technology. They discuss the significant issue of food waste, particularly in fresh produce, and how Apeel's products work to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by addressing moisture loss and oxidation. The conversation delves into the science behind Appeal's technology, the sustainability of its ingredients, and the broader implications of food waste on food security and greenhouse gas emissions. In this conversation, Jenny Du discusses the challenges of extending the shelf life of produce, particularly avocados, and the role of technology in improving food supply chains. She addresses misconceptions about her company and emphasizes consumer awareness regarding food technologies. The discussion also touches on the potential for increasing produce diversity and the impact of post-harvest technologies on food security.

Citrus greening disease or HLB has severely impacted Florida citrus production.  And while many solutions have been proposed, there is interest in a number of trees that have shown to not show symptoms of the disease. This week's episode discusses the disease with retired extension specialist Gary England as he evaluates "survivor" trees. These trees continue to produce even when infected, and may provide insights into resistance to the disease, as well as provide genetics to maintain the Florida orange juice industry until other options are available. 

In this conversation, Dr. Kevin Folta and Vance Crowe discuss the evolving landscape of agriculture communication, the rise of pseudoscience, and the cultural shifts affecting public trust in science. Vance shares his journey from working at Monsanto to founding Legacy Interviews, emphasizing the importance of capturing personal stories. They explore the challenges posed by influencers spreading misinformation about food safety and the implications of legal battles surrounding glyphosate. The discussion highlights the need for effective communication strategies in the face of growing skepticism towards scientific consensus. In this conversation, Vance Crowe and Kevin Folta discuss the evolving narrative surrounding glyphosate and its implications for agriculture. They explore the shift in public perception from anti-GMO sentiments to a focus on glyphosate litigation, the complexities of scientific communication, and the erosion of trust in institutions. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in light of potential chemical bans and the importance of rebuilding faith in science and its communicators.

Protein is essential for normal human development and physiology, yet is a significant global deficiency. World food staple crops like rice, wheat, cassava, and potato have relatively protein levels, yet constitute a significant portion of calories consumed. Dr. Ling Li of Mississippi State University has identified that overexpression of a gene called NF-YC4 can lead to higher protein accumulation. Her team used gene editing to remove promoter elements that suppress expression of this factor in soybeans and rice. The resulting plants accumulate more protein, and are curently being used in generating seed that may play an important role in global nutrition. Follow Dr. Ling Li at @Ling89093335

We regularly discuss a small suite of commercial crops that have been genetically enhanced with transgenes.  However, one additional genotype was transformed long ago, and approved for use in the USA, Canada and EU-- but nobody talks about it much.  It is the plum resistant to plum pox virus (PPV), a devastating virus of stonefruits.  While rare in the USA, it is endemic throughout the rest of the northern hempisphere, and certainly could become a problem. Dr. Chris Dardick of the USDA-ARS in Kearneysville, WV talks about the plum, its history and current application. The resistant plum was developed by the USDA-ARS in the 1990s, using a similar approach to the successful papaya ringspot virus resistant papaya. The work is a foundational success of biotechnolgy, and an available strategy in the event the virus ever emerges. . 

In 2013 a number of county ordinances sought to end the use of biotech crops on various Hawaiian islands. Hawaii's warm year-'round climate permits several corn seasons a year, so seed corn for the mainland is produced in these locations. However, these technologies are not appreciated by a subset of the population, who see these companies as poisoning paradise. Drs. Steve Savage and Kevin Folta were brought to Kauai by the Hawaiian Crop Improvement Association to speak to business leaders and public audiences. They were met with protests and disdain, and this episode reflects on some of the experiences in public advocacy for sciecne. Dr. Savage also recounts his career in science and growing along with biotech breakthroughs. 

Great products and ideas are everywhere, yet limited by the ability to actually produce them in needed quantitites. The technologies from Sunflower Therapeutics enable bioprocess applications throughout the globe in a deployable unit with a small footprint. Dr. Kerry Love describes the technology and it's applications, along with the philosophy of a public benefit corporation that seeks to meet the needs from small startups to remote ressearchers. 

T-cells are a critical part of the adaptive immune system, actively targeting problematic invaders.  From pathogens to cancers, T-cells seek and destroy potentially dangerous cells, and maintain a memory of their presence. In today's episode Dr. Nigel McCracken describes this part of the adaptive immune system and how Virax Biolabs is using specialized tests to ascertain the presence and activity of T-cells activated by specific pathogens, such as Epstein-Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus and SARS-CoV2. We discuss the many applications of the technology and how the product pipeline may be employed in disease detection, to assess inflammatory response, and to gauge potential immunity to known pathogens.

Disinformation clouds the public understanding of science, especially technology in agriculture and medicine. So when a leading journal publishes false information, academic experts have an obligation to help correct the process. This may be done via a variety of methods, but cordial and collegial discussion is the first step. When that fails, notes to editors and authors are in order. When that fails, written point-by-point rebuttals are required. But what happens when that fails? An article in Pediatrics suggests that children are at special risk when consuming ingredients from gentically engineered (familiarly "GMO") crops. The article is rife with error and inuendo, and presents an opinion that lies diametric to the scientific consensus. Our efforts to correct the information have been met with 100% resistance, as editors, authors and reviwers have entrenched positions that are recalcitrant to revision, or even discussion. It destroys trust in food, technology, experts and a reputable journal. What should we do next? I discuss the situation with immunologist/microbiolgist Dr. Andrea Love and pediatrician Dr. Nicole Keller.