Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Danelle Seymour discusses the genetic anomoliies observed in the vegetative propagation of tree crops, particularly citrus. The conversation delves into the importance of preserving genetic material through grafting, the challenges of genetic variation in vegetatively propagated plants, and the role of mutations in these processes. Dr. Seymour shares insights from her research on the historic Washington Naval orange tree and the implications of somatic mutations for breeding and disease resistance in citrus.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta speaks with Dr. Neela Patel and Dr. Diane Hollenbaugh from Bonum Therapeutics about the emerging field of conditionally active biologics. They discuss the challenges of current therapies, the innovative mechanisms behind their drug development, and the potential of immuno-oncology to revolutionize cancer treatment. The conversation also covers the market landscape, the origin story of Bonum, and the future directions for their pipeline, emphasizing the importance of targeted therapies in improving patient outcomes.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, host Dr. Kevin Folta engages with Dr. Alex Schneider, CEO and founder of CureLab, to discuss innovative approaches to cancer treatment, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by refractory cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Dr. Schneider emphasizes the evolution of cancer therapies from traditional chemotherapy to more sophisticated immunotherapies, highlighting the importance of understanding immune responses in combating cancer. He introduces Elanogen, a plasmid-based therapy designed to enhance immune presentation and combat chronic inflammation, which can hinder the effectiveness of conventional treatments like gemcitabine.The conversation delves into the mechanisms of Elanogen, explaining how it targets the P62 protein, which is overproduced in cancer cells, making them vulnerable to immune attacks. Dr. Schneider shares insights from clinical trials, noting the promising results of combining Elanogen with standard chemotherapy, and discusses future applications of this therapy in various cancers and even non-cancerous diseases associated with chronic inflammation. The episode concludes with a call for intellectual humility in science, as both hosts reflect on the evolving nature of cancer research and the potential for new discoveries in the field.

This conversation explores the intersection of biotechnology and the beauty industry, highlighting how biotech is revolutionizing the production of cosmetic ingredients. The discussion covers the slow pace of innovation in beauty, the debate between natural and synthetic ingredients, and the role of AI in discovering new active compounds. The conversation also delves into specific examples like carmine production, the business model of Debut Biotech, and the regulatory challenges faced in bringing new products to market.

2025 saw some of the giants in molecular biology leave us. Those that made seminal discoveries in DNA science to those that put it to work in describing the underpinnings of life left an indelible mark on history, and it is fitting that we commemorate their discoveries and contributions.

This is a throwback to episode 484, a very important correction of their episode on glyphosate. With so much controversy around this compound it is critical to keep the information correct and consistent with a 50 year body of evidence when discussing risk and benefit. Veritassium made some mistakes, so here they are corrected so that you can participate effectively in these discussions.

This episode originally aired on December 18, 2021. Cindy Graham was diagnosed with glioblastoma in her late 40s. She fought the disease, and ultimately donated her tissues to research to study the nature of glioblastoma and identify potential vulnerabilities that could underlie a cure. This episode first features Dr. Shiela Singh, glioblastoma expert who has performed analysis of Cindy's cells in search of a cure. The second part is an interview with her husband, Dr. Thomas Graham. He speaks of the power of her gift, Cindy's legacy, and the hope that cures may come because of her contribution. The fund supports glioblastoma research and student scholarships to enhance the best research in search of a cure. You can support the fund at www.cindysgift.com

In today's throwback to 2022, Dr. Avindra Nath of the NIH reviews research efforts in proteins expressed from human endogenous retroviruses. It is a fascinating discussion of how genome relics may be contributing to insidious human disease.

This throwback episode to 2018 is an interview with plant breeding pioneer Dr. Maxine Thompson.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta and Dr. Zack Abbott discuss the critical role of dietary fiber in human health, the alarming statistics regarding fiber deficiency in the population, and the innovative solutions being developed by Zbiotics to address this issue. They delve into the science behind genetically engineered probiotics that can convert sugars into fiber, enhancing gut health and microbiome diversity. The conversation also touches on future possibilities for probiotic technology and its potential to solve modern health challenges.

