Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

After 8.5 years of weekly podcasts I'm going to take a 5 week break and plan new episodes for 2024.  I'm going through a medical glitch that has me unable to do my normal work. On top of this we're going to switch to an …

Even under the best conditions, crops need our assistance to survive the numerous threats that limit production. Classically, synthetic and natural …

There is tremendous variation in the plant kingdom, as plants have adapted to many ecological niches with discrete challenges. Part of adaptation is …

Gene editing is a powerful and specific technique that allows customized changes to DNA. Because there are no additional sequences transferred, and …

Information has been weaponized, and the ability to create false information to achieve an ideological goal has never been more easy. Political …

While DNA captures most of the fanfare, proteins are the catalytic and structural superstars of the cell. However, they can also become problematic. Cells have intricate mechanisms to remove damaged or mis-expressed …

Recombinant DNA technologies once confined to the laboratory are now available to just about anyone. Is this a good thing or an extreme risk? David …

We're surrounded by microbes, many that are the basis of disease. Others have evolved resistance to our best antibiotics. Others may be weaponized …

The Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is the largest native North American fruit, and grows wild throughout most temperate forests of the eastern United States and Canada, from southern Ontario to the Florida border. Several …

In today's episode I cover two topics with Cameron English, science journalist and podcast host.  We discuss the current status of citrus greening disease in the USA, a disease that has ravaged the Florida juice …

The connection between tobacco smoke, cancer and heart disease has been well established since the 1800's, with irrefutable medical evidence presented since the 1950s. There is no question that smoking has significant …

This episode has two parts. The first part discusses how Odylia Therapeutics is addressing rare disease, using a novel non-profit model. The second half address two rare genetic eye diseases and the approaches being …

The more information you know about your genetics the better, right?  This is the idea behind companies like 23andMe, which offer platforms to understand your potential genetic predisposition toward a specific disease. …

DNA has been an invaluable tool to make certain matches between a suspect and a crime. Since its early use in the 1980s, we have seen an explosion in …

If you've ever publicly communicated enthusiasm for a new product or technology, you inevitably have been accused to being a shill for the company …

Many consumer products contain chemistries that originate from an unsustainable source. Dr. Chance Elliott VP of R&D at Amyris describes how his …

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 …

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 …

While many global genomics analyzes gene variants or RNA expression products, the levels of proteins are usually the most informative.  At the same …

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 …

Dr. Mike Tarselli, CSO of Tetra Science and Kevin Folta have a conversation about careers in biotech, where the discipline is going, along with …

What can be learned about biology from massive datasets, and can that information unveil opportunities for new therapeutics?  This is the approach by …

The COVID19 pandemic was a challenge in public health, but became much worse through politicization of science and a thriving misinformation network. …

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is recognized for his bad science around critical issues like vaccination and agricultural chemistry.  Recently he enjoyed a …

The avocado is a wonderful fruit that is gaining in popularity, full of healthful oils and other nutrients.  However, consumers consistently note the …

The 400th episode also represents the first episode of the 9th year-- an amazing run for a tiny, self-produced podcast.  Where did it come from?  In this episode I talk about the genesis of the Talking Biotech podcast, …

Vaccination is a cornerstone of animal health, and is critically important in animal agricultural operations. A number of devastating livestock …

Sam Kean is a prolific author that has a unique talent for sharing the stories of science.  Trained in physics, Kean's work describes seminal events …

The human brain is complex, but over the years massive data have been gathered regarding the relationship between structure and function.  From …

The kidney is one of the organs necessary to filter blood, composed of tiny functional units that separate waste products from molecules the body …

Plant biologists use a set of tools to modulate gene expression. The well-established set of molecular switches are rather crude, with limited …

Scientists are encouraged to step into the public conversation around controversial work, especially when that work seems to deliberately misinform, and can negatively affect public health.  A series of authors have …

The companies on the front edge of pharmaceutical development have identified the value of massive data sets in the future of drug design. Ironically, personalization of therapies will be improved tremendously through …

As we age, the brain undergoes changes that lead to various disorders that affect physical ability and mental acuity. There are many processes at …

The COVID pandemic accelerated development of a new class of vaccines. This class, called mRNA vaccines, allows ease in manufacture, rapid response to disease or disease variants, and many other benefits.  But just like …

In a rapidly changing technology environment, how do established businesses tackle smart growth and continue transformative change?  In this special …

In this episode Dr. Kevin Folta shares a spontaneous conversation with Dr. Liza Dunn. Dr. Dunn is an emergency medicine physician with a specialty in …

The potato is a world food staple, yet it is constantly threated by fungal and viral pathogens in all of its growing regions. Farmers combat these problems with chemistry, which cuts farmers profits and has potential …

Whereas we used to be challenged with finding information, today we are flooded with information, and our job has switched to vetting it's merits. Three students from the University of Florida spoke to me about their …

Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression are being diagnosed with increasing frequency. At the same time, treatment is frequently dependent on legacy drugs that oftentimes to do not work well, have drug …

Lipid nanoparticles have been around for decades, but they took a spotlight in the delivery of the COVID19 mRNA-based vaccines. This chemical cage can fuse with cell membranes and deliver a specific payload to a cell. …

There are many rare diseases that originate with a single letter change in DNA, and they can cause tremendous physical and financial hardship for families affected. Viral-based gene therapies have been a promise for …

This week's podcast has two parts.  Dr. Leen Kawas , Managing General Partner at Propel Biopartners, speaks about how biotech startups can benefit from skilled oversight and capital provided from experts that understand …

As the amount of plant genomic DNA sequence increases, scientists have detected DNA sequence information that simply does not conveniently fit into genome assemblies, and clearly appears to be from somewhere else. Dr. …

Salmon are outstanding table fare, featuring flavor and nutrition. The AquAdvantage salmon is a genetically engineered salmon that is resistant to changes in growth due to seasonal fluctuation or the stresses …

The mythical Fountain of Youth may be an actual component of our physiology. Aging is not simply the body breaking down against the calendar, it is a …

What are the risks associated with being able to create custom DNA?  Today's podcast discusses the potential weaponization of synthesized nucleic acid sequences. Dr. Kevin Esvelt discusses synthetic DNA and synthetic …

If a genetic disorder can be detected in the developing fetus, it provides families and physicians vital information that can guide important …

While there are many views on Brexit, one certain benefit is the UK's self-governing role in scientific regulatory affairs. The EU's position on …

The American chestnut was a dominant tree in many forests in the eastern United States. In the late 1800's an imported fungus spread rapidly throughout the range, destroying most of the trees in a matter of decades. …

The "cell cycle" describes discrete steps in the process of cell division.  The progression is mediated by a series of gatekeeping biochemical activities that ensure complete replication of DNA, and surveil it for …

Beer is a beverage derived from the fermentation of grain by yeast.  Hops impart their specific flavor and aroma notes. Together these ingredients produce a vast array of flavors and aromas that have become extremely …

Bigger plants are better, right?  Not always. Control of plant or tree size can have many advantages, and genetic control of 'dwarf' phenotypes has …

The modern era of genetic engineering has opened tremendous opportunities in medicine and agriculture. But who governs when the technology should be …

