Many consumer products contain chemistries that originate from an unsustainable source. Dr. Chance Elliott VP of R&amp;D at Amyris describes how his company is using synthetic biology to engineer yeast to produce these same compounds from sustainable substrates. We also discuss the current business climate, how companies change with new technology, as well as how to prepare for a future for jobs in this rapidly evolving space. 

Many consumer products contain chemistries that originate from an unsustainable source. Dr. Chance Elliott VP of R&amp;D at Amyris describes how his company is using synthetic biology to engineer yeast to produce these same compounds from sustainable substrates. We also discuss the current business climate, how companies change with new technology, as well as how to prepare for a future for jobs in this rapidly evolving space.

Sustainable Chemistry through Synthetic Biology - Dr. Chance Elliott, Amyris

Alicia Zhou

The company Color has taken innovative approaches to varied aspects of public health.  From at-home kits that can assess cancer risk, to efforts to curb COVID19, to finding attractive ways to make health care more accessible, Color has launched an array of programs that seek to improve public health.  Dr. Alicia Zhou is the Chief Science Officer of Color.  We discuss Color's efforts in cancer and disease detection, it's inroads into personalized, precision medicine, and a look at how technology may enable improved access to quality health care. Color is also a leader in constructing modern biobanks, repositories of data that can help shape healthcare outcomes in diverse communities. We also discuss careers in this evolving space, and how the business is adapting to a changing health care  delivery landscape in positive ways that benefit the patient and the system as a whole. 

The company <a href="https://www.color.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Color </a>has taken innovative approaches to varied aspects of public health.  From at-home kits that can assess cancer risk, to efforts to curb COVID19, to finding attractive ways to make health care more accessible, Color has launched an array of programs that seek to improve public health.  <a href="https://twitter.com/ay_zhou" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Alicia Zhou </a>is the Chief Science Officer of Color.  We discuss Color's efforts in cancer and disease detection, it's inroads into personalized, precision medicine, and a look at how technology may enable improved access to quality health care. Color is also a leader in constructing modern biobanks, repositories of data that can help shape healthcare outcomes in diverse communities. We also discuss careers in this evolving space, and how the business is adapting to a changing health care  delivery landscape in positive ways that benefit the patient and the system as a whole.

A Look at the Color of Future Medical Care - Dr. Alicia Zhou

This is one hot tech discussion!  Protein therapeutics have great potential, but significant limitations to their utility. Dr. Dan Mandell of GRO Biosciences explains how they are using a non-standard library of amino acids to increase protein presentation. Along with glycosylation and other modifications, the proteins are more therapeutically active, as such changes can improve issues like stability and visibility to the immune system. The technologies are being used to design therapeutic solutions for autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis. This is a technology dense episode that stretches the bounds of molecular biology. 

This is one hot tech discussion!  Protein therapeutics have great potential, but significant limitations to their utility. Dr. Dan Mandell of GRO Biosciences explains how they are using a non-standard library of amino acids to increase protein presentation. Along with glycosylation and other modifications, the proteins are more therapeutically active, as such changes can improve issues like stability and visibility to the immune system. The technologies are being used to design therapeutic solutions for autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis. This is a technology dense episode that stretches the bounds of molecular biology.

Breaking Barriers in Protein Therapeutics - Dr. Dan Mandell

While many global genomics analyzes gene variants or RNA expression products, the levels of proteins are usually the most informative.  At the same time, quantifying proteins is relatively difficult, especially when trying to obtain a snapshot of the proteome from a single cell or tissue. Dr. Parag Mallick of Stanford University and Nautilus Biotechnology describes the utility of high-throughput proteomics, and how the technology incorporates a novel detection method and machine learning to quantify large suites of proteins. The applications are almost endless and present great opportunities to understand how accumulation of specific proteins relates to biological function or disease states. 

While many global genomics analyzes gene variants or RNA expression products, the levels of proteins are usually the most informative.  At the same time, quantifying proteins is relatively difficult, especially when trying to obtain a snapshot of the proteome from a single cell or tissue. Dr. Parag Mallick of Stanford University and Nautilus Biotechnology describes the utility of high-throughput proteomics, and how the technology incorporates a novel detection method and machine learning to quantify large suites of proteins. The applications are almost endless and present great opportunities to understand how accumulation of specific proteins relates to biological function or disease states.

Innovations in High Throughput Proteomics - Dr. Parag Mallick

Brian Culley

Many diseases or disorders originate with a loss of cellular function.  Cell death or damage is at the root of many problems associated with aging or injury. But what if the cells lost could simply be replaced to restore function?  Brian Culley, CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, discusses how his company has identified ways to generate specific cell types that can functionally replace lost cells in various contexts, restoring function. We discus applications in macular degeneration, hearing loss, and spinal cord injury, with potential applications in Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and many future applications. 

Many diseases or disorders originate with a loss of cellular function.  Cell death or damage is at the root of many problems associated with aging or injury. But what if the cells lost could simply be replaced to restore function?  Brian Culley, CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, discusses how his company has identified ways to generate specific cell types that can functionally replace lost cells in various contexts, restoring function. We discus applications in macular degeneration, hearing loss, and spinal cord injury, with potential applications in Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and many future applications.

