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 biologist, and a spectacular example of a clever and definitive experiment for an...
Jul 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 466
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 legitimate claims and de-fuse false information. The conversation emphasizes t...
Jul 05, 2025•44 min•Ep. 465
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 production's impact on the environment, agroecology and regenerative farmin...
Jun 28, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 464
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 therapies to enhance treatment efficacy and the implications for public health. ...
Jun 25, 2025•33 min•Ep. 463
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 research priorities and strategies. Dr. Shukla emphasizes the need for novel ther...
Jun 17, 2025•17 min•Ep. 462
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 agriculture, the need for innovative ideas to shift from traditional crops...
Jun 07, 2025•36 min•Ep. 461
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 production, and the ethical concerns surrounding euthanization methods. Folta al...
May 31, 2025•37 min•Ep. 460
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 genetic diversity and how modern tools may be used to unravel long standing qu...
May 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 459
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 for trade between Mexico and the United States.
May 10, 2025•33 min•Ep. 458
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 biotechnology and the implications of recent presidential decrees on corn produc...
Feb 24, 2025•35 min•Ep. 457
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 educating the public about biotechnology and the role of synthetic biology i...
Feb 01, 2025•39 min•Ep. 456
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 touches on the ethical considerations and potential misuse of this technol...
Jan 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 455
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 health and nutritional needs. Dr. Pumplin discusses the technology and genetic...
Jan 14, 2025•39 min•Ep. 454
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 there something nefarious here? Has this online suspicion of our medical and ...
Jan 05, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 453
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 the need for more research and randomized control trials to better underst...
Nov 30, 2024•36 min•Ep. 452
n this episode, Dr. Kevin Folta speaks with Joe Damond about the rapidly evolving landscape of life sciences, particularly focusing on gene and cell therapies. They discuss the exciting advancements in medical technology, the economic challenges associated with developing new therapies, and the implications for healthcare systems and patient access. The conversation also touches on the role of providers in administering these advanced treatments, the global disparities in access to innovative th...
Nov 17, 2024•39 min•Ep. 451
In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Kevin Folta interviews Jenny Du, co-founder and senior vice president of operations at Apeel, a company focused on reducing food waste through innovative post-harvest technology. They discuss the significant issue of food waste, particularly in fresh produce, and how Apeel's products work to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by addressing moisture loss and oxidation. The conversation delves into the science behind Appeal's technology, ...
Nov 09, 2024•26 min•Ep. 450
Citrus greening disease or HLB has severely impacted Florida citrus production. And while many solutions have been proposed, there is interest in a number of trees that have shown to not show symptoms of the disease. This week's episode discusses the disease with retired extension specialist Gary England as he evaluates "survivor" trees. These trees continue to produce even when infected, and may provide insights into resistance to the disease, as well as provide genetics to maintain the Florida...
Oct 19, 2024•49 min•Ep. 449
In this conversation, Dr. Kevin Folta and Vance Crowe discuss the evolving landscape of agriculture communication, the rise of pseudoscience, and the cultural shifts affecting public trust in science. Vance shares his journey from working at Monsanto to founding Legacy Interviews, emphasizing the importance of capturing personal stories. They explore the challenges posed by influencers spreading misinformation about food safety and the implications of legal battles surrounding glyphosate. The di...
Oct 12, 2024•45 min•Ep. 448
Protein is essential for normal human development and physiology, yet is a significant global deficiency. World food staple crops like rice, wheat, cassava, and potato have relatively protein levels, yet constitute a significant portion of calories consumed. Dr. Ling Li of Mississippi State University has identified that overexpression of a gene called NF-YC4 can lead to higher protein accumulation. Her team used gene editing to remove promoter elements that suppress expression of this factor in...