Parasites are known contributors to human disease and suffering, spanning a wide range of organisms. Dr. Jessie Kissinger from the University of Georgia has spent the last two decades curating genomic data from hundreds …

"Cancer" is the generic term applying to any one of many cellular proliferative disorders that threaten normal physiology.  Various cancers have …

Animal agriculture contributes greenhouse gases that can influence climate change. One source in particular is cattle, as ruminant livestock produce …

The mosquito is the most deadly animal on earth. It vectors a plasmodium, a eukaryotic parasite that invades the liver of the host and ultimately …

Ten years ago the biotech world froze and horrific images of three tumor-ridden rats penetrated the media. Social media erupted with messages of fear, and anti-biotech activists celebrated the scientific publication …

 Dr. Betsy O'neill, VP of External Innovation at Horizon Therapeutics describes how strategic partnerships can assist biotech startups in moving new therapies through development to deployment.  She discusses her …

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genome-resident relics of ancient infections. They comprise 8% of the human genome, and are activated by …

Anthocyanins are a class of plant pigments associated with healthful qualities in food. While research continues to assess their true health benefits …

Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydial and gonorrhea are making a comeback, especially with younger demographics. Part of the problem is the stigma of examination and testing. These are not trivial infections, …

Communication between the digestive system and brain is much more intricate than previously thought.  The digestive epithelium is laced with sensors that monitor the contents of the gut, reporting back to the brain, …

Insects cause massive losses in human health and agriculture. Scientists have implemented Sterile Insect Technique for over 50 years, a process to …

While the vast majority of gene editing efforts have been confined to crop plants, animal gene editing holds tremendous promise. Efforts have …

Immunotherapies represent a powerful suite of treatments that co-opt the immune system to target deleterious cellular conditions.  They have been …

Dogs are a recent species, and because of their close associations with humans have diverged into hundreds of breeds with specific behaviors, sizes and builds. There also is a great range in life expectancy and …

A microbiome is described as a population of bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses that inhabit a specific environment. Animals, including humans, …

This week's podcast has two parts. In the first section University of Idaho lactation specialist Dr. Shelley McGuire discusses the recent paper that claims to have found the herbicide glyphosate in breast milk. In the …

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death, but is remarkably treatable if caught early. Unfortunately, because of the invasive …

The foundation of many modern consumer products begins with petroleum. Fossil fuels contain the building blocks of higher-complexity polymers, and …

Injury to organs frequently results in impaired function due to the formation of scar tissue. Heart attacks and chronic high blood pressure can …

Prion disorders are rare neurological diseases where a protein within the nervous system converts to a pathological form. The change in conformation …

Specific chemistries are used to protect crops from insects, weeds, fungi and other microbes. Legacy issues with some older pesticides led to …

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression occurs via many mechanisms.  One method is the methylation of regulatory sequences that control the …

Recent reports criticized the lack of reproducibility in scientific publications, and this has profound effects on the public's trust in research …

Proteins define the structure and function of cells. The human genome encodes tens of thousands of proteins, yet we know surprisingly little about most of their functions. The Human Protein Atlas uses labor-intensive …

Many diseases do not have cures, yet from deleterious mutations in the genome. Many of these are rare disorders that do not benefit from extensive research or drug development. Current therapies mask symptoms more than …

We are bombarded by claims, and have access to the most information in human history, instantly.  How do we sort it out? What is real and what's not?  Who do we trust? These are major questions today, and affect …

Mosquitoes are the world's most dangerous animals, vectoring dozens of diseases. One of the major disease vectors is Ades aegypti, an invasive insect with an ever-expanding range. Municipalities have turned to …

Heart attack and stroke are leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatments are aimed at prevention-- using various medications to control the …

Apples are a beloved fruit, with over 8000 varieties available worldwide. The apples in the grocery store represent just a tiny section of apple genetic potential, a few flavors that ship well and can be stored for a …

The process of animal development is a complex coordination of different genes through time.  At least that's what we thought.  Dr. Michael Levin from Tufts University is forcing us to rethink these processes, with …

Gene editing with CRISPR/Cas, TALEN or other tools allows scientists to make directed and precise changes in DNA.  The technologies promise to …

A significant number of fatalities are due to blood loss following accidents, injuries or medical procedures. While many methods can stop …

Mycotoxins are carcinogenic compounds that arise from specific fungal infections in various crop plants, with corn and peanut being key examples.  In the industrialized world, governments monitor relevant crops …

Camelina (Camelina sativa) is an oilseed brassica that grows fast and produces many seeds. It grows in marginal soil and great resistance to disease and environmental stress.  That said, it is an ideal plant to use as a …

Upon sequencing the human genome, scientists were surprised to find that it is composed of about 8% viral sequence. These fossils are relics of ancient primate infections where retroviruses incorporated into the …

We are bombarded with information, but do we know what sources to trust and how to evaluate specific claims?  Melanie Tercek-King joins the podcast to discuss some fundamentals of critical thinking, and implement her …

In his new book Dr. Robert Paarlberg describes the current state of the food system, focusing on issues like industrial farming, organic farming, …

Ticks are significant disease vectors, with an emerging scope of pathologies associated with tick bites. New technologies have accelerated the …

Dr. Anne Simon is an expert in plant viruses.  She describes some of the current threats to plant biology, and discusses ways that viruses may be …

Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) comprise 8% of the human genome and are relics of ancient infections, some dating back to pre-human primates.  These resident viral elements can be awakened by viral infections, and …

As we enter our eighth year, the podcast is partnering with Colabra, experts in laboratory IT that will help and accelerate your R&D.  You won't …

Avocado consumption is rapidly increasing, and global production booming. However, the diversity of fruit choices is typically constrained to Hass.  There is tremendous diversity in avocado, featuring a range of …

The story of Percy Schmeiser is a well known tale of big biotech against the little farmer from rural Saskatchewan. Schmeiser grew canola, and his …

One of the criticisms of farmers is that they fail to engage the public to show what they do. It is understandable, their days are busy, competition …

Many diseases are rooted in the incorrect accumulation of proteins that regulate key cellular processes.  Dozens of proteins control processes like …

The American Chestnut used to dominate Appalachian forests, but declined after a fungal disease was introduced to North America in the early 1900’s.  …

Two unusually parallel articles emerged this week, both claiming that modern ag technology (as they say, “GMO”) is just another arm of colonial …

Wine is a fermented beverage that has been enjoyed for millennia. While many may feel that the grapes used produce the flavors in the wine, a substantial contribution comes from the yeast and specialized bacteria that …

At the early age of 47 Cindy Lee Graham lost her battle with glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is an insidious cancer of the brain and central nervous …

The executive ranks of the pharmaceutical industry are populated with a clear over representation of older males. How did we get here, and how is the …

Sustained space travel and colonization will depend on the ability to grow food in extra-terrestrial environments. The fact that plants evolved on …

We all know the feeling of tiredness, but what causes the urge to sleep?  Prof. Lior Appelbaum discusses the link between sleepiness and DNA damage, …

T Cells are the body’snatural defenders against pathogens.  In the past they have been reprogrammed to recognize specific surface antigens of cancer cells to attack and destroy them. The approach has worked well against …

