Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

What can be learned about biology from massive datasets, and can that information unveil opportunities for new therapeutics? This is the approach by Turbine. Today's podcast discusses Turbine's approach with Dr. Dan Veres, CSO and Co-Founder of the company. He describes how data sets from multi-omics analysis are merged and analyzed to identify potential drug targets. and in silico information informs wet lab tests. The outcome is new therapeutics to treat recalcitrant disease. Webiste: www.turbine.ai

The COVID19 pandemic was a challenge in public health, but became much worse through politicization of science and a thriving misinformation network. Over a short time, a cadre of personalities emerged in a willing media that made claims contrary to public health guidance, stoking suspicion and eroding trust in the messaging from public health experts. Dr. Jonathan Howard's book, "We Want Them Infected" is a collection of social and traditional media comments by contrarian physicians and media personalities that frame the dissent against public health guidance. Dr. Howard uses their own words to illustrate how a handful of personalities hijacked a health crisis to personally benefit, while providing false and dangerous information that clouded pandemic response, and eroded trust in vaccinations and other aspects of public health. Buy "We Want them Infected" at Redhawk PublicationsOr on Amazon

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is recognized for his bad science around critical issues like vaccination and agricultural chemistry. Recently he enjoyed a long-form, virtually uncontested platform on the Joe Rogan Experience where he rattled misinformation after falsehood about everything from vaccination to disease to glyphosate to cell phones. Because Rogan has a massive audience, this information is particularly dangerous. Here I refute, point-by-point, the false assertions made by Kennedy, and clearly show that he is simply a motivated disinformation hustler, and his false information must be corrected. In this podcast I refute his points with evidence, and show why he should not be trusted for information about medicine or agriculture.

The avocado is a wonderful fruit that is gaining in popularity, full of healthful oils and other nutrients. However, consumers consistently note the obvious drawback of the short life of fresh avocados, especially when used in recipes, like guacamole. Oxidative browning occurs within minutes, and causes food waste and supply chain loss. Green Venus is a technology company that has used site-specific nucleases to edit the genome of avocado. Dr. Jeff Touchman discusses the challenges and opportunities, regulatory hurdles, and specifics of the edits, as well as the potential future of a genetically engineered avocado.

The 400th episode also represents the first episode of the 9th year-- an amazing run for a tiny, self-produced podcast. Where did it come from? In this episode I talk about the genesis of the Talking Biotech podcast, from the Vern Blazek Science Power Hour, to an arm twisting by Joe Rogan, to being banned from podcasting by my university-- this is a behind-the-scenes history of this effort. I also recognize the guests that are no longer with us, yet remain a vital part of this archive.

Vaccination is a cornerstone of animal health, and is critically important in animal agricultural operations. A number of devastating livestock diseases are prevented with vaccination, yet vaccines have not been developed for some of the most devastating diseases for several reasons. Long before the COVID pandemic and its slate of next-gen vaccine strategies, Harris Vaccines was using rapidly adaptable RNA-based vaccine technologies. The current suite of RNA-based vaccines have been used successfully in swine for years, with many others in development. Today's discussion is with Joel Harris, CEO of Genvax. We discuss the technology and its applications. www.genvax.com@genvax @JoelTHarris

Sam Kean is a prolific author that has a unique talent for sharing the stories of science. Trained in physics, Kean's work describes seminal events in science using a deeply researched narrative style that transforms textbook information into better-than-fiction stories of discovery. In today's episode guest co-host Gracelyn Byrd joins the podcast to discuss the state of science communication, how we can do better as scientists and science institutions, and discuss how today's events may be reflected in time. Sam Kean on Twitter: @Sam_Kean

The human brain is complex, but over the years massive data have been gathered regarding the relationship between structure and function. From functional MRI to many other techniques, researchers slowly are resolving the relationship between brain anatomy and how it actually works. Dr. Stephan Doyen of Omniscient Neurotechnology have designed tools to parse massive collections of data relating brain structure to function, and now provide a set of tools to guide surgeons, as well as potentially serve as predictive tools in addressing challenging neurological disorders. Website: https://www.o8t.com/

The kidney is one of the organs necessary to filter blood, composed of tiny functional units that separate waste products from molecules the body should retain. Chronic kidney disease is a significant international problem, with up to 10% of the population requiring treatment, and extreme cases requiring dialysis and/or transplantation with significant personal and public health costs. In today's episode we speak with Dr. Andrew King, Chief Scientific Officer of Chinook Therapeutics. We discuss rare diseases of the kidney, such as disorders that lead to nephropathy, proteinuria, and oxalic acid deposition, along with how the next generation of drugs work to target these issues. www.chinooktx.com

Plant biologists use a set of tools to modulate gene expression. The well-established set of molecular switches are rather crude, with limited control of spatial or temporal expression. Dr. James Lloyd discusses the newest tools in synthetic circuits, molecules that can tailor a response with a given input. These new tools add needed nuance to the regulation of gene expression and stand to revise how we control specific genes in the lab and field.