The Amazing Potential of Cell Transplants - Brian Culley

Dr. Mike Tarselli, CSO of Tetra Science and Kevin Folta have a conversation about careers in biotech, where the discipline is going, along with observations about what makes someone successful in the field. We share many personal experiences as well as projections, and lessons we learned along the way.  This is a great episode if you are considering a career in biotechnology. 

Dr. Mike Tarselli, CSO of Tetra Science and Kevin Folta have a conversation about careers in biotech, where the discipline is going, along with observations about what makes someone successful in the field. We share many personal experiences as well as projections, and lessons we learned along the way.  This is a great episode if you are considering a career in biotechnology.

Adjusting to the Changing Biotech Landscape - Dr. Mike Tarselli

What can be learned about biology from massive datasets, and can that information unveil opportunities for new therapeutics?  This is the approach by Turbine.  Today's podcast discusses Turbine's approach with Dr. Dan Veres, CSO and Co-Founder of the company. He describes how data sets from multi-omics analysis are merged and analyzed to identify potential drug targets. and in silico information informs wet lab tests. The outcome is new therapeutics to treat recalcitrant disease.  Webiste: www.turbine.ai

What can be learned about biology from massive datasets, and can that information unveil opportunities for new therapeutics?  This is the approach by Turbine.  Today's podcast discusses Turbine's approach with Dr. Dan Veres, CSO and Co-Founder of the company. He describes how data sets from multi-omics analysis are merged and analyzed to identify potential drug targets. and in silico information informs wet lab tests. The outcome is new therapeutics to treat recalcitrant disease.  Webiste: <a href="https://turbine.ai/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.turbine.ai</a>

Drug Discovery in a Simulated Cell - Dr. Daniel Veres

Jonathan Howard

The COVID19 pandemic was a challenge in public health, but became much worse through politicization of science and a thriving misinformation network. Over a short time, a cadre of personalities emerged in a willing media that made claims contrary to public health guidance, stoking suspicion and eroding trust in the messaging from public health experts. Dr. Jonathan Howard's book, "We Want Them Infected" is a collection of social and traditional media comments by contrarian physicians and media personalities that frame the dissent against public health guidance. Dr. Howard uses their own words to illustrate how a handful of personalities hijacked a health crisis to personally benefit, while providing false and dangerous information that clouded pandemic response, and eroded trust in vaccinations and other aspects of public health. Buy "We Want them Infected" at Redhawk PublicationsOr on Amazon   

The COVID19 pandemic was a challenge in public health, but became much worse through politicization of science and a thriving misinformation network. Over a short time, a cadre of personalities emerged in a willing media that made claims contrary to public health guidance, stoking suspicion and eroding trust in the messaging from public health experts. Dr. Jonathan Howard's book, "We Want Them Infected" is a collection of social and traditional media comments by contrarian physicians and media personalities that frame the dissent against public health guidance. Dr. Howard uses their own words to illustrate how a handful of personalities hijacked a health crisis to personally benefit, while providing false and dangerous information that clouded pandemic response, and eroded trust in vaccinations and other aspects of public health. Buy "We Want them Infected" at <a href="https://redhawkpublications.com/We-Want-Them-Infected-p547021769" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redhawk Publications</a> Or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Want-Them-Infected-anti-vaccine-Americans/dp/1959346032" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon   </a>

COVID19 Misinformation "We Want Them Infected" - Dr. Jonathan Howard

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is recognized for his bad science around critical issues like vaccination and agricultural chemistry.  Recently he enjoyed a long-form, virtually uncontested platform on the Joe Rogan Experience where he rattled misinformation after falsehood about everything from vaccination to disease to glyphosate to cell phones. Because Rogan has a massive audience, this information is particularly dangerous. Here I refute, point-by-point, the false assertions made by Kennedy, and clearly show that he is simply a motivated disinformation hustler, and his false information must be corrected. In this podcast I refute his points with evidence, and show why he should not be trusted for information about medicine or agriculture. 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is recognized for his bad science around critical issues like vaccination and agricultural chemistry.  Recently he enjoyed a long-form, virtually uncontested platform on the Joe Rogan Experience where he rattled misinformation after falsehood about everything from vaccination to disease to glyphosate to cell phones. Because Rogan has a massive audience, this information is particularly dangerous. Here I refute, point-by-point, the false assertions made by Kennedy, and clearly show that he is simply a motivated disinformation hustler, and his false information must be corrected. In this podcast I refute his points with evidence, and show why he should not be trusted for information about medicine or agriculture.

Rebuttal to RFKj's Glyphosate Comments on Joe Rogan

The avocado is a wonderful fruit that is gaining in popularity, full of healthful oils and other nutrients.  However, consumers consistently note the obvious drawback of the short life of fresh avocados, especially when used in recipes, like guacamole. Oxidative browning occurs within minutes, and causes food waste and supply chain loss. Green Venus is a technology company that has used site-specific nucleases to edit the genome of avocado. Dr. Jeff Touchman discusses the challenges and opportunities, regulatory hurdles, and specifics of the edits, as well as the potential future of a genetically engineered avocado.  