Olives have a prominent role in the production of aromatic healthy culinary oils and brined olives for the table.  Olive oil production occurs …

Thirty million Americans depend on daily doses of insulin to stay alive.  This small protein hormone is responsible for the regulation of blood …

How can analysis of DNA isolated from old, preserved organisms, bones, or tissues tell us about life today?  Dr. Beth Shapio is a professor at the …

New strategies in gene therapy are integrating multiple modern techniques to take on contemporary challenging diseases, such as solid-tumor cancers. …

Genetic counselors play a critical role from pre-natal guidance to lifelong expertise in managing genetically-based disorders. With the tools of …

Drug pipelines are thick with novel compounds that may have an effect on our most insidious diseases.  However, most either fail early trials or are withdrawn because companies don’t see the return on investment of …

The classical assumption was that the modern dinosaur lineage led directly to today’s reptiles. However, a growing suite of evidence has shown that …

We must be dedicated to fighting back against false information in food and medicine.  Jeffery Smith is a personality with no scientific training that has used disinformation to taint an important public discussion on …

In this week of technical failures and personal challenges, this week’s podcast investigates the merits of civil conversation.  In an angry online …

There is no such thing as bad food, it is just bad diets, so says Craig Good.  Various life events caused him to rethink his relationship with food, …

How does misinformation about genetically engineered crops (GMOs) start and how do we correct it?  These are questions asked by Prof. Robert Bird of the University of Connecticut.  Prof. Bird discusses how an errant …

The herbicide glyphosate has been used for decades, with increased use paralleling the adoption of genetically engineered crops. The compound has a …

Today’s podcast features two interviews about COVID19.  The first is an interview with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried.  Commissioner …

 Many cancers are much more curable if detected early. However, the current suite of detection methods are slow, expensive and can’t detect a problem until it is advanced. Dr. Steven Quake of the Chan-Zukerberg Biohub …

Yay for gremlins!  Technical difficulties precluded the planned podcast, but that didn’t stop two good interviews from materializing a the last …

 The role of Cas9 as an editing/deletion nuclease has been well established, but can it be used to turn genes on?   Dr. Yiping Qi of the University …

COVID19 is the spectrum of pathologies caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus.  While the pandemic moves well into its second year, the importance of …

 Cassava is a staple for one in ten people on earth, grown mostly by small famers tending a few acres. One of the challenges is insect-vectored virus Cassava Brown-Streak Virus that destroys the root.  Scientists from …

 Episode 300 is guest-hosted by Ally Kennedy. She interviews Dr. Kevin Folta about the obstacles to communicating science over the last decade. From …

 He jet-sets around the planet and writes letters to government officials, brandishing academic and military credentials. He speaks with authority as an affiliate of a land-grant university.  His claims rattle audiences …

 The Genetic Literacy Project is a popular science news website.  A diverse set of articles and viewpoints are presented, with original articles and …

 Jack Bobo has been studying food, farming and the associated psychology for decades, asking questions about the choices people make around food. His …

We have two major problems.  Vanilla is mostly produced in a narrow set of unstable economies and the supply chains are especially vulnerable.  There …

 Analysis of massive genomic DNA sequence data indicates that gene transfer between similar species actually happened, and did so at a surprising rate.  Today’s podcast with Dr. Luke Dunning of University of Sheffield …

 One of the major objections to genetic engineering is that a DNA segment is transferred to the crop, and lands in a somewhat random location.  That’s because genetic engineering largely uses Agrobacterium to perform …

 Dr. Dan Wilson is a rising star of science communication. His popular YouTube channel Debunk the Funk provides entertaining and evidence-based …

 Peptides have increasingly emerging roles in cellular signaling and anti-microbial applications. Peptioids are cousins of their active peptide …

 A solar-powered animal?  There are species of sea slugs that consume algae, then integrate the chloroplasts into their own digestive cells.  There …

The basis of aging and long-term degenerative disease have been formidable questions for scientists. Over the last decade several “methylation clocks” have been devised to examine modifications of DNA that match well …

Last week’s episode covered Alpha Gal Syndrome, the tick-induced allergy to beef and pork.  The same immunological response could also limit a …

 You find a tick on your skin and remove it.  The next day you eat a sausage and wind up in the emergency room in anaphylaxis.  After that, you can’t eat beef or pork without experiencing an intense allergic reaction.  …

Today’s podcast is an interview with New Zealander of the Year Dr. Siouxsie Wiles.  Dr. Wiles’ program uses bioluminesence as a marker to follow …

While genomics approaches have opened a universe of new compounds in plants, the vast majority remain uncharacterized. Brightseed has employed an artificial intelligence platform to scan for novel compounds, with a goal …

Your DNA contains all of the information that makes you, you. With increasing understanding of the genetic basis of disease, the information in every cell may help anticipate, correct, or otherwise treat latent medical …

The COVID19 vaccines were produced in record time, an amazing feat. However, additional challenges have been revealed in their distribution.  Perhaps the most formidable barrier is the very last one– executing the …

This week’s podcast is a dissection of another popular podcast that features self-proclaimed experts in genetic engineering (familiarly GMO), and the …

At its core, gene editing works to break gene function by creating errors in a DNA sequence at a specific location. The process works by creating a precise cut that is repaired by the cell’s repair mechanisms, and those …

One of the major failures of addressing the COVID19 pandemic is the breakdown of testing.  The NFL and White House were able to  maintain business as usual because of daily, accurate testing. When the disease is …

Dr. Patrick Moore was a founding member of Greenpeace. In the years past its inception he worked tirelessly on ecological issues. Over time, he saw …

Bananas and other tropical crops have tremendous value, not just to farmers in the Developing World, but also as products that are enjoyed widely in highly industrialized nations.  However, crops like bananas and coffee …

Radiation is a natural energy that constantly bombards us.  At the same time we have harnessed its power for medical imaging, therapeutics, energy …

The story of biotechnology’s response to the pandemic is an amazing one, and we continue coverage of these events as they arise. Today guest host Dr. …

Algae efficiently convert carbon dioxide into oils, and they are now being bred to generate a suite of compounds that may be synthesized into fuel …

Certain aggressive cancers have profound effects on lifespan and quality of life. Patient prognosis can be grim, and therapies are harsh. Dr. Dan Peer of the University of Tel Aviv leads a group that has targeted …

Consumers have many opinions about food, and are continually bombarded by information from manufacturers to self-proclaimed experts. To gauge what …

The COVID-19 pandemic overshadowed an incredible year of innovation in biotechnology.  Today’s podcast is a simulcast between the Science Facts and …

The COVID19 vaccines have the potential to squelch a dangerous pandemic. However, the public has many questions about their safety and efficacy that …

Two mRNA vaccines have been approved to lead the fight against COVID19. Both have been rapidly approved with Emergency Use Authorization, which does not build public trust. Ultimately compelling the vaccine hesitant to …

Apples seem rather ubiqutous, but what we see in the stores are just a sample of the genetic diversity that is out there.  Today’s podcast discusses apple domestication and diversification with Dr. Norm Weeden.  its …

