Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Kevin Folta and Dr. David Zaruk discuss the complexities surrounding glyphosate, particularly in light of the IARC Monograph 112 published a decade ago. They explore the implications of the reclassification of glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, the ensuing litigation, influence and corruption, and the ethical concerns regarding scientific integrity. The conversation delves ...

This conversation explores the domestication of pigs, highlighting their importance in human society, the historical evidence of their domestication, and innovative research methods used to study their relationship with humans. Dr. Jiajing Wang from Dartmouth College discusses the significance of dental calculus in elucidaing pig diets and behaviors, as well as the complex interactions between humans and pigs throughout hi...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta speaks with Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer about the relationship between the shingles vaccine and dementia. They discuss the prevalence of shingles, the current vaccination rates, and the potential implications of shingles vaccination on cognitive decline. The data come from a clever analysis of public health data that revealed this surprising result. Dr. Geldsetzer s...

Summary

In this episode of the Talking Biotech Podcast, Kevin Folta speaks with Maria Rodtersman, a Ph.D. candidate at UC Davis, about her research on developing wheat to reduce gluten content, specifically targeting immunogenic proteins that trigger celiac disease. They discuss the significance of wheat as a staple crop, the differences between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, and the use of radiation-induced mutatio...

The elucidation of DNA's structure led to questions about how it was replicated. Today's Talking Biotech Podcast commemorates the landmark experiments by Dr. Franklin Stahl, who died recently at the age of 95. The experiments have beed described as amont the most elegant in the history of biology, and used a simple test to determine the physical nature of DNA replication. This is a must-know story for the molecular biologi...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech Podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta discusses the challenges of misinformation in food science with Dr. Cami Ryan and registered dietitian Connie Diekman. They explore the role of social media and traditional media in spreading misinformation, the difficulties scientists face in communicating effectively, and the importance of peer review and other information-honing strategies to reinforce legi...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech Podcast (464) host Dr. Kevin Folta engages with journalist and author Michael Grunwald about his book 'We Are Eating the Earth.' They discuss the complex relationship between food production, climate change, and biotechnology, emphasizing the need for multifaceted solutions rather than single silver bullet approaches. Grunwald shares insights from his journey into understanding food p...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Roger Cone discusses the complexities of obesity and eating disorders, emphasizing the role of brain circuits in regulating feeding behaviors. He explains the significance of GLP-1 agonists and melanocortin receptors in developing therapeutic approaches for conditions like obesity, anorexia, and cachexia. The conversation highlights the potential of combining these therap...

This episode of the Talking Biotech podcast features Dr. Anita Shukla discussing the critical issue of antibiotic resistance and the innovative engineering solutions being explored to combat it. The conversation covers the evolutionary nature of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the importance of antibiotics in healthcare, and the collaborative efforts of the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA) to identify researc...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta interviews Dr. Sarah Taber, who shares her journey from agricultural consulting to running for Ag Secretary in North Carolina. It is mostly a story of dedication to changing the norms and changing the rules to benefit more farmers, trying to break deeply entrenched interests to create real change. The conversation explores the challenges facing North Carolina ...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta discusses the current state of avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain, its history, zoonotic potential, and the implications for both poultry and human health. Into 2025 it was being detected in wild birds,domestic flocks, cattle and humans. Where did it go?  He highlights the importance of surveillance, the impact of the virus on domestic poultry produ...

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

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

This conversation explores the complex relationship between corn and Mexico, focusing on its cultural, economic, and agricultural significance. The discussion highlights the moratorium on genetically engineered (GM; GMO) corn, the public perception of biotechnology, and the impact of environmental NGOs on policy decisions. The conversation also delves into the perspectives of farmers regarding the need for access to biotec...

This conversation explores the intersection of natural products and synthetic biology, emphasizing the importance of science communication and outreach. Julia Ball shares her passion for connecting the public with plant science, while Dr. Philip Zerbe discusses the potential of synthetic biology in producing valuable natural products, particularly terpenoids. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in ed...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta speaks with Steph van Grieken, CEO of Cradle, about the revolutionary intersection of AI and protein engineering. They discuss the central role of proteins in biological systems, the innovative software Cradle is developing to enhance protein design, and the implications of these advancements for therapeutics and industrial applications. The conversation also ...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta discusses the introduction of the Purple Tomato by Norfolk Healthy Produce. Dr. Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Healthy Produce, shares insights on the development, consumer reception, and regulatory landscape surrounding this innovative product. The conversation highlights the importance of consumer education and the potential for biotechnology to address heal...

Social media teems with false information about food and farming.  Influencers cover Instagram and Facebook with claims that food is poison and farmers are "dousing" crops in dangerous chemicals. It is a disinformation campaign that is founded on the fact that Americans make poor food and lifestyle choices, but instead of blaming our behaviors, they blame food and medicine, pushing bogus high-profit alternatives. But is th...

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Kevin Folta interviews John Rizk, a pharmacist and epidemiologist, about M-Pox (formerly known as monkeypox). They discuss the emergence of M-Pox, its characteristics, transmission, symptoms, and recovery. The conversation also covers risk factors, diagnosis, vaccination strategies, treatment options, and the importance of health equity in access to vaccines. John emphasizes ...