Scientists are encouraged to step into the public conversation around controversial work, especially when that work seems to deliberately misinform, and can negatively affect public health. A series of authors have used to COVID pandemic to use the peer-reviewed literature to push claims that are poorly supported by legitimate evidence. These papers find favorable review from poor-quality reviewers, leading to eventual publication, and earning the patina of legitimacy, despite the poor quality of the work. Dr. Lonni Besançon and an expert team responded to a paper online that presented no original research-- just a hypothesis that is supported by cherry picked data to support a conclusion. The team wrote a response to the journal, which was peer reviewed prior to publication, yet the journal still declined to print it. This conversation shows that the claims of silencing and censorship are not stopping bad information-- but we can identify cases where efforts to correct the information are rejected. The paper by Barrière et al. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12015-022-10465-2

The companies on the front edge of pharmaceutical development have identified the value of massive data sets in the future of drug design. Ironically, personalization of therapies will be improved tremendously through examination of massive data sets. Dr. Michael Zaizac from Novartis of Europe discusses how his company has they have integrated artificial intelligence and analysis of patient data sets for new discoveries in patient care.

As we age, the brain undergoes changes that lead to various disorders that affect physical ability and mental acuity. There are many processes at play, ranging from alterations in the extracellular environment, to accumulation of deleterious proteins, to a breakdown in connections between neurons. Can these processes be reversed? Dr. Jean Herbert from the Albert Einstein School of Medicine has led efforts to reconstitute brain function through use of stem cells. Current steps in animal models may one day contribute to human therapies.

The COVID pandemic accelerated development of a new class of vaccines. This class, called mRNA vaccines, allows ease in manufacture, rapid response to disease or disease variants, and many other benefits. But just like any technology, an industry has arisen to stand in its way, promoting false information that painfully mischaracterizes what these new veterinary tools truly are. A cadre of internet personalities now capitalizes off of the manufactured fear that can help farmers, consumers and the environment-- as well as fortify animal welfare. University of California scientists Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam and Dr. Terry Lehenbauer discuss what the mRNA vaccines are, and how efforts to oppose them defy science, especially when codified into law by clueless politicians.

In a rapidly changing technology environment, how do established businesses tackle smart growth and continue transformative change? In this special edition of Talking Biotech Podcast we examine the business climate of Regeneron, and how growth in the era of genomics and massive data sets from human health changed the process of drug discovery, but also changed how the company would respond to new opportunities and challenges. Dr. Jeffery Reid, Chief Data Officer, explains where the company was, and how it has changed with the rocketing pace of data acquisition and integration.

In this episode Dr. Kevin Folta shares a spontaneous conversation with Dr. Liza Dunn. Dr. Dunn is an emergency medicine physician with a specialty in medical toxicology, now working as the Medical Affair Lead at Bayer CropScience. The discussion covers the current scientific environment in social media, and emphasizes the need for scientists to be engaging. Topics from communication about vaccines to genetic engineering are covered. Follow Dr. Dunn at @DrLizaMD

The potato is a world food staple, yet it is constantly threated by fungal and viral pathogens in all of its growing regions. Farmers combat these problems with chemistry, which cuts farmers profits and has potential consequences for applicators and the environment. Dr. David Douches from Michigan State University discusses the USAID project that installed a cassette of disease resistance genes from wild potato species in the cultivated potato. The result is a potato that can survive better in the Developing World, helping to ensure food security.

Whereas we used to be challenged with finding information, today we are flooded with information, and our job has switched to vetting it's merits. Three students from the University of Florida spoke to me about their efforts in a national competition to study the origins of false information and communicate how to identify good information to the public. Tammy, Heather and Courtney were amazing guests that discussed their mission, along with a suite of online resources to help guide the public to quality information.

Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression are being diagnosed with increasing frequency. At the same time, treatment is frequently dependent on legacy drugs that oftentimes to do not work well, have drug interactions, or can lead to addiction or dependence. New therapies are also available, yet they they are systemic and can also have drug interactions and unfavorable side effects. New therapies are needed, especially those with more direct delivery to the relevant regions of the brain. Shawn Singh, CEO of VistaGen, describes their new drug candidates that target depression and anxiety. The novel compounds are delivered as nasal sprays, providing direct interaction with neurological pathways in the olfactory bulb that connect directly to the regions of the brain that affect mood and anxiety. These candidate therapeutics are less likely to drive side effects due to the low levels delivered and their direct interaction with the brain. VistaGenwww.vistagen.com www.twitter.com/VistaGen www.facebook.com/VistaGen

Lipid nanoparticles have been around for decades, but they took a spotlight in the delivery of the COVID19 mRNA-based vaccines. This chemical cage can fuse with cell membranes and deliver a specific payload to a cell. While the delivery to specific cells is routine, are there ways to improve the system to have more specific therapeutic benefit. Dr. John Lewis of Entos discusses lipid nanoparticle chemistry and new formulations that exhibit enhanced capacity to target specific locations and deliver payloads more effectively. We also discuss the current therapies that may benefit from the new technologies.

There are many rare diseases that originate with a single letter change in DNA, and they can cause tremendous physical and financial hardship for families affected. Viral-based gene therapies have been a promise for decades, and modern technology is now bringing these concepts to fruition. Dr. Gaurav Shah, CEO of Rocket Pharma, describes the power of the current gene therapy approaches, along with the pipeline of potential therapeutics that could represent cures for rare disease.

This week's podcast has two parts. Dr. Leen Kawas , Managing General Partner at Propel Biopartners, speaks about how biotech startups can benefit from skilled oversight and capital provided from experts that understand the business/science ecosystem. In the second part we discuss the latest therapies for Alzheimer's Disease, and how trials and regulation can't follow traditional trajectories. Alzheimer's has variation in etiology, patients start treatments after a diagnosis which may be years after the disease is well established, and progression is dependent on many genetic factors. All of these variables make any assessments problematic. At the same time several new antibody-based therapies show promise.

As the amount of plant genomic DNA sequence increases, scientists have detected DNA sequence information that simply does not conveniently fit into genome assemblies, and clearly appears to be from somewhere else. Dr. Lara Pereira from the University of Sheffield explains the surprising frequency of lateral gene transfer between grass species. The mechanism of crossing the species barrier is discussed, along with the frequency of horizontal transfer. We discuss the ramifications of unregulated integration of DNA into plant genomes and the perception of transgenic plants in the EU and other locations where crop genetic engineering is not viewed favorably. The results also suggest additional care when monitoring gene escape in transgenic grasses like maize. Follow Dr. Pereira on Twitter at @LarrLarrr

Salmon are outstanding table fare, featuring flavor and nutrition. The AquAdvantage salmon is a genetically engineered salmon that is resistant to changes in growth due to seasonal fluctuation or the stresses encountered in traditional ocean-net salmon farms. Despite the advantages, the salmon has been caught in deregulation for many years, limiting consumer access. Silvia Wulf of AquAdvantage talks about the current status of availability, the technology, the criticisms and the future of the AquAdvantage salmon.

The mythical Fountain of Youth may be an actual component of our physiology. Aging is not simply the body breaking down against the calendar, it is a coordinated series of molecular/biochemical changes that occur with time. There is an active hypothesis that later-life medical issues are not just happening as we age, but are actually caused by aging, meaning there are potential drug targets that may slow the process. BioAge performed -omics level analysis on populations of aging individuals, revealing patterns of proteins and metabolites that may be causal components of the aging process. New therapeutics seek to target aspects of human senescence, potentially delaying the onset of late-life disease. Dr. Eric Morgen of BioAge describes how his company has used a novel approach to identify new compounds that may play eventual roles in slowing the aging process.

What are the risks associated with being able to create custom DNA? Today's podcast discusses the potential weaponization of synthesized nucleic acid sequences. Dr. Kevin Esvelt discusses synthetic DNA and synthetic viruses, along with the possibility that they may drive the next pandemics or become the basis for future biological weapons. The dark realities are discussed, along with surveillance and mitigation strategies, as well as the broken social trust that could fuel a human-made pandemic.

If a genetic disorder can be detected in the developing fetus, it provides families and physicians vital information that can guide important decisions. From family planning to medical intervention, new molecular techniques are being employed to detect potential anomalies as early as 10 weeks after conception. The modern genetic counselor is an expert at communicating the results of these tests, building trust to advise decisions that benefit the parents and the child.