Despite its essential role in the economy and food security, agriculture has lagged behind with respect to adoption of new technology. This has …

mRNA vaccines have recently been in the news as an exciting potential preventative of SARS-CoV2.  The technology seems new, but has roots in the …

Technology is driving innovation on the farm, and there have been significant efforts in improving livestock.  Whether it was to produce a novel …

Gene editing is a relatively new technology that has revolutionary applications in agriculture and medicine.  The drawback to the technology is that …

The onion has tremendous value in culinary applications all over the world.  Where did it come from?  What are the major breeding efforts and the …

On Halloween it is hard to remember that the pumpkins used for decoration are actually an important food for indigenous people of the Americas.  …

Gene editing moved quickly from the lab to application, so fast that the public is unsure how to think about it.  We can cure disease, but are we playing with the natural order of things? These are questions that …

This week two scientists pioneering gene editing won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.  Days later, a group of perennial naysayers gathered to denounce …

 Digestive cancers are among the most common and deadly cancers in the world, comprising metastases of the colon, esophagus, stomach and rectum.   …

Dr. Cami Ryan has examined the social factors that underlie decisions.  Today these human tendencies are critical to understand, as everyone is bombarded by information through social media.  How do issues like …

 The human immunodeficiency virus remains prevalent in the population, yet it as silently moved out of the public’s consciousness, overshadowed by …

Sepsis is an infection of the blood.  It can be critical and life threatening, and can complicate other co-morbidities.  One of the main problems is that a number of bacterial and fungal pathogens can cause a septic …

Indoor air contains a variety of harmful compounds.  We invite many of these compounds into our homes in electronics, and others occur spontaneously …

This week’s guest is the host!  It was important to discuss communication tips during a pandemic, especially around popular myths and news stories …

Florida is the canary in the coalmine for mosquito-transmitted disease in the USA.  The Florida Keys are especially vulnerable.  Traffic through this …

Penguins are charismatic, flightless, diving birds.  While typically associated only with Antarctica, their center of origin, radiation and …

Most experts agree that the COVID19 pandemic will not end until a vaccine is available.  But traditionally, vaccines take a decade to develop and test.  The crisis has ignited efforts from over 130 companies, all racing …

A number of strange, devastating and lethal diseases are caused by prions. The most famous of these disorders in animals is Bovine Spongiform Encelapathy,  or “Mad Cow Disease”. Unlike other infectious agents like …

 Male cattle (bulls) convert feed calories to weight gain more efficiently than females (cows). If more bulls could be put into beef production, the …

In 2001 the Earth Liberation Front bombed the office of Dr. Toby Bradshaw at the University of Washington.  The damage was massive, especially toward non-targeted labs.  This is a great story of how misguided activism …

Most organisms on earth evolved under constant intervals of light and darkness. The regular intervals led to the evolution of internal clocks that …

Dr. Alan McHughen has been a leader in biotechnology education for decades, and has served in public academic research as well as an advisor to the …

The documentary space is littered with videos that misrepresent science, especially around agriculture. Dr. Hidde Boersma is a trained scientist that …

Analysis of populations of animals can be problematic, especially when individuals of different species share similar visual characteristics. Dr. …

Dr. Ilaria Capua is one of the world’s most prominent virologists, and a Professor at the University of Florida and the Director of the One Health …

Today’s podcast marks five complete years of podcast episodes, and there’s no better guest than someone on the Mount Rushmore of plant genetic engineering.  We’re joined today by Dr. Robb Fraley, who was at ground zero …

Aflatoxin is a natural poison emitted by several species of fungi. They infect grain, and exploit insect damage.  Millions of people are affected by these toxins that invade world food staples, mostly with a higher …

Today’s podcast starts with answering your questions, covering biodynamic farming, cover crops and my financial transparency.  The second part discusses a battle between sensitivity to endangered species and farmers’ …

Vance Crowe has a background that shifted between the Peace Corps in Kenya, a deckhand on an ecotourism ship, and a position with the World Bank. All had a common thread of situational communication and unique …

Throughout the COVID19 pandemic we have heard various opinions about wearing face coverings and protective masks. Some see them as critical …

Leah McGrath is a Registered Dietitian with a great presence in social media. She is the corporate dietitian for a major grocery chain, and has had …

From the dawn of the pandemic there  has been a notable rise in false information that clouds public perception and harms trust in scientific guidance.  To remedy this situation it is critical that we step into …

The wartime response of the Manhattan Project streamlined production of weapons to revolve World War II.  The plan involved massive redundancy, …

Weeds are a tremendous problem in agriculture, costing farmers billions a year in crop loss and the cost of control.  In Europe one of the critical …

Cattle are currently used for meat, milk, hide products and as work animals.  Where did they come from?  Who are the wild relatives?  Dr. Hans Lenstra from the Utrecht University describes the domestication of cattle, …

Western Africa holds many nations of substantial population and an emerging economies.  The nation has recently approved the use of the Bt cowpea to …

The meta-analysis is traditionally considered to be a high synthesis of extant scientific literature. Their implicit power places them in headlines …

In this special edition of the Talking Bitotech Podcast Dr. Kevin Folta covers recent topics in COVID19.  These topics are pulled from the headlines …

Grafting is an age-old practice of connecting a set of roots to an aerial portion of a separate plant.  Together they typically exhibit enhanced …

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 …

Seasonal influenza causes thousands of deaths annually.  Part of the problem is that the vaccine must be administered annually because the virus …

Plants produce a variety of oils, many that are critical to the human diet.  The precise chemical qualities of plant oils dictate its stability, use, nutrient quality, or even its use as fuel.  Dr. Surinder Singh is an …

The gene editing explosion has accelerated discovery, food and therapies by defining a new toolbox of useful ways to manipulate DNA.  The “Cas” …

In the first part of today’s podcast Dr. Kayleen Schreiber and Jon Entine discuss the latest addition to the Genetic Literacy Project, a website …

 Dr. Ilaria Capua is an internationally recognized virologist, and a world expert in avian influenza and other animal viruses.  Following her effort …

The American Society of Plant Biologists is the largest professional society for plant biologists.  Dr. Mary Williams discusses some of the ways that …

Like many areas of science, the early days of genomics quickly became a male-dominated discipline.  While more women were earning advanced degrees …

Cassava is a staple food crop in Africa and Asia, yet is widely unknown by the industrialized world.  While almost a billion people depend on this crop, production is limited by a series of diseases, and it also lacks …

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 …

Kenya is an emerging economy and has significant investment in advanced technologies.  However, a 2013 ban on biotech crops has limited farmer access …

Dr. Stuart Smyth is no stranger to anyone that has watched social media.  As a leading ag economist he has consistently represented science and …

The cowpea is a high-protein food staple in parts of Africa, particularly in the growing countries of Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina-Fasso. Production …

There is a massive amount of human genomic DNA sequence data, and it is now possible to identify correlates with specific disease, drug sensitivity …

 Nitrogen is essential for crop growth.  That reality has led to intensive crop fertilization using nitrogen fixed through the Haber-Bosch process, which has energy costs in production and transport.  At the same time …