This cross-platform podcast is shared on Science Facts and Fallacies as well as Talking Biotech. Cameron English, Dr. Liza Lockwood and Dr. Kevin Folta discuss the comments made during a rant on the Science Facts and Fallacies podcast concerning the rigor of peer review and alledged lack of self policing in academic publishing. They discuss several papers in the recent public eye, with an emphasis on the process, the media response, and the nuance that is used in academic publishing, review and editorial oversight.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Jonathan Howard discusses his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of disinformation, and the anti-vaccine movement. He reflects on his role as a physician at Bellevue Hospital, the impact of misinformation on public health, and the key players who have influenced the narrative surrounding vaccines and COVID-19. Dr. Howard emphasizes the need for the medical community to stand against misinformation and the importance of engaging in public discourse to restore trust in science and public health institutions.

SummaryIn this episode of the Talking Biotech Podcast, Dr. Matthew Disney discusses the potential of RNA as a therapeutic target, exploring its historical context, pathogenic roles in diseases, and the challenges and innovations in drug design. The conversation delves into specific diseases like myotonic dystrophy, ALS, and various cancers, highlighting the advantages of small molecules in treatment and the future directions of RNA therapeutics.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Max Scott discusses the significant threat posed by screw worms, a parasitic insect that lays eggs in live animals, leading to severe economic and health impacts on livestock. The conversation covers the historical eradication efforts using the sterile insect technique, the current resurgence of screw worms in North America, and the innovative biotechnology approaches being explored to control their populations, including gene drive technology. The episode also addresses the public perception of genetic technologies in agriculture and the importance of continuous monitoring and advocacy for effective pest management.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Jackie Douglas discusses the emerging field of neoantigens and their significance in cancer immunotherapy. Neoantigens, which are unique to cancer cells, offer a promising target for personalized immunotherapies. The conversation covers the formation of neoantigens, the role of HLA alleles in their presentation, recent advances in research, and various therapeutic strategies being explored. Challenges such as patient response variability and the need for affordable treatments are also highlighted, along with the potential for future developments in the field.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta interviews Derek Small, co-founder and CEO of Syndeoo, focusing on the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders and the challenges in developing effective therapies. They discuss the importance of synaptic function in mental health and neurodegenerative diseases, the innovative Boost platform for drug development, and the potential of event-driven pharmacology. The conversation highlights the hope for new treatments in the pipeline for conditions like depression and Alzheimer's disease.

Listener Request! The YouTube channel Veritasium has been recognized by scientists and the public as a great source for scientific information. So what happened in the recent episode? The episode originally entitled "Exposing the Monsanto Conspiracy" attempts to link the historic horrors of Agent Orange and contaminated herbicides with current claims against the herbicide glyphosate. To build the story this science channel relies on horrible sources and poor scholarship to build the illogical conclusion that because a company had a bad past, and anti-biotech activists and money-hungry lawyers build a narrative, then the herbicide must cause cancer. This, despite the overwhelming consensus from independent research and regulatory bodies that says there is no evidence of carcinogenicity at dietary or occupational exposure levels. This episode is designed to help the scientific listener understand the actual evidence and how even traditionally good communications efforts can become vehicles for anti-scientific campaigns.

Anti-vaccination activists, including the US Health and Human Services Secretary, decry the risk of vaccination. In two recently developed vaccines the emerging story is that there is risk in not being vaccinated. Analysis of large data sets shows that over the last 20 years, those vaccinated with the HPV vaccine have a lower incidence of cervical, penile and anal cancers, as they should. But they also show lower incidence of other cancers as well, such as lung, blood and nervous system cancers. The shingles vaccines seem to have protective effects against dementia, heart disease and stroke. All of thse findings suggest that broader vaccination may have public health benefit. More importantly, these may be strategies against vaccine hesitancy, as families don't remember the sourge of polio and measles, but they likely know someone with cancer or dementia. These findings could be a way to nucleate a shift in vaccine perception among evidence deniers.HPV and Other Cancers: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661825002762Shingles vaccine and dementia: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08800-xShingles vaccine and cardiovascular disease: https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciaf440/8229580Singles vaccine and cardiovascular disease: https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/46/30/2991/8124786