The avocado is a wonderful fruit that is gaining in popularity, full of healthful oils and other nutrients.  However, consumers consistently note the obvious drawback of the short life of fresh avocados, especially when used in recipes, like guacamole. Oxidative browning occurs within minutes, and causes food waste and supply chain loss. Green Venus is a technology company that has used site-specific nucleases to edit the genome of avocado. Dr. Jeff Touchman discusses the challenges and opportunities, regulatory hurdles, and specifics of the edits, as well as the potential future of a genetically engineered avocado.

Happy Green Guacamole - The Non-Browning Avocado.  Dr. Jeff Touchman

Talking Biotech is a weekly podcast that uncovers the stories, ideas and research of people at the frontier of biology and engineering.Each episode explores how science and technology will transform agriculture, protect the environment, and feed 10 billion people by 2050.Interviews are led by Dr. Kevin Folta, a professor of molecular biology and genomics.

Thoughtful, analytical discussion of complicated topics in easily understood manner. Love it.

Fantastic podcast!

So thankful for this podcast. Helps me see through all the hippy nonsense

Thanks

Talking Biotech is a weekly podcast that uncovers the stories, ideas and research of people at the frontier of biology and engineering. Each episode explores how science and technology will transform agriculture, protect the environment, and feed 10 billion people by 2050. Interviews are led by Dr. Kevin Folta, a professor of molecular biology and genomics.

Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

The sweet potato has special seasonal or fast-food application in the industrialized world, but in many parts of the world it is an important part of the daily diet.  The sweet potato is botanically distinct from the standard solanaceous potato, and stands to have additional application as a nutritious food for new populations.  Dr. Jan Kreuze is classically trained in plant virology and has practiced his craft in potatoes.  He is currently working at the Center for Potato Improvement (CIP) in Lima Peru, near the center of potato diversity.  He discusses what a sweet potato is, its natural diversity and some of its genetic oddities.  The podcast concludes with discussion of a natural horizontal gene transfer that could be the basis of domestication.Dr. Kreuze’s PNAS paper is here. Follow Dr. Jan Kreuze on Twitter-  @JanKreuze# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

The sweet potato has special seasonal or fast-food application in the industrialized world, but in many parts of the world it is an important part of the daily diet.  The sweet potato is botanically distinct from the standard solanaceous potato, and stands to have additional application as a nutritious food for new populations.  Dr. Jan Kreuze is classically trained in plant virology and has practiced his craft in potatoes.  He is currently working at the Center for Potato Improvement (CIP) in Lima Peru, near the center of potato diversity.  He discusses what a sweet potato is, its natural diversity and some of its genetic oddities.  The podcast concludes with discussion of a natural horizontal gene transfer that could be the basis of domestication.Dr. Kreuze’s <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/112/18/5844.abstract" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PNAS paper is here</a>. Follow Dr. Jan Kreuze on Twitter-  @JanKreuze # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Sweet Potato, Nature’s GMO

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, has been used as a non-selective (kills all plants) herbicide since 1970.  It blocks a necessary step in plant metabolism and the plant dies, yet it has lower acute toxicity than table salt to animals. It is inexpensive, and a small amount works well, with rapid turnover in the environment. For this reason it has been widely used in municipal, agricultural and residential applications for decades.  Glyphosate sales increased upon the advent of genetically engineered crops. Some of these crops were engineered with a gene that circumvents the toxic effects of glyphosate on the plant, so the herbicide kills weeds but not the plant itself. The technology has been widely adopted and is popular with farmers.  The chemical has been tested and approved but government agencies all over the globe.  Hundreds of studies have concluded that it is extremely safe when used as directed.  However, there is a movement afoot that has targeted this compound with misinformation, including the claim that it causes cancer.  This is almost exclusively predicated on the decision of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that described glyphosate as a “probable carcinogen” based on a few barely significant data points, while ignoring higher-quality data.  Dr. Len Ritter is a Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences and an Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph. He is an expert in human toxicology and has followed the glyphosate story for decades.  In this episode of Talking Biotech we discuss the historical assessments of glyphosate safety, the well-described risks, and the IARC decision. # COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, has been used as a non-selective (kills all plants) herbicide since 1970.  It blocks a necessary step in plant metabolism and the plant dies, yet it has lower acute toxicity than table salt to animals. It is inexpensive, and a small amount works well, with rapid turnover in the environment. For this reason it has been widely used in municipal, agricultural and residential applications for decades.  Glyphosate sales increased upon the advent of genetically engineered crops. Some of these crops were engineered with a gene that circumvents the toxic effects of glyphosate on the plant, so the herbicide kills weeds but not the plant itself. The technology has been widely adopted and is popular with farmers.  The chemical has been tested and approved but government agencies all over the globe.  Hundreds of studies have concluded that it is extremely safe when used as directed.  However, there is a movement afoot that has targeted this compound with misinformation, including the claim that it causes cancer.  This is almost exclusively predicated on the decision of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that described glyphosate as a “probable carcinogen” based on a few barely significant data points, while ignoring higher-quality data.  Dr. Len Ritter is a Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences and an Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph. He is an expert in human toxicology and has followed the glyphosate story for decades.  In this episode of Talking Biotech we discuss the historical assessments of glyphosate safety, the well-described risks, and the IARC decision. # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Glyphosate Risk and the IARC Decision