While the country of Australia has been growing genetically-engineered crops for over 15 years, the state of South Australia has banned their use.  This moratorium has been in place since 2004, and requires farmers to …

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 …

There is an unfortunate side to egg production.  Only female chickens produce eggs, so layers are selected at hatching.  Chicks are sexed with a vent inspection. Females are kept for egg production.  Males live a short …

Michele Payn is a much sought after speaker, author and podcast host.  She has introduced the third book in her trilogy, this one about the phenomenon of others taking issue with someone’s food choices.  The book, aptly …

Can we use genetic engineering to help the body’s immune system target cancer cells?  This is exactly what happens with CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cell therapy.  CAR-T cells are T-cells, immune cells of the …

The Impossible Burger is meat alternative that gets its meat-like qualities from a combination of plant-based ingredients, plus “meatiness” from a biotech-derived product. There is a lot of discussion about the product, …

Cotton production is massive, but mostly used for fiber. The cotton seed is a tremendous potential resource as it contains high amounts of oil and high-quality protein.  However, the seeds are not directly edible by …

The Farm Babe Michelle Miller is a farmer, speaker, columnist and blogger that advocates for agricultural producers, and seeks to better connect …

Nitrogen is a reality of growing plants, and must be supplied to maximize crop yields.  At the same time our atmosphere is >70% nitrogen that is not usable by plants in its atmospheric form.  Humans have devised …

Dr. David Zaruk has become the foremost authority on the questionable practices within the IARC and their decision-making process.  Over the last several years he has taken a key point position in interpreting the …

The tiny mosquito is a nuisance in the industrialized world, yet around the world it is a ruthless killer, spreading blood-borne diseases that bring …

Dr. Elisabeth Bik is a hero. Classically trained with plenty of lab-bench expertise, today she patrols the best scientific literature in search for …

While HIV incidence has remained stable in the industrialized world, the virus is still transmitted in the Developing World.  The development of methods of prophylaxis are critical to disease containment, yet moving …

Australia has welcomed the use of genetically engineered crops, and farmers have found particular benefit from broad acre canola and cotton …

Genetically engineered microbes commonly manufacture our vitamins and amino acid supplements, but can they be supplements themselves?  Zbiotics has …

Robert Saik is an agronomist and entrepreneur with a lifetime of experience in farming.   For years he has been a leading advocate for farmers, and a …

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Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that predominantly affects people of African descent. The disease results in chronic pain and …

Products move from producer to consumer through complicated networks called supply chains.  These routes of custody involve many people and …

What is the current state of the devastating citrus greening disease, Huanglongbing (HLB).  Dr. Jude Grosser from the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center discusses the current state of the …

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the causal agent of the spectrum of disorders known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).  For decades, those infected have found relief from anti-retroviral therapies …

Bangladesh is a population dense country with relatively little farmland.  Subsistence farmers make a living by growing, harvesting and selling …

The African continent is emerging in many ways, yet still is developing economically.  Technology is a huge part of the African transformation, yet …

Bacteria  surround us and have specialized functions in adaptation and metabolism.  Could they be helpful as micro machines that catalyze key …

Pork production worldwide is limited by a series of viral pig diseases that slow growth, cause illness and restrict reproduction.  One of these is known as PRRS, Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome.  PRRS has …

While Indian farmers have realized benefits from GE cotton, food crops have been forbidden from this growing country.  Their neighbor to the west, Bangladesh, has realized great gains from the “Bt” Brinjal (eggplant).  …

The war against agricultural biotechnology shifted in the last several years.  Carefully constructed steps by those opposed to technology have …

The visions of Jurassic Park are an extrapolation of actual research being performed all over the world.  Research has shown that avian dinosaurs …

Technology is exploding in all areas of life, but sadly has been slow to reach agriculture.  We are stuck in the rhythms of old unsustainable …

There is sad irony that the African continent has the most potential benefit from crop biotechnology, yet has the least access to the technology.  …

Blackberries are a popular, healthy fruit with increasing availability to the consumer.  Over the last century significant progress has been made in …

Huanglongbing, or HLB, is the Chinese term for the Yellow Dragon Disease– usually referred to as Citrus Greening.  The disease first appeared in the USA in the Miami area in 2005, and since has spread to every grove.  …

Dr. Linda Bartoshuk has been recognized as an expert on interactions between the smell, taste, psychology and the brain for many decades.  While so …

I was very excited to be participating in the Southern Seed School here in Gainesville, FL.  I had talks prepared on three cool topics– the history …

Cowpea is a critical crop in Western Africa.  It is consumed by millions daily, but also feeds livestock, all the while providing important nitrogen …

One of the limiting factors in photosynthesis is the plant’s ability to take up carbon dioxide to assimilate into carbohydrates. At least part of the problem is the size of the small pores, or stomata, that are used for …

Sleep remains a mystery to science, as it is a state where an organism is vulnerable to potentially deadly forces.  It therefore must be important to …

Soybeans are legumes that produce abundant oil.   The oils have been popular for consumers and in food service, but they could have improved …

The transgenic, fast-growing salmon was first developed in 1989.  The goal was simple, use fish genes to remove seasonal growth effects, with the …

Anthony Warner is known as The Angry Chef, achieving notoriety as a food-fad/social critic.  He has roots in biochemistry and trained as a chef, with years of experience in a variety of cooking venues. He is recognized …

Today’s graduate students understand that participation in science communication can significantly enhance a scientific career.  While there are challenges, the idea of being willing to share science with the public can …

Military preparedness means testing ammunition and ordinates in controlled field trials, as well as decommissioning of obsolete weaponry.  The result …

The report saturated the popular media, claims that the herbicide glyphosate increased cancer risk by 41%.  This alarming statistic punctuated news …

In the days of fear-based food labeling the market has been screaming for a science-friendly alternative.  Ethos Chocolates are distributed for free …

This week the American Association for the Advancement of Science announced an award to two Sri Lankan researchers for their research showing that glyphosate was a “deadly herbicide” that was causing kidney disease in …

The relationship between pollinators and crop protection strategies has always pitted them against each other, with concern about how insecticides …

The new techniques in gene editing have made rapid, precise genetic changes possible in animals.  Some of the greatest benefits are genetic resistance to disease, generation of less waste, and more rapid growth on the …

Researchers and communicators in biotechnology have experienced it for a long time– the people that oppose genetic engineering frequently know the …

Our forests are critical to ecology.  They sequester carbon from human activity, and serve as great resources for renewable building materials, fuels …

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 …

This week’s podcast features and update on two critical technologies– the Bt Brinjal (eggplant) in Bangladesh and the blight resistant American …

Weed resistance is a complex problem with incredible ramifications for agricultural production. It also provides an outstanding opportunity to …

On December 6, 2018 environmental advocate Erin Brockovich published a high-profile opinion piece in The Guardian.  The piece was laced with scientific inaccuracies and inflammatory rhetoric about glyphosate, indicating …

Dr. Thomas Zinnen has worked with the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service for almost three decades. His principal job has been …

Gary Nolan works in marketing, but enjoys science podcasts, including Talking Biotech.  He also frequently blogs about politics, social trends, and …

