Episode 15: Marine Biochemistry: Medicine from the Deep

The ocean holds secrets we’ve barely begun to uncover. In this episode of Eco Echo, host Nil Kıran is joined by Alper Ozturk to explore the untapped potential of marine biochemistry. From cone snail venom painkillers to sea squirt cancer drugs, the conversation dives into how deep-sea organisms are reshaping medicine.Together, they discuss why 80% of the ocean remains a “medical library” unread, how bioprospecting and biotechnology turn marine microbes into drug candidates, and why protecting fragile ecosystems is essential for both the planet and public health. Along the way, you’ll hear about breakthrough compounds, cutting-edge labs like Scripps and GEOMAR, and the role of AI and synthetic biology in the next wave of discovery. This isn’t just a story of science, it’s about the deep link between ocean conservation and the future of human health.