While the technologies of genetic engineering are quite commonplace, it was not always the case.  The scientists that blazed the trail hold tremendous history, and it is good to visit with them to understand where the technology came from and where it is going. Dr. Maurice Moloney was there in the beginning, working with Calgene and some early issues in transgenic crops.  He also has served as a leader in some of the world’s preeminent plant science institutions. Dr. Moloney provides interesting and valued perspective about where we have been and where the science is going.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

While the technologies of genetic engineering are quite commonplace, it was not always the case.  The scientists that blazed the trail hold tremendous history, and it is good to visit with them to understand where the technology came from and where it is going. Dr. Maurice Moloney was there in the beginning, working with Calgene and some early issues in transgenic crops.  He also has served as a leader in some of the world’s preeminent plant science institutions. Dr. Moloney provides interesting and valued perspective about where we have been and where the science is going.# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Crop Genetic Engineering- History and Outlook

As of 3/11/2020 COVID-19 is emerging as a significant health threat worldwide.  This pandemic is on the rise, and public health suffers from politicized spin, misinformation, and a lack of good information.  This episode is targeted to the Talking Biotech listener that can connect with family and friends, sharing the facts of this outbreak.   Today’s guest is Dr. ChubbyEmu, the YouTube physician that has been at ground zero in discussing the coronavirus outbreak.  We dig a layer deeper into the disease, its physical manifestations, and the current state of the disease as it spreads into the USA.Watch ChubbyEmu on YouTube Follow ChubbyEmu on Twitter# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

As of 3/11/2020 COVID-19 is emerging as a significant health threat worldwide.  This pandemic is on the rise, and public health suffers from politicized spin, misinformation, and a lack of good information.  This episode is targeted to the Talking Biotech listener that can connect with family and friends, sharing the facts of this outbreak.   Today’s guest is Dr. ChubbyEmu, the YouTube physician that has been at ground zero in discussing the coronavirus outbreak.  We dig a layer deeper into the disease, its physical manifestations, and the current state of the disease as it spreads into the USA.Watch ChubbyEmu on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKOvOaJv4GK-oDqx-sj7VVg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> Follow ChubbyEmu on <a href="https://twitter.com/chubbyemu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

A Deeper Dive into COVID-19

 Tweet  Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that predominantly affects people of African descent. The disease results in chronic pain and early death, and is caused by a misfolding of oxygen-toting hemoglobin, a central protein in red blood cells.  Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the CRISPR Therapeutics companies have combined to test a potential therapy.  A patients stem cells are gene edited using CRISPR/Cas9 so that they stop producing adult mutant hemoglobin, and produce a fetal version instead.  The engineered stem cells are returned to the patient, who then manufactures fetal hemoglobin in their own blood cells, potentially curing the disease. Clinical trials have just begun.  Dr. Brenda Eustace, Director of Discovery Research, takes us through the problem, its effects and the Vertex solution that could bring needed relief to millions worldwide. Website:  VRTX.com  Twitter:  @VertexPharma# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

<a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talkingbiotechpodcast.com%2F199-gene-editing-and-sickle-cell-disease%2F&amp;via=talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweet</a> <a href="http://www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/199-vertex-cover.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that predominantly affects people of African descent. The disease results in chronic pain and early death, and is caused by a misfolding of oxygen-toting hemoglobin, a central protein in red blood cells.  Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the CRISPR Therapeutics companies have combined to test a potential therapy.  A patients stem cells are gene edited using CRISPR/Cas9 so that they stop producing adult mutant hemoglobin, and produce a fetal version instead.  The engineered stem cells are returned to the patient, who then manufactures fetal hemoglobin in their own blood cells, potentially curing the disease. Clinical trials have just begun.  Dr. Brenda Eustace, Director of Discovery Research, takes us through the problem, its effects and the Vertex solution that could bring needed relief to millions worldwide. Website:  <a href="http://VRTX.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">VRTX.com </a> Twitter:  <a href="http://www.twitter.com/VertexPharma" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@VertexPharma</a># COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/ # TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a> The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Gene Editing and Sickle Cell Disease

The herbicide glyphosate has been used for over 40 years and is a relatively safe and effective method to control weeds on the farm, in municipal areas and around the home.  It has been approved for safe use by many countries and evaluations by multiple independent governments have declared it to have minimal risk when used as directed.  However, glyphosate is the compound used on some genetically engineered crops.  Activists have targeted this compound in an attempt to limit the use of genetically engineered crops, claiming that it is dangerous, even carcinogenic.  This, despite zero evidence indicating that it is carcinogenic, and no mechanism of action that would promote cancer.  Today’s podcast interviews pediatrician Dr. Dan Goldstein from the Monsanto Company.  Dr. Goldstein is a physician that works for the company, particularly in the area of health and safety associated with their products.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