Plant breeding is an important discipline, and the foundation of plant genetic improvements.  While modern techniques like gene editing sometimes steal the spotlight, the foundational varieties must have outstanding …

The term “Conflict of Interest” is thrown around a lot these days, mostly to sully reputations or cast doubt on quality research. That perception of …

They are farmers.  They also own A&C Liquid Assets, a liquor store in Hoxie, Kansas.  Allison and Cole Nondorf saw the Smirnoff commercial where …

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 …

What do we use to feed our food?  From cattle to fish, livestock require substantial inputs to thrive, and a substantial part of that is their feed.  This has measurable impacts from the environment to producer costs.  …

The mango is an incredibly important fruit worldwide, yet little is known about its precise origins or domestication. Today’s podcast explores this important fruit with Dr. Emily Warschefsky, who studied this fruit …

Today’s episode is where Kevin Folta answers common questions from listeners. In the second half, we discuss the recent lawsuit against LaCroix and …

Nitrogen is required for plant growth, and is a significant input in terms of cost and environmental impact. While plants are literally surrounded by nitrogen, it is present in the atmosphere in an unusable form. Some …

The drug thalidomide was developed with tremendous promise in managing a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and morning sickness.  However, a few years after its common use it became linked to a suite of birth …

There is a vanilla crisis.  The familiar flavor agent is a mixture of chemicals from an orchid- and there’s not enough being produced to satisfy demand.  But Dr. Alan Chambers knows that crisis and opportunity travel …

In framing effective discussions about any subject it is important to understand human psychology, and the mistakes we make in debate.  It also is …

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 …

This last week podcast host Kevin Folta found himself in a difficult predicament.  There was palpable outrage by those affiliated with a science …

Malaria is a tremendous world health problem, affecting the lives of hundreds of millions of people in the developing (and industrialized) world. One of the most effective therapies is derived from a natural compound …

The chicken is by far the most abundant animal farmed on earth, grown for meat and eggs.  But where did it come from?  What kinds of birds were domesticated?  When?  Where?  What were the traits that came from wild …

Plant disease resistance is a complicated arms race between the plant and pathogens.  Bacteria, viruses and fungi evolve in lock-step with plants, …

Dr. David Just studies human behavior and how psychology ties in with economic decisions.  His work at Cornell examines the interesting overlays that …

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, …

The 2016 World Food Prize went to a group that coordinated the breeding, promotion and distribution of the orange-fleshed sweet potato in Africa.  One of person on the team was economist Dr. Jan Low.  The sweet potato …

Barley is an important grain, with prominent roles as the foundation of bread and beer.  Dr. Sheila Adimargono shares the interesting stories around …

When social scientists examined messaging in new media around GE crops, a few trends became apparent.  Surprising evidence emerged that showed that the Russian Federation is actively participating in a campaign, here in …

Mark Lynas believed in his heart that he was doing the right thing.  He was joining others in tearing out field trials of GE crops, and effectively …

The race to determine the structure of DNA has a dark subtext that is frequently ignored when discussing this seminal discovery in biology.  …

 Mexico is the center of origin for maize, and there is a substantial interest in protecting the genetic integrity of this limited resource.  At the …

The internet claims that the increases in celiac disease is rooted in modern wheat varieties, as human intervention in plant genetics must be the cause of human disorders.  But what does the evidence tell us?  In this …

Are food labels adding clarity or confusion?  Focus groups show that consumer sentiment toward food labels is changing.  Colleen Parr-Dekker is the …

Dr. Devang Mehta has been working in virus suppression in cassava, a key food staple in the Developing world.  In this week’s podcast he speaks about the RNAi and gene editing approaches that are used to engineer …

Those that live in the affluent countries of the West have little clue of the challenges of farming in the Developing World.  In this special episode, Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam (@biobeef) of the University of California …

The Extension arm of the Land Grant University system provides a link between university research and the farm.  Extension specialists are professional liaisons that understand pressing issues, and seek remedies in the …

The problem of farmer suicides in India is very real, and has been for some time. Suicides are driven by indebtedness, and there are many reasons that farmers find themselves in financially challenging times.  In the …

Dr. Monica Schmidt from the University of Arizona has an interest in using technology to make foods that are better for people.  Elimination of …

Many important enzymes, industrial and therapeutic proteins are manufactured using transgenic plants.  Plants offer many benefits to protein production over animal cells and microbes for many applications.   In this …

Rice is a world food staple with an incredible story.  Dr. Susan McCouch from Cornell University has been studying rice genetics for decades, and directs efforts in rice education in conjunction with the International …

Dr. Jennifer Kuzma received her training in biochemistry, and then later found herself working in social sciences.  She is now the Co-Director of the …

Gene drives are a powerful technology that may be used to control pests.  The concepts key off of exploiting genetic vulnerabilities that are rapidly …

Over the long history of biotech crops and microorganisms Dr. Alan McHughen has been part of the conversation.  His 2000 book Pandora’s Picnic Basket  examined the promise and risk of biotech crops. Since then he has …

Dr. Angela Records joins Chris Barbey to discuss the mission of USAID.  USAID is committed to remedies in world food insecurity, with an emphasis on …

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 …

Michelle Miller grew up in Wisconsin and always had an interest in agriculture.  When she reached college she traded in rural life for the big city, …

The Cavendish banana is the standard banana of commerce, yet it is under threat by a devastating disease that is spreading quickly around the world.  Dr. James Dale and his team have identified a banana resistance gene …

The Fall Army Worm is  a moth larvae that is incredibly destructive.  It causes widespread crop losses in the Americas and now has been found in Africa.  This pest consumes everything in its path, and can travel many …

Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam is arguably the most effective voice in communication about biotechnology, especially in animals.  In today’s podcast she …

When we talk about food and farming, Nick Saik has been excited to tell the story through the camera lens.  Nick has built quite an empire by telling …

Other areas swimming in myth and misinformation involve our pets.  Domesticated animals are part of our lives, and therefore are frequent subjects of …

Dr. Maxine Thompson is a trailblazer.  With her education and profound interest in plant breeding, she defied a male-dominated establishment and …

Dr. Ray Shillito is a scientist that spent the early part of his career in plant transformation, attempting novel approaches in the early 1980’s.  It was a time of rapid development of new techniques, and a race to move …

In 2017 we recorded 53 new episodes, including guest hosts and a great range of outstanding guests. 2018 has some interesting new edges.  Kevin and …

Groundnut, or peanut, is a major food staple and excellent protein source in many parts of the world.  However, since the nut itself develops in soil, it is prone to fungal infection with Aspergillus flavus, the species …

Nikolai Vavilov was a Russian scientist in the early 1900’s.  He was known for his characterization of plants, understanding crop domestication, and …

Podcast 112 was a discussion of the dicamba situation. Since that episode was recorded I attended a conference from the North Central Weed Science Society in St. Louis, and heard more information first hand.  I also …

Over the last two years we have heard reports of herbicide damage to Midwestern crops, bearing the signatures of damage from dicamba.  Dicamba is an …

Over the last century there was an incredible rise in the number of seed companies, driven primarily by the profitability of hybrid seeds in regional …

The promises of gene therapy have been slow to reach the public for many reasons.  Technologies conceived in the 1980’s had a substantial regulatory …