While there are many views on Brexit, one certain benefit is the UK's self-governing role in scientific regulatory affairs. The EU's position on genetic engineering has perplexed its scientists, as they create solutions for EU farmers that may never be implemented. Now out from the EU's onerous non-scientific regulatory oversight, the UK may choose to deregulate gene editing. Cameron English talks about the proposed regulatory changes and how they may benefit the UK's farmers and scientists. You can read his report here: https://iea.org.uk/publications/harvest-time-why-the-uk-should-unleash-the-power-of-gene-editing/

The American chestnut was a dominant tree in many forests in the eastern United States. In the late 1800's an imported fungus spread rapidly throughout the range, destroying most of the trees in a matter of decades. Scientists at the State University of New York have engineered trees to host a gene from wheat that disarms the fungal invader, breaking the production of an acid required for infection. This strategy allows the tree and the fungus to live together without infection. Erik Carlson discusses the problem, the project, the push back and the current deregulation efforts to release the tree in the interest of repatriating its native range. Read the release docket and provide your comments here -- https://www.regulations.gov/document/APHIS-2020-0030-8291/comment

The "cell cycle" describes discrete steps in the process of cell division. The progression is mediated by a series of gatekeeping biochemical activities that ensure complete replication of DNA, and surveil it for fidelity. Precise execution of cell cycle is necessary for normal growth and development. At the same time, loss of cell cycle coordination can lead to aberrant cell proliferation that can become genetically unstable, a condition recognized as cancer. Many drugs target the enzymes that control cell cycle progression, and several appear to be attractive candidates for future therapeutics. Spiro Rombotis of Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals describes targeting the cell cycle, along with new drugs that show promise in slowing, arresting, or possibly reversing some challenging subtypes of cancers.

Beer is a beverage derived from the fermentation of grain by yeast. Hops impart their specific flavor and aroma notes. Together these ingredients produce a vast array of flavors and aromas that have become extremely popular in modern beer circles. Like any industrial workhorse organism, brewing yeast is significantly different from its wild antecedents. It has been bred to perform in fermentation, while creating metabolites that touch the senses of the consumer. Berkeley Yeast is taking the genetic improvement of yeast one step farther. Using modern biotechnology, their yeast strains are designed to create novel flavor and exciting aromas. Their efforts define a faster way to control the chemistry of fermentation, producing better products for consumers.

Bigger plants are better, right? Not always. Control of plant or tree size can have many advantages, and genetic control of 'dwarf' phenotypes has been important in feeding a billion people. The problem is that the changes induced by dwarfing genes can have a negative effect on other aspects of plant biology, so identifying new genes to control size is an important goal. Dr. Philippa Borrill is a group leader at the John Innes Center, and she recently discovered a gene that contributes to size control in wheat. The discovery establishes a new means to possibly develop more productive crop varieties.

The modern era of genetic engineering has opened tremendous opportunities in medicine and agriculture. But who governs when the technology should be applied? Similar questions were asked in the 1970s at the dawn of recombinant DNA technology. In his new book As Gods - A Moral History of the Genetic Age, Prof. Matthew Cobb discusses these watershed moments in molecular biology, and discusses his views on the newest applications in gene drives, human germline gene editing, and gain-of-function research. Purchase at Amazon

Parasites are known contributors to human disease and suffering, spanning a wide range of organisms. Dr. Jessie Kissinger from the University of Georgia has spent the last two decades curating genomic data from hundreds of parasites, their vectors and hosts. The information helps researchers generate hypotheses about parasites, and presents a fertile resources for comparing genomes and understanding similarities and differences across this diverse set of organisms. VEuPathDB.org (Vector and Eukaryotic Pathogens Resource Center)ClinEpiDB.org (Clinical and Epidemiological resource with DIY analyses and many BGMF studies) @jcklab (Dr. Kissinger twitter)mango.ctegd.uga.edu (lab website)

"Cancer" is the generic term applying to any one of many cellular proliferative disorders that threaten normal physiology. Various cancers have specific etiologies and require expertise in detection and treatment. New therapies are as innovative as they are promising, and a once dreaded prognosis now may have increased opportunity for cure, with better therapies on the horizon. But as it goes, with innovation comes resistance, and false information about cancer and its treatment flourish on social media. Today's guest is Dr. Skyler Johnson from the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute. He describes his work as a radiation oncologist and how misinformation permeates online discussion of cancer, oftentimes with tragic outcomes.