The herbicide glyphosate has been used for over 40 years and is a relatively safe and effective method to control weeds on the farm, in municipal areas and around the home.  It has been approved for safe use by many countries and evaluations by multiple independent governments have declared it to have minimal risk when used as directed.  However, glyphosate is the compound used on some genetically engineered crops.  Activists have targeted this compound in an attempt to limit the use of genetically engineered crops, claiming that it is dangerous, even carcinogenic.  This, despite zero evidence indicating that it is carcinogenic, and no mechanism of action that would promote cancer.  Today’s podcast interviews pediatrician Dr. Dan Goldstein from the Monsanto Company.  Dr. Goldstein is a physician that works for the company, particularly in the area of health and safety associated with their products.# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Glyphosate and Human Health

When we think about corn, we usually think about sweet corn.  It is a departure from its cousins that are grown on the vast majority of the acreage, the corn bred for use as animal feed and fuel.  Sweet corn was specifically discovered and selected because of its sweetness.  But how does a kernel of corn divert the resources used for starch production into simple sugars?  Dr. Curt Hannah has been studying starch production over his 45 year career at the University of Florida.  Along the way, he interacted with the University of Florida Sweet Corn Breeding Program down in Belle Glade, FL.  The discussion covers the genetic differences between sweet corn and corn-corn that lead to sweetness, but also some of the issues with production, breeding, and genetic engineering.Follow Dr. Hannah at @FloridaCornMan# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

When we think about corn, we usually think about sweet corn.  It is a departure from its cousins that are grown on the vast majority of the acreage, the corn bred for use as animal feed and fuel.  Sweet corn was specifically discovered and selected because of its sweetness.  But how does a kernel of corn divert the resources used for starch production into simple sugars?  Dr. Curt Hannah has been studying starch production over his 45 year career at the University of Florida.  Along the way, he interacted with the University of Florida Sweet Corn Breeding Program down in Belle Glade, FL.  The discussion covers the genetic differences between sweet corn and corn-corn that lead to sweetness, but also some of the issues with production, breeding, and genetic engineering.Follow Dr. Hannah at @FloridaCornMan# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Why Sweet Corn is Sweet

Dr. Stuart Smyth is no stranger to anyone that has watched social media.  As a leading ag economist he has consistently represented science and technology fairly and accurately, and tethered to his prolific publication of books and scholarly publication, he is a visible influencer in scientific and social media circles.  In today’s podcast we discuss his views on risks and benefits of GE crops, the rules of the EU and his home country of Canada.  We discuss the future of new technology, and made a few predictions about the next decade.Follow Dr. Smyth on Twitter:  @stuartsmyth66 His website at University of Saskatchewan:  Is here! # COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Dr. Stuart Smyth is no stranger to anyone that has watched social media.  As a leading ag economist he has consistently represented science and technology fairly and accurately, and tethered to his prolific publication of books and scholarly publication, he is a visible influencer in scientific and social media circles.  In today’s podcast we discuss his views on risks and benefits of GE crops, the rules of the EU and his home country of Canada.  We discuss the future of new technology, and made a few predictions about the next decade.Follow Dr. Smyth on Twitter:  <a href="http://www.twitter.com/stuartsmyth66" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@stuartsmyth66</a> His website at University of Saskatchewan:  <a href="http://saifood.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Is here! </a># COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

International Biotechnology, Policy and Future

The diamondback moth is a formidable agricultural pest, causing tremendous losses on farms and requiring significant cultural and chemical-based management on both conventional and organic farms.  Dr. Tony Shelton has studied the diamonback moth for decades, and now has initiated the first open field trails of a genetically engineered sterile insect technique that could be a helpful solution.  Dr. Shelton discusses the potential risks, benefits, promises and pushbacks from proposing this technology.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

The diamondback moth is a formidable agricultural pest, causing tremendous losses on farms and requiring significant cultural and chemical-based management on both conventional and organic farms.  Dr. Tony Shelton has studied the diamonback moth for decades, and now has initiated the first open field trails of a genetically engineered sterile insect technique that could be a helpful solution.  Dr. Shelton discusses the potential risks, benefits, promises and pushbacks from proposing this technology.# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Genetically Engineered Diamondback Moth

The herbicide glyphosate has been in use for over 40 years.  It is non-selective (kills all plants), it is inexpensive and has extremely low toxicity.  These attributes made it an important tool for municipalities, farmers, and homeowners. Use increased starting in 1996 with the advent of glyphosate-tolerant (marketed under the brand name “Roundup Ready”) crops, which have expanded in acreage ever since. Rob Saik (@rsaik) is an agronomist with significant experience and accolades in Canadian agriculture.  Along with his collaborator Chris Dufault, they compiled and analyzed Ontario government data on glyphosate use, and reported these trends. Rob describes the report and its findings.Download the report at :  robertsaik.com# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

The herbicide glyphosate has been in use for over 40 years.  It is non-selective (kills all plants), it is inexpensive and has extremely low toxicity.  These attributes made it an important tool for municipalities, farmers, and homeowners. Use increased starting in 1996 with the advent of glyphosate-tolerant (marketed under the brand name “Roundup Ready”) crops, which have expanded in acreage ever since. Rob Saik (@rsaik) is an agronomist with significant experience and accolades in Canadian agriculture.  Along with his collaborator Chris Dufault, they compiled and analyzed Ontario government data on glyphosate use, and reported these trends. Rob describes the report and its findings.Download the report at : <a href="https://rsaik.wordpress.com/2018/08/29/some-good-news-about-glyphosate/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> robertsaik.com</a> # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Glyphosate Trends in Agriculture