In this week’s podcast Dr. Jonnny Dalzell guest hosts from Tanzania.  He visits with scientists from IITA that are helping devise solutions to …

Gene editing has been the center of attention, affecting everything from plants, to mushrooms, to livestock, to human medicine. However, when we discuss gene editing we typically describe the CRISPR Cas9 system.  Such …

Bolivia shares farming similarities with other South American countries.  They have diverse land races and native crops that they wish to preserve. …

In today’s podcast we speak with science journalist and author Mark Lynas.  Mark has been a central figure in the discussion of biotechnology, …

Uganda is at an interesting precipice.  They have invested in biotech solutions to solve problems in their central food staples, namely the matooke.  …

Simple solutions can sometimes have tremendous impacts.  In this episode Bret Rierson from the World Food Programme discusses a solution to enhancing …

The evolution of weed and insect resistance to traditional controls has brought about the need for new approaches in crop protection.  Today’s guest …

The American Chestnut dominated the Appalachian landscape, ranging from Georgia all the way to Maine.  In the late 1800’s a pathogen imported on a …

The diamondback moth is a formidable agricultural pest, causing tremendous losses on farms and requiring significant cultural and chemical-based …

Any podcast’s 100th episode is reason to celebrate.  In Talking Biotech’s 100th episode Chris Barbey interviews its originator, Dr. Kevin Folta, …

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 …

Modern cats are a lot like their wild counterparts, with specific traits that were gained through domestication.  Prof. Eva-Maria Geigl is a paleo-geneticist who examines ancient DNA sequences from mummified cat …

The annual report by agricultural economists Brookes and Barfoot is a helpful resource to understand the impacts of agricultural biotechnology.  The …

Regulation of new technology in food crops is important for many reasons. It is critical to ensure safety, but a robust regulatory system also shapes …

Understanding animal stress is important for many reasons.  If we know how the animal brain responds to change it helps us understand habitat …

Back in 2012 a paper rocked the scientific community.  The claim was that small RNA molecules in dietary plant products could escape digestion, move …

A story exploded in the New York Times claiming that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and a potent herbicide, was detected in 10/11 flavors of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.  The anti-biotech universe propagated …

Dr. Sabina Vidal is a professor at the National Republic University in Uruguay.  Her lab is interested in the genetic improvement of soybean, especially in response to abiotic stress.  This episode talks about her …

Today’s genomics explosion has foundations in seminal discoveries in molecular biology almost 50 years ago.  Today’s guest, Sir Richard Roberts, was …

Neonicotinoids (neonics) are a class of insecticides based on natural plant compounds that disrupt the insect nervous system. They are used because they have relatively low toxicity on non-insects.  They are applied as …

Domestication Dr. Lazaro Peres  De novo domestication also has the potential to expand genetic diversity in crops, potentially conferring additional …

The representation of crop biotechnology in film has been an asymmetrical assault on science and reason.  Food Evolution breaks that trend. The film …

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, has been used as a non-selective (kills all plants) herbicide since 1970.  It blocks a …

The documentary space is filled with disparaging films about food science, including those that target biotechnology.  Many of these films feature …

Forests are under many threats, from new pests and pathogens, to invasive trees, to climate.  The advancement of these traits by far exceeds the natural response of trees to acclimate, and outpaces the efforts to …

While the technologies of genetic engineering are quite commonplace, it was not always the case.  The scientists that blazed the trail hold …

In the race to feed 10 billion people by 2050 some agricultural production will shift to where people live.  The idea of vertical farms or …

Uruguay is a major producer of soy and corn from genetically engineered seeds, with over 2.5 million acres in production.  Dr. Paul Vincelli talks …

In the industrialized world the potato is defined as one of a few varieties of tuber crops.  But there is tremendous diversity available to be …

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 …

The issues of biotechnology benefit from examination from social scientists.  There are scientists that help define the social reaction to science …

What are Specialty Crops?  These are the crops of the produce aisle, fruits, vegetables, nuts.  These are high-value crops that receive relatively little research funding compared to other types of the big-ag crops, …

The newest and most promising therapies for challenging cancers are adopting molecular-biology strategies.  Brain tumors are especially problematic …

This week’s podcast is an important discussion, a cautionary tale of what can happen when genetically-engineered crops are introduced to the environment.  Circumstances may lead to release of the transgene into sexually …

Hormones, antibiotics, GMOs…  A trip to the grocery store is a battle against fear and guilt.  From marketers to activists, there is a concerted effort afoot to use fear, shame and guilt to shape consumer food choices.  …

Aflatoxins are trace compounds produced by certain fungi, and represent a legitimate food safety risk.  These fungi grow on corn, peanuts and other …

The effects of farm insect controls on butterflies and bees are important to understand.  Dr. Ric Bessin is an Extension Professor from the …

We get lots of comments that the favorite episodes are when Kevin Folta answers your questions about food, farming, and genetic engineering.  Not to …

How do biotech seeds affect the end user?  If you listened to the “experts” they’d tell you that farmers were forced to buy seeds they didn’t want, …

Pears are favorite tree fruits, yet they are limited in varieties and availability.  Dr. Amit Dhingra from Washington State University explains the roots of pear domestication, its improvement, and why we see so few …

There are no compounds that can be sprayed to fight plant viruses, so plant protection requires managing the insects that spread them.  This means use of insecticides that cost money and have potential impacts, such as …

Did you know that broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage are all the same species?  Just like dogs are highly-diverse …

The National Academies of Science is one of the most respected scientific organizations on the planet, composed of well-established scientists and …

Following on last week’s episode, plants contain a family of genes called “R genes” that play important roles in resistance to disease. They are part …

Plants contain a family of genes called “R genes” that play important roles in resistance to disease.  Plants and pathogens exist in an evolutionary …

When we discuss new technology with the public, there is inevitable fear and push back with at least a fraction of those we are trying to reach. How …

I’ll always remember 2016 as an eclectic mix of hell and success.  We learned a lot about how to engage the public and got lots of practice.  We took a lot of heat, suffered lots of personal and professional damage and …

Experts agree that dogs have evolved from the gray wolf, but after that there are many questions and debates about how and why they became our prized …

Discussion of biotechnology risks and benefits frequently cites “terminator genes” as a reason to oppose the technology. The fear is that these …

Dr. Mark Williams has extensive training in molecular biology.  He also is interested in sustainable crop production, and leads training in organic …

Increasing efficiency in photosynthesis has been one of the desired goals of plant biology.  A recent paper in the journal Science presents work by a …

The last episode contained information about glyphosate that was allegedly detected in common grocery store items.  Today’s podcast is an important …

In the first part of this week’s podcast you’ll learn how to debunk a viral claim.  There are repeated claims that glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup, is detected in a plethora of food, …

Corn. It ultimately has a role in so much of what we eat.  From a sweet corn cob on the 4th of July, to the calories that made the steak possible, to …

The processes of biotechnology can be a bit of a black box, and that does not help further its understanding or acceptance.  Journey of the Gene is …

Beginning at conception, a new human’s development and long-term health are critically dependent on the availablity of proper nutrition.  The right nutrients at the right time can have profound impacts on individuals, …