Animal agriculture contributes greenhouse gases that can influence climate change. One source in particular is cattle, as ruminant livestock produce methane from their specialized digestion, which is an especially potent greenhouse gas. Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the University of California Davis is an air quality expert in the area of ruminant biology. His research examines ways to mitigate the impact of livestock on climate, and his outreach efforts ensure that the information reaches the farmers and ranchers that can employ these strategies. In today's podcast we discuss the role of livestock in animal agriculture, as well as how he communicates new researchers to stakeholders. In the second half, we discuss an article in the New York Times that specifically targets Dr. Mitloehner, suggesting that big-money-industry taints his research and outreach outcomes. This baseless attack on a scientist's reputation is unsubstantiated by evidence, yet is penetrating, visible media clearly designed to harm a trusted public scientist and scholar. We discuss the impacts and how to scientists push through baseless allegations.

The mosquito is the most deadly animal on earth. It vectors a plasmodium, a eukaryotic parasite that invades the liver of the host and ultimately attacks red blood cells. There are some therapies and preventatives, but a durable vaccine would be a game changer in the Developing World. Dr. Stefan Kappe and his team have developed a vaccine based on the weakened plasmodium parasite. They used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to disrupt genes required for life cycle progression, so the vaccinated can receive a vaccination and invoke a strong immunological response against the actual pathogen if encountered. Clinical trials have demonstrated safety and efficacy, and paved the way for even more effective approaches that may be significant public health advances throughout the Developing World. Link to Dr. Kappe's Laboratory Link to the accompanying paper here.

Ten years ago the biotech world froze and horrific images of three tumor-ridden rats penetrated the media. Social media erupted with messages of fear, and anti-biotech activists celebrated the scientific publication that conclusively linked biotech crops and an associated herbicide to cancer and early death. But at the same time a scientific community noted the shortcomings of the work. Eventually the paper was retracted, and independent research commissioned by the European Union failed to replicate the results. Still 10 years later, the three iconic rodents are used to dissuade the public from accepting biotechnology, and push a false narrative that was codified with the Seralini study. This week's podcast features the views of scientists and journalists, including Dr. Mary Mangan, Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Jon Entine, Joan Conrow, Michael Robin, Dr. Stuart Smyth, Dr. Myles Power and others. The opinions expressed are those of the individual guests and not necessarily those of Kevin Folta, Colabra, or the University of Florida.

Dr. Betsy O'neill, VP of External Innovation at Horizon Therapeutics describes how strategic partnerships can assist biotech startups in moving new therapies through development to deployment. She discusses her company's collaborative approach, and how working together can assist in efforts to navigate the challenging business and regulatory environment.

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genome-resident relics of ancient infections. They comprise 8% of the human genome, and are activated by viral infections. Proteins like HERV-W and HERV-K accumulate following infections and have been causally connected to Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Scientists have now observed that SARS-CoV2 infection also induces expression of specific HERV proteins. Prof. Claudia Matteucci discusses the role of HERVs and their tie to COVID19 diagnosis and potentially as central players in long COVID.

Anthocyanins are a class of plant pigments associated with healthful qualities in food. While research continues to assess their true health benefits in vivo, there is no question that the attractive fruits stimulate the senses and bring novelty to the diet. Dr. Cathie Martin of the John Innes Center in Norwich, England discusses the technology behind the purple tomato, its potential benefits to animal health, its effects on tomato shelf life, and the recent USDA nod to release of the purple tomato in the USA.

Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydial and gonorrhea are making a comeback, especially with younger demographics. Part of the problem is the stigma of examination and testing. These are not trivial infections, and can result in more complicated syndromes, which could include sterility or issues reproductive health. Early, discrete, confidential detection is key. Today's guest is Dr. Anna Dixon. She's the Chief Technology Officer of Binx Health. Her company has devised a lab-on-a-chip solution that provides fast and accurate diagnosis of specific infections in thirty minutes. Providing non-invasive, rapid and accurate, point-of-care detection can have profound roles in advancing patient care, as well as decreasing the incidence of disease in a population.

