Hydrogen has long played a behind-the-scenes role in industry, but could it become a frontrunner in the race toward a cleaner energy future? In this episode of Balancing the Future , Micah Schweizer and Chai Nussbaumer dive into hydrogen’s evolving role in the green transition. From color-coded classifications like green, blue, and even " sad " hydrogens like pink and black, to cutting-edge pilot projects in transportation and heating, this episode breaks down what makes hydrogen both promising ...
Jun 23, 2025•34 min•Ep. 14
If you haven’t heard of GLP-1s, you’ve almost certainly come across the brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These drugs were originally developed to treat diabetes, but they’ve recently become household names thanks to their dramatic impact on weight loss. Beyond shedding pounds, early evidence also points to promising benefits for chronic kidney disease, certain liver conditions, and cardiovascular health. But with surging demand for GLP-1s driven by their weight-loss potential, there’s...
Jun 09, 2025•33 min•Ep. 13
In an age of constant scientific innovation and shifting public trust, how can science communication help bridge the gap between labs and lives? In this episode of Balancing the Future , Micah Schweizer and new co-host Chai Nussbaumer explore the powerful role that storytelling, emotion, and empathy play in making science more relatable and relevant to the public, grant funders and the media. They’re joined by science communications expert Rachael Vorwerk, whose journey began with a children’s b...
May 26, 2025•33 min•Ep. 12
Science and technology are evolving faster than ever, and it's exciting to imagine where they might take us next. But which breakthroughs should we be paying attention to? Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our live...
May 12, 2025•1 min•Ep. 11
For over 200 years, the fundamental principles of battery technology have remained largely unchanged. However, the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market and the urgent need for efficient energy storage solutions for renewable sources have intensified efforts to push this technology further. In the final episode of Balancing the Future Season 1, Dana and Micah are joined by Simon Taylor, Segment Business Development Manager for Battery Technology at METTLER TOLEDO. Together, they delve into...
Feb 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 10
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with over 2.3 million cases diagnosed globally each year. While current detection methods like mammograms and self-exams are valuable, they’re not without limitations. But what if a simple blood test could revolutionize early detection and save countless lives? In this episode of Balancing the Future , Dana and Micah are joined by Ivana Domljanovic, a researcher at the forefront of breast cancer detection technology. Together, they explore how...
Feb 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 9
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives over the past century. However, their widespread use has led to a crisis – the evolution of antimicrobial resistance or AMR. According to a 2024 study, over a million people have been killed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria since 1990. This number is only set to rise over the coming decades. In this episode of Balancing the Future , Ana Almeida joins Dana and Micah to explore how pollution in the water supply has contributed to this environmental and glob...
Jan 20, 2025•27 min•Ep. 8
Experiments conducted in space challenge scientists to rethink processes in entirely new ways. But what insights can these experiments offer - not only about the unique environment of space but also about our future on Earth? In this episode of Balancing the Future , Dr. Magdalena Herová joins Dana and Micah to delve into the meticulous process of preparing experiments for the rigors of space. Together, they explore groundbreaking research happening above our planet and envision a future where h...
Jan 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 7
On this special holiday episode of Balancing the Future , Dana and Micah revisit some of their favorite moments that didn’t make it into earlier episodes. They also offer an exciting glimpse into what’s ahead, previewing some of the engaging conversations coming in 2025. Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives. Each episode features stories from ...
Dec 23, 2024•14 min•Ep. 6
Bioplastic technology has been around for decades, but how can it be effectively utilized and scaled to address the growing crisis of plastic waste we face today? In this episode of Balancing the Future , Dr. Manfred Zinn joins Dana and Micah to explore the cutting-edge applications of bioplastics, the implications of enhanced biodegradability, and the challenges and opportunities of scaling these solutions. Manfred is a Professor at the Institute of Life Sciences at the University of Applied Sc...
Dec 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 5
Brewing beer is both an art and a science, a tradition that has connected people for millennia. But what lies ahead for this age-old craft? In this episode of Balancing the Future , Chris Treanor sits down with Dana and Micah to delve into the science behind brewing, the intricate dance between innovation and business, and the pivotal role beer has played in shaping culture and community. Chris Treanor is the Head Brewer at Qrew Brew, a community-centric brewery in Switzerland. Qrew Brew is an i...
Nov 25, 2024•30 min•Ep. 4
Plant-based meat alternatives are having a moment, but do they represent a real shift towards a more sustainable diet? In this episode, Edwina Romanens dives into the technology that made the plant-based protein taste revolution possible, how consumer preference steers the industry, and what place plant-based meat alternatives might have in the diets of the future. Edwina is the former lead biotechnology scientist at Planted, a leading plant-based food company in Switzerland specializing in meat...
Nov 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 3
The use of 3D cell cultures is revolutionizing the drug testing industry, improving safety, accuracy and shaking up traditional methods. Could this technology take us into a future where we are able to fully personalize medicine, and maybe, even grow replacement organs? In this episode of Balancing the Future, Dr. Jan Lichtenberg joins Dana and Micah to explore how 3D cell cultures are changing the trajectory of the drug development and testing landscape, the ethical implications of this technol...
Oct 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 2
As diets evolve and arable farmland becomes increasingly less viable, could cultivated or lab-grown meat provide a solution to the pressing challenges we face on Earth and beyond? In this episode of Balancing the Future, biotechnologist Steven Lang joins Dana and Micah to discuss the current landscape of cultivated meat. He delves into the significant environmental and social issues this technology aims to address and explores its potential future impacts. Steven Lang serves as the Vice Presiden...
Oct 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1
For hundreds of thousands of years, humans have pursued more effective, efficient ways of living and working. It’s our constant pursuit of better ways to do things. Better ways to solve problems. Better ways to communicate. Better ways to live and thrive. Throughout history, we have made countless innovations that have propelled our society toward new horizons. Those innovations have adapted across eras, from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, to now, where it's all about sustainability. Welcome to ...
Sep 09, 2024•2 min•Ep. 1