The peanut is a valuable crop for American farmers and is extensively cultivated worldwide.  It is an important source of protein and healthy oils.  …

The eggplant (brinjal, aubergine) is a curious fruit in western nations, but is an important staple for hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Today’s podcast discusses the eggplant with Dr. Mark Chapman from …

Talking Biotech #52 visits with Iida Ruishalme, cell biologist, author and blogger.  Iida is a trained scientist that writes the blog …

Today’s episode is born of frustration.  Fear-mongering non-experts are abusing improper interpretations from an available herbicide detection kit to make claims that herbicides are now found in vaccines.  Namely, they …

One of the most important steps in genetic engineering a plant is the process of regenerating an entire new plant from a single cell that contains the new genetic instructions.  The process is as much art as science.  …

The dog-days of summer are a perfect match for watermelon.  This podcast discusses domestication, breeding and interesting stories of where this magical fruit came from, and where it is going.  Dr. Cecilia McGregor …

One of the amazing success stories of genetic engineering is the eggplant, known as the “brinjal” in Asia and the “aubergine” in Europe.  In the west it is occasional table fare, yet in many parts of Asia it is a daily …

Those of you that follow social media know Dr. Paul Vincelli.  He’s a visible contributor to the discussion on genetic engineering, but also ventures …

Talking Biotech Podcast #46 was a lot of fun.  My co-host is the effervescent Kiona Elliott, a wonderful undergraduate student in my lab that not …

Talking Biotech #45 discusses the viral threats to coffee.  We’re joined by Dr. Michael Goodin, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology from the …

Talking Biotech Podcast #44 continues Kavin Senapathy’s interview with Dr. Ronald Herring.  Dr. Herring is a Professor of Government and …

In discussion of genetically engineered crops  there is frequent reference to farmer suicides in India.  Claims are made that Indian farmers build …

The Seralini Rats make an appearance a the NAS Report Summary.

A report on Genetically Engineered Crops was commissioned by the National Academies of Science, and a committee was convened to review the current …

If there was anyone that could be dubbed a science wizard, it might be Dr. Jude Grosser.  Dr. Grosser has made a career of edgy innovation, creating …

Dr. Steve Strauss is a Distinguished Professor of Forestry at Oregon State University.  He has been at the forefront of forest biology and genetic …

It is so wonderful to share the time with Prof. Danny Chamovitz.  He’s an accomplished researcher, a successful Dean, and leader in Israel’s …

Chipotle proudly serves it.  The Vermont GMO labeling rules exempt it. Still 95% of cheese is manufactured from enzymes created through recombinant …

The African Swine Fever Virus is a devastating pathogen that leads to fatal disease in domesticated swine.  Scientists at the Roslin Institute led by Prof. Bruce Whitelaw have made an important advance for domestic pig …

“Citrus” is a term applied to a variety of popular and nutritious fruits, including oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes.  Citrus breeders are …

This week the Talking Biotech Podcast shares an intriguing discussion with Dr. Jayson Lusk.  Dr. Lusk is an agricultural and food economist at …

Strawberry is a popular fruit with tremendous commercial value, and while everyone loves a good strawberry, are they actually getting better? This …

Could the lowly dandelion solve a crisis?  If Key Gene CEO Dr. Arjen van Tunen and associates are correct, this yard pest may be the basis of …

Dietary reactions to wheat are on the rise, and science is grasping for answers.  One approach to work around the genetic basis of the reaction, and that is well understood.  With that information, scientists like Dr. …

When we think of the plants that are important to us, we might think right past the magical shrub that gives us coffee berries.  Coffee underpins major economies in the world, has an interesting history, and its …

Recent unpublished reports are popping up on the internet that suggest that the herbicide glyphosate is showing up at dangerous levels in a variety of places.  These range from breast milk, to beer, to wine, to potato …

Dr. Leena Tripathi is a leader in banana biotechnology, working at IITA in Nairobi, Kenya.  She has been publishing prolifically on a number of …

If you tell a stranger that something called “delta endotoxin” is as close as it gets to a miracle, they’d likely respond in one of two ways.  They’d either want you to seek counseling, or find out if they can get it …

Cherries are a perennial favorite fruit.  However, they are a tree, so their genetic improvement is slow.  Episode 27 features Dr. Amy Iezzoni, as she discusses cherry genetic origins and efforts to improve cherry …

The story of how genetic engineering saved the Hawaiian papaya industry gets lost in the discussion of agronomic crop uses of the technology.  This …

In today’s Talking Biotech Podcast the first guest is Keira Havens.   She’s the CEO of Revolution Bio, a company turned non-profit that is interested …

Improving plants with biotechnology is not just genetic engineering, it is using tools of molecular biology and genomics to guide traditional …

Several weeks ago there was a request for Talking Biotech Podcast to interview Prof Graeme Martin.  Prof Martin has a long career in animal …

Biotech innovation in cassava is necessary to speeding genetic improvement of this food staple. Together with breeding efforts, the new resources derived define new crops that primarily serve the developing world.  Yet …

Cassava (Manihot esculentum) is a critical world food crop, the third most consumed staple outside of rice and maize.  It is even more critical …

This eThis episode of Talking Biotech invites you to be the investigator and data collector.  The internet is littered with images that claim animals …

Today chemophobia rules supreme.  From fast-food establishments to farming critics, everyone seems to be an expert, except the experts!
Talking …

The topic of “pesticides” is the new frontier in the opposition to agricultural biotechnology.  Opponents of the technology blame new genetic …

This week we’re joined by Richard Levine, communications director for the Entomological Society of America.  We discuss bees, butterflies, …

This week features two discussions with fellows serving in the Global Leadership Program of the Cornell Alliance for Science.  The first part is a discussion with Nassib Mugwanya, Outreach Leader for the Ugandan …

This episode is an introduction to tomatoes, popular fruits that provide great variation to the eye and palate, as well as the foundation of many …

This week’s Talking Biotech features discussion of Huanglongbing (HLB) also known as Citrus Greening Disease.  The disease is devastating Florida citrus, and is causing a massive hardship on the State’s iconic …

This week I had to address the elephant in the room. What’s up with the recent flack about Monsanto funding a science communication outreach program?

What is happening with FOIA?  What is the future of the Talking …

This week’s podcast discusses Kevin Folta’s public records situation for 60 seconds.

That is followed by a talk with Dr. Andrew McKemey from Oxitec in …

This week’s podcast is an important analysis of two published reports. First, the results from the famous Rothamstead wheat trial show that their …

This Talking Biotech Podcast features Dr. William Powell from SUNY, where he is co-Director of the American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project.  The American Chestnut was a dominant forest tree in Appalachia …

Ag professionals know their businesses and on-farm practices better than anyone. However, they don’t tend to share their story in public space, …

Salmon is an outstanding food for protein, and undeniably great table fare. The AquaBounty company has produced the AquaAdvantage salmon, a fish that grows to production size in less time. This means the same amount of …

This episode of Talking Biotech features stories of genetically engineered chickens that do not spread the avian influenza virus. This year over 45 million birds have died or have been euthanized because of illness from …