Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

This week the American Association for the Advancement of Science announced an award to two Sri Lankan researchers for their research showing that glyphosate was a “deadly herbicide” that was causing…

The relationship between pollinators and crop protection strategies has always pitted them against each other, with concern about how insecticides and herbicides might affect charismatic non-target i…

The new techniques in gene editing have made rapid, precise genetic changes possible in animals.  Some of the greatest benefits are genetic resistance to disease, generation of less waste, and more r…

Researchers and communicators in biotechnology have experienced it for a long time– the people that oppose genetic engineering frequently know the least about it.  This observation was studied formal…

Our forests are critical to ecology.  They sequester carbon from human activity, and serve as great resources for renewable building materials, fuels and recreation.  However, our forests are threate…

Indoor air is filled with hazardous trace compounds that arise from flooring, furniture, and even showering. While they pose a minor risk, they are present, and more so in our energy efficient homes.…

This week’s podcast features and update on two critical technologies– the Bt Brinjal (eggplant) in Bangladesh and the blight resistant American Chestnut. Both of these were covered in earlier episode…

Weed resistance is a complex problem with incredible ramifications for agricultural production. It also provides an outstanding opportunity to examine how resistance happens– is it continual developm…

On December 6, 2018 environmental advocate Erin Brockovich published a high-profile opinion piece in The Guardian.  The piece was laced with scientific inaccuracies and inflammatory rhetoric about gl…

Dr. Thomas Zinnen has worked with the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service for almost three decades. His principal job has been sharing information about technology with the state th…

Gary Nolan works in marketing, but enjoys science podcasts, including Talking Biotech.  He also frequently blogs about politics, social trends, and science. He finds that he still wrestles with some …

Plant breeding is an important discipline, and the foundation of plant genetic improvements.  While modern techniques like gene editing sometimes steal the spotlight, the foundational varieties must …

The term “Conflict of Interest” is thrown around a lot these days, mostly to sully reputations or cast doubt on quality research. That perception of what a conflict of interest is, is quite different…

They are farmers.  They also own A&C Liquid Assets, a liquor store in Hoxie, Kansas.  Allison and Cole Nondorf saw the Smirnoff commercial where they proudly proclaim that they reject “GMO” seed tech…

The future gets closer every day, and many argue that technology will radically change the world for the better in the next 20 years– if we have the courage to let it.  Matt Ward is a serial entrepre…

What do we use to feed our food?  From cattle to fish, livestock require substantial inputs to thrive, and a substantial part of that is their feed.  This has measurable impacts from the environment …

The mango is an incredibly important fruit worldwide, yet little is known about its precise origins or domestication. Today’s podcast explores this important fruit with Dr. Emily Warschefsky, who stu…

Today’s episode is where Kevin Folta answers common questions from listeners. In the second half, we discuss the recent lawsuit against LaCroix and the alleged insecticides used as ingredients.

# COLA…

Nitrogen is required for plant growth, and is a significant input in terms of cost and environmental impact. While plants are literally surrounded by nitrogen, it is present in the atmosphere in an u…

The drug thalidomide was developed with tremendous promise in managing a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and morning sickness.  However, a few years after its common use it became linked to a s…