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Andrey Zarur, CEO of Greenlight Biosciences, discusses the innovative applications of RNA technology in agriculture. The conversation covers the challenges of food security, the role of RNA in pest control, and the regulatory advantages of RNA-based products. Dr. Zarur highlights the efficacy and safety of RNA insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, as well as the company's efforts to address bee health. The discussion also touches on public perception and the importance of transparent communication in biotechnology.00:00Introduction to RNA and Its Role in Agriculture02:02Challenges in Global Food Production05:07The Promise of RNA Technology10:05Regulatory Landscape for RNA-Based Solutions13:52Stability and Application of RNA Products18:00Product Development and Efficacy of RNA Pesticides19:48Targeting Specific Pests with RNA Technology26:51AI in RNA Design and Future Prospects30:01Innovative Approaches to Pest Control32:41Targeting Specific Pests with RNA Technology35:22Challenges in Regulatory Approval and Public Perception38:02Engaging with the Public and NGOs42:46Addressing the Varroa Mite Crisis in Beekeeping49:18Developing RNA Solutions for Weed Management

SummaryIn this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta interviews Dr. Robert Tarone, a retired scientist with extensive experience in cancer statistics and experimental design. They discuss the controversial IARC monograph that classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen, the flaws in the evaluation process, and the implications of this classification on legal actions against glyphosate manufacturers. Dr. Tarone critiques the evidence used by IARC, emphasizing the lack of credible data linking glyphosate to cancer, and highlights the importance of rigorous scientific methodology in evaluating such claims.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Kevin Folta and Dr. David Zaruk discuss the complexities surrounding glyphosate, particularly in light of the IARC Monograph 112 published a decade ago. They explore the implications of the reclassification of glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, the ensuing litigation, influence and corruption, and the ethical concerns regarding scientific integrity. The conversation delves into the role of the media, the influence of litigation finance, and the future of glyphosate in agriculture, emphasizing the need for transparency and evidence-based discussions over jury decisions.

This conversation explores the domestication of pigs, highlighting their importance in human society, the historical evidence of their domestication, and innovative research methods used to study their relationship with humans. Dr. Jiajing Wang from Dartmouth College discusses the significance of dental calculus in elucidaing pig diets and behaviors, as well as the complex interactions between humans and pigs throughout history.

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Kevin Folta speaks with Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer about the relationship between the shingles vaccine and dementia. They discuss the prevalence of shingles, the current vaccination rates, and the potential implications of shingles vaccination on cognitive decline. The data come from a clever analysis of public health data that revealed this surprising result. Dr. Geldsetzer shares insights from his research, which suggests that the shingles vaccine may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. The conversation also covers the methodology behind the research, findings from various populations, and future directions for further studies in this area.

SummaryIn this episode of the Talking Biotech Podcast, Kevin Folta speaks with Maria Rodtersman, a Ph.D. candidate at UC Davis, about her research on developing wheat to reduce gluten content, specifically targeting immunogenic proteins that trigger celiac disease. They discuss the significance of wheat as a staple crop, the differences between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, and the use of radiation-induced mutations, the old-school brute force genetic methods used to create wheat lines with lower immunogenicity. The conversation also covers the challenges of wheat's hexaploid nature, the testing of modified wheat for bread quality and immunogenicity, and the future directions of this research.Bluesky @dubcovskylab.bsky.social‬

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 anyone that appreciates science.

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 the need for better communication strategies, building trust with the public, and the necessity of teaching critical thinking and media literacy to consumers.

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 farming, the challenges of public perception regarding biotechnology, and the importance of innovative practices in agriculture. The conversation also touches on the issues of food waste, biofuels, and the necessity for government investment in agricultural research and technology. You can buy Mike's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/We-Are-Eating-the-Earth/Michael-Grunwald/

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. But most importantly, the approaches offer potential new therapies to address anorexia and cachexia that may prove to be as effective as GLP1 agonists have been for addressing obesity.