Other areas swimming in myth and misinformation involve our pets.  Domesticated animals are part of our lives, and therefore are frequent subjects of marketing shams and dangerous trends.  An animal anti-vaccination movement is alive and well, and a pet food industry is as steeped in half truths, marketing and emotional appeals attempts to skew consumer purchasing trends.  This week’s podcast interviews two experts in the area of pet food and vaccination.  Dr. Debbie Cottrell a veterinarian and the owner of West End Animal Hospital in Newberry, Florida.  She prides herself on an evidence-based practice, and is especially critical of claims that attempt to misinform her clients. Dr. Amy Stone is a small animal veterinarian from the University of Florida with an extensive background in immunology.  We had a wonderful conversation about recent trends, hot topics, and the manipulation of pet owners by unscrupulous marketers and ideologs, that sometimes can have negative outcomes for animals and owners.Visit Dr. Cottrell’s West End Animal Hospital Facebook PageDr. Amy Stone’s website# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Other areas swimming in myth and misinformation involve our pets.  Domesticated animals are part of our lives, and therefore are frequent subjects of marketing shams and dangerous trends.  An animal anti-vaccination movement is alive and well, and a pet food industry is as steeped in half truths, marketing and emotional appeals attempts to skew consumer purchasing trends.  This week’s podcast interviews two experts in the area of pet food and vaccination.  Dr. Debbie Cottrell a veterinarian and the owner of West End Animal Hospital in Newberry, Florida.  She prides herself on an evidence-based practice, and is especially critical of claims that attempt to misinform her clients. Dr. Amy Stone is a small animal veterinarian from the University of Florida with an extensive background in immunology.  We had a wonderful conversation about recent trends, hot topics, and the manipulation of pet owners by unscrupulous marketers and ideologs, that sometimes can have negative outcomes for animals and owners.Visit Dr. Cottrell’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WestEndAnimal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">West End Animal Hospital</a> Facebook Page Dr. Amy Stone’s <a href="http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/about-the-college/faculty-directory/amy-stone/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a># COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Pet Vaccines and Pet Foods

The war against agricultural biotechnology shifted in the last several years.  Carefully constructed steps by those opposed to technology have managed to malign a relatively innocuous compound– the herbicide glyphosate.  The compound is used in many applications, from GE crops to drying down some grains prior to harvest.  Armed with analytical chemistry, activist groups claim to detect glyphosate everywhere, of course in minuscule amounts.  But when those amounts are not zero, it provides a means to stoke fear and drive policy change.  It is amazing to watch what is happening around glyphosate, a compound with a long regulatory history and years of safe use.  The way that activists attain their goals is by manipulating the media, organizations that are willing to tell any story that can raise fear. Children being poisoned by breakfast cereal is just the ticket.  But are they being honest?   In this week’s 5th Anniversary podcast I dissect a recent CBS Television News story on the subject.  Do they get it right?# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

The war against agricultural biotechnology shifted in the last several years.  Carefully constructed steps by those opposed to technology have managed to malign a relatively innocuous compound– the herbicide glyphosate.  The compound is used in many applications, from GE crops to drying down some grains prior to harvest.  Armed with analytical chemistry, activist groups claim to detect glyphosate everywhere, of course in minuscule amounts.  But when those amounts are not zero, it provides a means to stoke fear and drive policy change.  It is amazing to watch what is happening around glyphosate, a compound with a long regulatory history and years of safe use.  The way that activists attain their goals is by manipulating the media, organizations that are willing to tell any story that can raise fear. Children being poisoned by breakfast cereal is just the ticket.  But are they being honest?   In this week’s 5th Anniversary podcast I dissect a recent CBS Television News story on the subject.  Do they get it right? # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Glyphosate: The Murder of a Molecule

Understanding animal stress is important for many reasons.  If we know how the animal brain responds to change it helps us understand habitat destruction and climate effects on population dynamics, and can provide important information about human impacts, adaptation, and animal conservation.  Understanding the animal neurological and physiological response to stress in models translates well to other animals, including humans.  This week’s podcast is a discussion with Dr. Christine Lattin, a postdoctoral researcher in the Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Center at Yale University. Dr. Lattin examines stress responses in house sparrows using live imaging so that birds can be studied over and over through time.However, Dr. Lattin has become a target of activists that have engaged malicious, personal attacks against her and her research.  The harassment has intensified into very personal acts of defamation and intimidation for this early career scientist.  We discuss the extreme measures she takes to ethically conduct her research and how her own personal reconciliation of how animals are important to research.  We then discuss what it is like to be the subject of an activist defamation campaign and personal attacks, and how to not just survive it- how to turn it into something positive.The discussion is powerful and emotional, and hopefully will stir further awareness of how scientists are attacked because of their research.Dr. Christine Lattin’s Twitter:  @C_lattinHer website:  www.christinelattin.com PETA wages a vicious attack on Dr. Christine Lattin.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Understanding animal stress is important for many reasons.  If we know how the animal brain responds to change it helps us understand habitat destruction and climate effects on population dynamics, and can provide important information about human impacts, adaptation, and animal conservation.  Understanding the animal neurological and physiological response to stress in models translates well to other animals, including humans.  This week’s podcast is a discussion with Dr. Christine Lattin, a postdoctoral researcher in the Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Center at Yale University. Dr. Lattin examines stress responses in house sparrows using live imaging so that birds can be studied over and over through time.However, Dr. Lattin has become a target of activists that have engaged malicious, personal attacks against her and her research.  The harassment has intensified into very personal acts of defamation and intimidation for this early career scientist.  We discuss the extreme measures she takes to ethically conduct her research and how her own personal reconciliation of how animals are important to research.  We then discuss what it is like to be the subject of an activist defamation campaign and personal attacks, and how to not just survive it- how to turn it into something positive.The discussion is powerful and emotional, and hopefully will stir further awareness of how scientists are attacked because of their research. Dr. Christine Lattin’s Twitter:  @C_lattin <a href="http://www.christinelattin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Her website:  www.christinelattin.com</a> PETA wages a vicious attack on Dr. Christine Lattin.# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Imaging Animal Behavior / Targeted for Your Science