Communication between the digestive system and brain is much more intricate than previously thought. The digestive epithelium is laced with sensors that monitor the contents of the gut, reporting back to the brain, stimulating appropriate hormones and digestive action to guide motility, chemistry, and absorption. This network is frequently referred to as the 'second brain' because of the dense neurophysiology at work. Recently it has been hypothesized that dysfunction in the gut-brain axis may be the basis for several immune and neurological disorders, suggesting that this neurological system may be an excellent drug target. Nancy Thornberry, CEO and Founder of Kallyope (Cal-EE-O-pay) describes the gut-brain axis, its role in digestive signaling, her company's novel drug discovery methods, and potential drug targets that may lead to innovative therapies for human health originating here in the second brain.

Insects cause massive losses in human health and agriculture. Scientists have implemented Sterile Insect Technique for over 50 years, a process to suppress populations by introducing genetically-damaged insects into natural settings. Upon mating, the offspring. Scientists have now used gene editing techniques to selectively suppress the Spotted Wing Drosophila, a costly pest in agricultural contexts. Today's podcast is an interview with Dr. Nikolay Kandul, a scientist working with a team that has used an innovative Cas9/gene editing approach to suppress populations of this devastating and costly invasive pest. The application seeks to cut insecticide use and costs for farmers and consumers.

While the vast majority of gene editing efforts have been confined to crop plants, animal gene editing holds tremendous promise. Efforts have demonstrated that naturally-occurring alleles could be reconstituted using site-specific nucleases, creating hornless dairy cattle and beef cattle with sex ratios skewed towards a higher proportion of males. These breakthroughs are just a sample of the powerful technology. Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam is a Cooperative Extension Specialist at the University of California Davis. She has been an academic leader in animal genetic engineering and public communication about new technology. Follow her at @BioBeef on twitter. The podcast also features a conversation with Jilian Hendricks, a graduate student at the University of British Columbia. She is seeking assistance for a scholarly project, and would like to interview a number of scientists about gene editing. Her email is jhendric "at" mail.ubc.ca

Immunotherapies represent a powerful suite of treatments that co-opt the immune system to target deleterious cellular conditions. They have been effective with a series of cancers and other disorders. The problem is that development of new antibodies can be challenging for several technical reasons, but also because no two people are alike. Dr. Liang Schweizer of HiFiBio describes how her company is using single-cells and microfluidics to identify new antibodies that may be mobilized against discrete cellular targets, as well as what they have learned about heterogeneity between patients and how to identify specific biomarkers that could guide application of the most effective treatments.

Dogs are a recent species, and because of their close associations with humans have diverged into hundreds of breeds with specific behaviors, sizes and builds. There also is a great range in life expectancy and anticipated disease. Dogs therefore provide an excellent model to study aging and aging-related disorders, as well as understand the genetics and associated factors of aging. Celine Halioua, the CEO of Loyal, joins the podcast to discuss research into dog genetics and the factors that influence aging, along with her company's attempts to find drugs that can attenuate the process, and possibly be extended to humans.

A microbiome is described as a population of bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses that inhabit a specific environment. Animals, including humans, are composed of many microbiomes featuring trillions of microbes. There are different microbiomes found throughout the animal digestive tract, each with important roles in animal digestion, feed conversion, overall health. Dr. Mallory Embree is the co-founder and CSO of Native Microbials. Her company has explored relationships between microbial populations and important animal production and health metrics. They have devised custom mixtures of bacteria and fungi to supplement the diet, with positive results from cattle and chickens, and companion animals like dogs. Their pipeline features multiple products that specifically target aspects of animal husbandry. Their results verify that adjustment of the microbiome can have positive effects on animals, farmer profit, and even enhanced environmental sustainability.

This week's podcast has two parts. In the first section University of Idaho lactation specialist Dr. Shelley McGuire discusses the recent paper that claims to have found the herbicide glyphosate in breast milk. In the second half Gabe Ignetti from the Ecomodernist Society of North America discusses an environmental movement that embraces science, including biotechnology and nuclear power.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death, but is remarkably treatable if caught early. Unfortunately, because of the invasive nature of the colonoscopy, many elect not to have this procedure done in a regular and timely manner. Colorectal cancers advance from normal cells through several distinct neoplasias, each with distinct patterns of gene expression. Today's guest is Dr. Erica Barnell from Geneoscopy. They have devised a test to identify evidence of precancerous gene expression in the stool. This advance makes early detection more feasible, along with a higher likelihood of frequent testing, at a significantly lower cost than outpatient procedures. Genoscopy Information:Website: www.geneoscopy.comLinkedIn: @GeneoscopyTwitter: @GeneoscopyCo Facebook: @GeneoscopyCo