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 therapeutic approaches, improved drug delivery systems, and the integration of advanced detection methods to address the growing challenge of AMR.

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 to more profitable produce, and the political landscape that influences agricultural policies. Sarah discusses her motivations for running, the strategies she employed during her campaign, and the lessons learned from the experience. The episode concludes with insights on the future of agriculture in North Carolina and advice for aspiring politicians.

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 also explores potential solutions, including vaccination and transgenic strategies that go unused although they are known to be effective. Finally, what is the status of emergency response? The strategic stockpiles are gone, new mRNA strategies have been defunded. With no desire to protect animals and government policy failing to take precautions to protect humans, an avian influenza pandemic may be devastating. The current situation is discussed.

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 questions about maize domestication.

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.

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 production in Mexico.

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 in sustainable drug production. In this conversation, Dr. Philipp Zerbe discusses the intersection of synthetic biology and natural products, focusing on the advancements in omics technologies and their role in bioactivity screening and pathway engineering. He highlights the recent breakthroughs in Taxol production, the complexities of intellectual property in synthetic biology, and the varying consumer perceptions of bioengineered products. Additionally, he provides insights into career guidance for students interested in these fields, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and networking.

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 technology, as well as the future of AI in biology and its impact on environmental sustainability.

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 engineering involved, the importance of plant breeding, and the health benefits associated with anthocyanins. He emphasizes the company's commitment to creating high-quality products while addressing public perceptions of GMOs and the future of biotechnology in agriculture.

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 food systems seeded by interests wishing to turn citizens against farmers and regulators, opting instead for fake alternatives and bogus nostrums? It is a viable hypothesis. The war on seed oils, glyphosate and genetically engineered crops has re-ignited, despite minimal, if any, risk. Senate testimony by podcaster and "integrative nutritionist" Courtney Swan is dissected to demonstrate how wildly incorrect these folks are-- when speaking before a US Senate commitee! This is how disinformation spread and now is being used to influence the highest eschelons of federal government. This all appears to be science and reason losing a damaging disinformation campaign using the internet and its complicit influencers to harm food and national security.

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 understand and manage M-Pox.

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 therapies, and the regulatory challenges that need to be addressed. Finally, they explore the potential of AI in transforming healthcare and the importance of ensuring equitable access to new medical technologies.

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, the sustainability of its ingredients, and the broader implications of food waste on food security and greenhouse gas emissions. In this conversation, Jenny Du discusses the challenges of extending the shelf life of produce, particularly avocados, and the role of technology in improving food supply chains. She addresses misconceptions about her company and emphasizes consumer awareness regarding food technologies. The discussion also touches on the potential for increasing produce diversity and the impact of post-harvest technologies on food security.

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 orange juice industry until other options are available.

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 discussion highlights the need for effective communication strategies in the face of growing skepticism towards scientific consensus. In this conversation, Vance Crowe and Kevin Folta discuss the evolving narrative surrounding glyphosate and its implications for agriculture. They explore the shift in public perception from anti-GMO sentiments to a focus on glyphosate litigation, the complexities of scientific communication, and the erosion of trust in institutions. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in light of potential chemical bans and the importance of rebuilding faith in science and its communicators.

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 soybeans and rice. The resulting plants accumulate more protein, and are curently being used in generating seed that may play an important role in global nutrition. Follow Dr. Ling Li at @Ling89093335

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 Kearneysville, WV talks about the plum, its history and current application. The resistant plum was developed by the USDA-ARS in the 1990s, using a similar approach to the successful papaya ringspot virus resistant papaya. The work is a foundational success of biotechnolgy, and an available strategy in the event the virus ever emerges. .

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 public audiences. They were met with protests and disdain, and this episode reflects on some of the experiences in public advocacy for sciecne. Dr. Savage also recounts his career in science and growing along with biotech breakthroughs.

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.