The genomics era has generated tremendous data sets, yet the information they reveal is limited by the human biases that search them.  Are there ways to examine complex data sets for hidden patterns that can unearth new perspectives in biology?  This is the role of machine learning, and the patterns form the basis of artificial intelligence that then executes new tasks.  While these concepts seem difficult to fathom, Dr. Gabe Musso makes them understandable, and describes the ways they may be applied in contemporary contexts.The BioSymetrics website is here The BioSymetrics Twitter feed is here.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

The genomics era has generated tremendous data sets, yet the information they reveal is limited by the human biases that search them.  Are there ways to examine complex data sets for hidden patterns that can unearth new perspectives in biology?  This is the role of machine learning, and the patterns form the basis of artificial intelligence that then executes new tasks.  While these concepts seem difficult to fathom, Dr. Gabe Musso makes them understandable, and describes the ways they may be applied in contemporary contexts.The BioSymetrics website is <a href="https://www.biosymetrics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> The BioSymetrics Twitter feed<a href="http://www.twitter.com/biosymetrics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> is here</a>.# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The future gets closer every day, and many argue that technology will radically change the world for the better in the next 20 years– if we have the courage to let it.  Matt Ward is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and host of the Fringe FM Podcast.  He shares his provocative view of how technology is shifting life and priorities, and how the strangling force of regulation stands to slow progress.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

The future gets closer every day, and many argue that technology will radically change the world for the better in the next 20 years– if we have the courage to let it.  Matt Ward is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and host of the Fringe FM Podcast.  He shares his provocative view of how technology is shifting life and priorities, and how the strangling force of regulation stands to slow progress.# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

A Look Into the Future of Technology

In today’s podcast we speak with science journalist and author Mark Lynas.  Mark has been a central figure in the discussion of biotechnology, particularly in regard to its role in ensuring food security in the Developing World.  In the 1990’s and early 2000’s you could find Mark destroying test plots of genetically engineered crops.  Later he would reconsider his view, and support the technology, especially as it can be applied to help issues of food security.  Mark discusses the situation on the ground in Africa, the various threats to production, the innovations that can address them, and the resistance toward adoption of new technology. Follow Mark Lynas at @mark_lynas# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

In today’s podcast we speak with science journalist and author Mark Lynas.  Mark has been a central figure in the discussion of biotechnology, particularly in regard to its role in ensuring food security in the Developing World.  In the 1990’s and early 2000’s you could find Mark destroying test plots of genetically engineered crops.  Later he would reconsider his view, and support the technology, especially as it can be applied to help issues of food security.  Mark discusses the situation on the ground in Africa, the various threats to production, the innovations that can address them, and the resistance toward adoption of new technology. Follow Mark Lynas at @mark_lynas# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Food Security, Biotech, NGOs and Africa

PAPER

Back in 2012 a paper rocked the scientific community.  The claim was that small RNA molecules in dietary plant products could escape digestion, move through the bloodstream, and cause regulatory changes in animal physiology.  The concept was that the food we ate could change gene expression in new, unexpected ways.  For those of us studying the literature this was a great breakthrough that seemed impossible– but we all desperately wanted it to be true.  It would open a new area of science and great new avenues of inquiry– possibly even changing the way we approached human disease. But as time moved along our hopes faded.  Papers were published suggesting that the results were artifacts, more icons of potentially sloppy lab practices than revolutionary results.  This week’s guest is Dr. Ken Witwer from Johns Hopkins University.  We sat down and waxed fondly on the 2012 paper and how it has failed to live up to the hypothesis it presented.  The episode of the podcast covers RNAi, how it works, and how this proposed mechanism was plausible but unlikely, along with the data that support/do not support it. The punch line is that no matter how much we want new science to be true, rigorous analysis usually sorts out reality from fiction.  Dr. Ken Witwer’s Twitter:  @KennethWWitwer# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Back in 2012 <a href="http://www.nature.com/cr/journal/v22/n1/full/cr2011158a.html?foxtrotcallback=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a paper rocked the scientific community</a>.  The claim was that small RNA molecules in dietary plant products could escape digestion, move through the bloodstream, and cause regulatory changes in animal physiology.  The concept was that the food we ate could change gene expression in new, unexpected ways.  For those of us studying the literature this was a great breakthrough that seemed impossible– but we all desperately wanted it to be true.  It would open a new area of science and great new avenues of inquiry– possibly even changing the way we approached human disease. But as time moved along our hopes faded.  Papers were published suggesting that the results were artifacts, more icons of potentially sloppy lab practices than revolutionary results.  This week’s guest is Dr. Ken Witwer from Johns Hopkins University.  We sat down and waxed fondly on the 2012 paper and how it has failed to live up to the hypothesis it presented.  The episode of the podcast covers RNAi, how it works, and how this proposed mechanism was plausible but unlikely, along with the data that support/do not support it. The punch line is that no matter how much we want new science to be true, rigorous analysis usually sorts out reality from fiction. Dr. Ken Witwer’s Twitter:  @KennethWWitwer# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Bioactive Small RNAs (and the cool paper that wasn’t)

