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. Sadly, this is happening at a time of unprecedented abundance, yet a time when farmers are facing difficulty in competing against low prices and endless regulation. Michele Payn is a popular speaker and author that is here to talk about her book Food Truths. The book analyzes the ho...
Mar 25, 2017•54 min•Ep. 75
Aflatoxins are trace compounds produced by certain fungi, and represent a legitimate food safety risk. These fungi grow on corn, peanuts and other crops, especially in warm, humid areas that lack fungal control measures. They have been connected to numerous human diseases, primarily liver cancer, but also cause problems in livestock fed contaminated grain. Dr. Monica Schmidt of the University of Arizona has a good solution. Her team has expressed an RNA sequence in corn that matches the genetic ...
Mar 19, 2017•32 min•Ep. 74
The effects of farm insect controls on butterflies and bees are important to understand. Dr. Ric Bessin is an Extension Professor from the University of Kentucky is an entomologist that has studied this relationship. The discussion covers GE crops and monarch butterflies, habitat loss, and host plants, as well as the relationship between bees and insect controls. Hosted by Dr. Paul Vincelli. Dr. Bessin’s website is here. Follow Dr. Paul Vincelli @pvincell # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to ...
Mar 11, 2017•44 min•Ep. 73
We get lots of comments that the favorite episodes are when Kevin Folta answers your questions about food, farming, and genetic engineering. Not to disappoint, this entire episode is dedicated to your questions. Except for the update on the “ GMO Corn Experiment “!! With special guest Vern Blazek # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/ # TALKING...
Mar 04, 2017•51 min•Ep. 72
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, because companies controlled their farms. Tell that to Rob Sharkey. Rob is a farmer in Illinois that has been growing traited seeds his entire life, or at least as far as he can remember. He’s become an outstanding advocate for agriculture with a great podcast , hordes of loyal followers, and a wonderful grasp on how farming actually works. We need mo...
Feb 25, 2017•39 min•Ep. 71
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 varieties. In the second part of the podcast we explore some of the problems with creating new groves or orchards– where do we get more trees? How can we do it faster? He has started a company that addresses this important issue. Follow Dr. Amit Dhingra @aamitdhingra # COLABRA Talking...
Feb 18, 2017•29 min•Ep. 70
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 affecting non-target insects. Scientists have successfully used RNA-based strategies to fight plant viruses, but that has been through use of transgenic approaches where genetic material of the virus is expressed by the plant cell, triggering resistance. Dr. Neena Mitter uses a dif...
Feb 11, 2017•38 min•Ep. 69
Did you know that broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage are all the same species? Just like dogs are highly-diverse members of the same species descended from a common ancestor, the members of Brassica oleracea also share a common genetic origin. In this episode I’m joined by Dr. J. Chris Pires and his graduate students Makenzie Mabry and Shawn Abrahams from the University of Missouri. We discuss the genetic origins of these crops, their evolution and genetic improv...
Feb 04, 2017•33 min•Ep. 68
The National Academies of Science is one of the most respected scientific organizations on the planet, composed of well-established scientists and other scholars that perform important functions in vetting scientific claims and steering scientific agendas of a nation. Every several years the NAS commissions a review of the literature on genetic engineering in crop plants. Over the last several years the NAS appointed a diverse group do perform the 3rd such comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Fred Goul...
Jan 28, 2017•34 min•Ep. 67
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 of an evolutionary arms race between plants and pathogens. Matt Helm is a graduate student at Indiana University in Roger Innes’ lab. They are working on reworking the networks that sense pathogens, hoping to adapt their sensitivity to threats not innately sensed. In other words, putting different different bait on the mousetrap in the interest of ...
Jan 21, 2017•45 min•Ep. 66
Plants contain a family of genes called “R genes” that play important roles in resistance to disease. Plants and pathogens exist in an evolutionary arms race, each developing new means to attack or defend against the other. Professor Jonathan Jones has been at the forefront of R gene biology for decades. How to plants use these specialized molecules to detect a pathogen? How do pathogens evade detection? How can these genes be mixed and matched between plants to create new varieties resistant to...
Jan 14, 2017•39 min•Ep. 65
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 we address this is critical to our own credibility. Jay Baer is an author and consultant in customer service and marketing. He has written the book Hug Your Haters, a book that outlines the value of criticism and the proper ways to address it. These concepts are especially important in the days of social media. These tips from marketing translate we...
Jan 07, 2017•39 min•Ep. 64
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 defamation. We got through it by telling the truth, being soft, and enjoying a conversation about science with the world’s experts. Ultimately the efforts led to wonderful recognition that maybe provided a better conduit for the message. But what can we do better in 2017? Today’s po...
Dec 24, 2016•40 min•Ep. 63
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 companions. Prof. Greger Larson applies the lessons of evolution, archaeology and genomics to describe the canine lineage and describe this progression. There are many inferences and surprises along the way, and DNA from dog fossils is shedding light on this interesting question. Follow Prof. Larson at @Greger_Larson or www.palaeobarn.com Also, Che...
Dec 17, 2016•37 min•Ep. 62
Discussion of biotechnology risks and benefits frequently cites “terminator genes” as a reason to oppose the technology. The fear is that these plants contain genetic information that can release widespread plant sterility, leading to the demise of the planet. However, there is much more to the story. The inventor of the technology, Dr. Mel Oliver, describes why the technology was devised, and how far it moved toward application. In the first part of the podcast, Florida high school students wer...