Oct 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 447
We regularly discuss a small suite of commercial crops that have been genetically enhanced with transgenes. However, one additional genotype was transformed long ago, and approved for use in the USA, Canada and EU-- but nobody talks about it much. It is the plum resistant to plum pox virus (PPV), a devastating virus of stonefruits. While rare in the USA, it is endemic throughout the rest of the northern hempisphere, and certainly could become a problem. Dr. Chris Dardick of the USDA-ARS in Kearn...
Aug 17, 2024•32 min•Ep. 445
In 2013 a number of county ordinances sought to end the use of biotech crops on various Hawaiian islands. Hawaii's warm year-'round climate permits several corn seasons a year, so seed corn for the mainland is produced in these locations. However, these technologies are not appreciated by a subset of the population, who see these companies as poisoning paradise. Drs. Steve Savage and Kevin Folta were brought to Kauai by the Hawaiian Crop Improvement Association to speak to business leaders and p...
Aug 10, 2024•57 min•Ep. 444
Great products and ideas are everywhere, yet limited by the ability to actually produce them in needed quantitites. The technologies from Sunflower Therapeutics enable bioprocess applications throughout the globe in a deployable unit with a small footprint. Dr. Kerry Love describes the technology and it's applications, along with the philosophy of a public benefit corporation that seeks to meet the needs from small startups to remote ressearchers.
Aug 04, 2024•33 min•Ep. 443
T-cells are a critical part of the adaptive immune system, actively targeting problematic invaders. From pathogens to cancers, T-cells seek and destroy potentially dangerous cells, and maintain a memory of their presence. In today's episode Dr. Nigel McCracken describes this part of the adaptive immune system and how Virax Biolabs is using specialized tests to ascertain the presence and activity of T-cells activated by specific pathogens, such as Epstein-Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus...
Jul 27, 2024•49 min•Ep. 442
Disinformation clouds the public understanding of science, especially technology in agriculture and medicine. So when a leading journal publishes false information, academic experts have an obligation to help correct the process. This may be done via a variety of methods, but cordial and collegial discussion is the first step. When that fails, notes to editors and authors are in order. When that fails, written point-by-point rebuttals are required. But what happens when that fails? An article in...
Jul 21, 2024•42 min•Ep. 441
Wikipedia is the go-to source for many people when starting to research a subject. But is the information correct, or does the information even exist in Wikipedia at all? Susan Gerbic has been training people to edit Wikipedia pages through the Gorilla Skeptics of Wikipedia project. They have edited tens of thousands of pages with over 16 million views. Susan describes the process as well as how you can be involved in correcting online false information.
Jun 29, 2024•41 min•Ep. 440
Crop genetic engineering has focused primarily on large-acreage crops like corn. But what about the universe of specialty crops that tantalize consumers, things like blackberries or salad greens? Pairwise has used precision twists on gene editing to change specific traits in fruit and vegetable crops. Pairwise founder and CEO, Dr. Tom Adams, discusses the current progress, general philosophy, and moonshot plans for bringing exciting new specialty crops to market.
Jun 22, 2024•30 min•Ep. 439
Advancement of a new drug from pre-clinical trials to clinical trials is a pivotal time in validation of its therapeutic effects and safety. A panel of experts discusses the process.
Jun 15, 2024•32 min•Ep. 438
Today's episode marks the beginning of the 10th year of the Talking Biotech Podcast. To celebrate, Drs. Liza Dunn and Kevin Folta discuss the last decade of biotech breakthroughs and communications efforts, the fight against technology and the amazing progress in gene editing and human genetic therapies. Plus, what you can do to help the effort going forward.
Jun 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 437
Chronic inflammation goes hand-in-hand with many diseases, complicating symptoms and affecting routes of treatment. What is the molecular basis of inflammation, and can it be targeted by new drugs? Scientists have studied the molecular basis of the inflammatory response and have identified specific proteins that complex to initiate the response. New drugs are showing promise in breaking the inflammatory cascade. Studies of genealogical records revealed additional targets that modify known geneti...
Jun 02, 2024•46 min•Ep. 436