Indoor air is filled with hazardous trace compounds that arise from flooring, furniture, and even showering. While they pose a minor risk, they are present, and more so in our energy efficient homes. Dr. Stuart Strand has devised houseplants that express a detoxification gene from the human liver. The plants remove these compounds from the air, and may be important contributors to public health in the future.# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Indoor air is filled with hazardous trace compounds that arise from flooring, furniture, and even showering. While they pose a minor risk, they are present, and more so in our energy efficient homes. Dr. Stuart Strand has devised houseplants that express a detoxification gene from the human liver. The plants remove these compounds from the air, and may be important contributors to public health in the future.# COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Engineering Indoor Air Cleaning Plants

I’ve dreaded this day.  I have not missed a Saturday in a long time, but after being told to end the series by the institution I have not been able to find someone that can do the work to host the podcast on a weekly basis.I hope that those that complained to the university feel good about their accomplishment.  And it is people that claim to be friends of science, BTW.Right now the most prudent move is to go on a hiatus. I need time to regroup. My feeling is that I’m just going to come back, continue the podcast, and navigate the consequences.It does not make it easy.Sharing science is my passion and communicating the truths and deciphering the evidence is more critical than ever.  It is a shame I work for an institution that does not share that view. Please do not unsubscribe yet.  Stand by. I should know more about the fate of this vehicle by the end of January.Thank you for listening to the Talking Biotech Podcast, and I’ll talk to you soon.  Thank you.Kevin# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

I’ve dreaded this day.  I have not missed a Saturday in a long time, but after being told to end the series by the institution I have not been able to find someone that can do the work to host the podcast on a weekly basis.I hope that those that complained to the university feel good about their accomplishment.  And it is people that claim to be friends of science, BTW.Right now the most prudent move is to go on a hiatus. I need time to regroup. My feeling is that I’m just going to come back, continue the podcast, and navigate the consequences.It does not make it easy.Sharing science is my passion and communicating the truths and deciphering the evidence is more critical than ever.  It is a shame I work for an institution that does not share that view. Please do not unsubscribe yet.  Stand by. I should know more about the fate of this vehicle by the end of January.Thank you for listening to the Talking Biotech Podcast, and I’ll talk to you soon.  Thank you. Kevin # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Talking Biotech Hiatus

Alfatoxins are a significant threat to human health and world food security.  They are naturally-occurring toxic compounds produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus and other species.  These fungi thrive on corn, peanuts, wheat, rice and other food staples, and grow well in stored food supplies.  The compounds are potent carcinogens, and it is estimated that billions of people suffer from chronic exposure. Today’s guest is Dr. Peter Ojiambo from North Carolina State University.  He describes the current state of the problem and solutions, ranging from biocontrols, cultural adjustments and even modern biotechnology techniques.Dr. Ojiambo’s website 74 –Safer Foods with RNAi  (beating aflatoxin in maize with HIGS) 104 — Postharvest Solutions in Food Security 114 – Aflatoxin and Groundnut# COLABRATalking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECHTwitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotechWebsite: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahqThe Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Alfatoxins are a significant threat to human health and world food security.  They are naturally-occurring toxic compounds produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus and other species.  These fungi thrive on corn, peanuts, wheat, rice and other food staples, and grow well in stored food supplies.  The compounds are potent carcinogens, and it is estimated that billions of people suffer from chronic exposure. Today’s guest is Dr. Peter Ojiambo from North Carolina State University.  He describes the current state of the problem and solutions, ranging from biocontrols, cultural adjustments and even modern biotechnology techniques.<a href="https://plantpath.cals.ncsu.edu/people/faculty/peter-ojiambo/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Ojiambo’s website</a> <a href="http://www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com/074-decreased-fungal-food-toxins-with-rnai/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">74 –Safer Foods with RNAi  (beating aflatoxin in maize with HIGS)</a> <a href="http://www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com/104-postharvest-solutions-in-food-security/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">104 — Postharvest Solutions in Food Security</a> <a href="http://www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com/114-control-of-aflatoxin-in-groundnut/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">114 – Aflatoxin and Groundnut</a># COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&amp;D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/# TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech</a> Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq</a>The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.

Aflatoxin, Problems and Solutions

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