Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

A story exploded in the New York Times claiming that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and a potent herbicide, was detected in 10/11 flavors of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.  The anti-biotech…

Dr. Sabina Vidal is a professor at the National Republic University in Uruguay.  Her lab is interested in the genetic improvement of soybean, especially in response to abiotic stress.  This episode t…

Today’s genomics explosion has foundations in seminal discoveries in molecular biology almost 50 years ago.  Today’s guest, Sir Richard Roberts, was a pivotal figure in a number of these areas. He wa…

Neonicotinoids (neonics) are a class of insecticides based on natural plant compounds that disrupt the insect nervous system. They are used because they have relatively low toxicity on non-insects.  …

Domestication Dr. Lazaro Peres  De novo domestication also has the potential to expand genetic diversity in crops, potentially conferring additional roles in food security.

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Talking Biotech i…

The representation of crop biotechnology in film has been an asymmetrical assault on science and reason.  Food Evolution breaks that trend. The film tells several stories of biotech applications, whe…

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, has been used as a non-selective (kills all plants) herbicide since 1970.  It blocks a necessary step in plant metabolism and the plant die…

The documentary space is filled with disparaging films about food science, including those that target biotechnology.  Many of these films feature artistic flair, and tell a compelling story through …

Forests are under many threats, from new pests and pathogens, to invasive trees, to climate.  The advancement of these traits by far exceeds the natural response of trees to acclimate, and outpaces t…

While the technologies of genetic engineering are quite commonplace, it was not always the case.  The scientists that blazed the trail hold tremendous history, and it is good to visit with them to un…

In the race to feed 10 billion people by 2050 some agricultural production will shift to where people live.  The idea of vertical farms or repurposing urban space for agriculture is becoming increasi…

Uruguay is a major producer of soy and corn from genetically engineered seeds, with over 2.5 million acres in production.  Dr. Paul Vincelli talks about the regulatory framework in Uruguay with Dr. A…

In the industrialized world the potato is defined as one of a few varieties of tuber crops.  But there is tremendous diversity available to be exploited, and potato breeders are folding that into mod…

The sweet potato has special seasonal or fast-food application in the industrialized world, but in many parts of the world it is an important part of the daily diet.  The sweet potato is botanically …

The issues of biotechnology benefit from examination from social scientists.  There are scientists that help define the social reaction to science and the way that scientists need to communicate issu…

What are Specialty Crops?  These are the crops of the produce aisle, fruits, vegetables, nuts.  These are high-value crops that receive relatively little research funding compared to other types of t…

The newest and most promising therapies for challenging cancers are adopting molecular-biology strategies.  Brain tumors are especially problematic because of their location impedes patient function …

This week’s podcast is an important discussion, a cautionary tale of what can happen when genetically-engineered crops are introduced to the environment.  Circumstances may lead to release of the tra…

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 con…

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 fu…