Dec 10, 2016•41 min•Ep. 61
Dr. Mark Williams has extensive training in molecular biology. He also is interested in sustainable crop production, and leads training in organic production at University of Kentucky. In this interview he speaks about the intersection of these areas, touching on how what have been treated as disparate approaches really fit well together. Dr. Williams touches on gene editing, food labeling, environmental impact, and how education efforts need to focus on sustainable agriculture using the best to...
Dec 03, 2016•41 min•Ep. 60
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 team led by Dr. Stephen Long from the University of Illinois/University of Lancaster. By overexpressing three genes in tobacco, the plants were able to increase carbon assimilation, showing that there are mechanisms to improve the process. We discuss the paper, but also its extensions into food security, climate change and future fuels. Dr. Long’s w...
Nov 26, 2016•33 min•Ep. 59
The last episode contained information about glyphosate that was allegedly detected in common grocery store items. Today’s podcast is an important follow up. At the time the discussion was 100% correct based on the methods and information provided. I have since been contacted by the laboratory that did the testing. I’m confident that their numbers were reported correctly, as described on their analytical reports. So is there herbicide detected in parts per billion? Looks like it could be in some...
Nov 24, 2016•19 min•Ep. 58
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, beverages and body fluids. The reports are designed to scare people, especially targeting parents that are concerned about the food they feed to their families. This week a glossy brochure surfaced making claims that glyphosate was detected in Cheerios, Oreos, organic snack foods, and man...
Nov 19, 2016•45 min•Ep. 58
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 fuel in our gas tanks, to the sweetness in a soda, corn is a central player. This week’s podcast is an interview with one of the world’s leading experts in corn genetics, Dr. John Doebley from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Doebley is the world’s leading authority on the genetic events that made modern corn, the individual steps in domestication t...
Nov 12, 2016•31 min•Ep. 57
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 an interactive, multimedia resource that can aid in explaining the process of genetic engineering. This week’s podcast features Dr. Don Lee, one of the central developers of the resource. From teachers, to ag producers to extension professionals, this interactive web resource details the process of genetic engineering using the example of solving soyb...
Nov 05, 2016•40 min•Ep. 56
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, but also have effects on whole societies. Today’s guest is Lucy Martinez-Sullivan, Executive Director of 1000 Days. She talks about the critical need for pre- and neo-natal nutrition, and how our scientific and social interventions can reshape the lives of many. Website: http://thou...
Oct 14, 2016•37 min•Ep. 55
The peanut is a valuable crop for American farmers and is extensively cultivated worldwide. It is an important source of protein and healthy oils. At the same time the public is concerned about peanut allergies and aflatoxins. What is the reality, and how is technology coming to the rescue to address these problems? Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins is a Professor and peanut expert at the University of Georgia’s Tifton campus, and she talks about past and contemporary issues in peanuts. In the second part o...
Oct 08, 2016•37 min•Ep. 54
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 University of Southampton in the UK. Dr. Chapman has examined the domestication and evolution of the eggplant, discussing its natural variability and the use of molecular tools to study relatedness between the diverse land races. The second part of the podcast shares Dr. Indra Vasil’s re...
Oct 01, 2016•41 min•Ep. 53
Talking Biotech #52 visits with Iida Ruishalme, cell biologist, author and blogger. Iida is a trained scientist that writes the blog Thoughtscapism. Recently she published a comprehensive assessment of the frequently-asked questions regarding the glyphosate herbicide. Her thoughtful discussion was the basis of today’s discussion. Follow Iida in all of her social media areas: Blog: thoughtscapism.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Thoughtscapism/ Twitter: Iida Ruishalme @Thoughtscapism, ...
Sep 24, 2016•1 hr•Ep. 52
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 seek to find glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. They use a kit you can buy on the internet, but fail to use it in the way it is designed. Instead of using it on water, they use it on complex mixtures that yield false positives that are interpreted as legitimate signals. S...
Sep 17, 2016•48 min•Ep. 51
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. Dr. Indra Vasil was a pioneer in this area, especially in monocots, the plants we think of as our major grasses and grains. In this interview Dr. Vasil discusses the early days of plant tissue culture, and his contributions to the process that makes genetic engineering of crops possi...
Sep 10, 2016•49 min•Ep. 50
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 shares her knowledge of the origins of this important dessert crop, along with interesting facets of how it is used by other people around the world. She also ventures into “endless amusement” with watermelons. In the second half, I answer the many questions that came in over the intern...
Sep 03, 2016•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 49
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 staple. Farmers in Bangladesh and India rely on doses of old-school insecticides to protect their crop, up to eighty a season, and not always with appropriate protection equipment. The problem is insects that bore into the plant and into the fruit, destroying a crop. One solution h...
Aug 27, 2016•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 48
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 into discussion of climate change. So how do scientists learn to rethink their approach to public hot-button topics to be effective? This has been a question for scientists for a long time, as we perennially fail to connect well with the public. Podcast Resources: * Genetic Engineering and Sustainable Crop Disease Management: Opportunities for Case-...
Aug 20, 2016•54 min•Ep. 47
