https://feeds.blubrry.com/feeds/talkingbiotech.xml Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Talking Biotech is a weekly podcast that uncovers the stories, ideas and research of people at the frontier of biology and engineering. Each episode explores how science and technology will transform agriculture, protect the environment, and feed 10 billion people by 2050. Interviews are led by Dr. Kevin Folta, a professor of molecular biology and genomics. episodic Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta hosted by Colabra Colabra Talking Biotech is a weekly podcast that uncovers the stories, ideas and research of people at the frontier of biology and engineering. Each episode explores how science and technology will transform agriculture, protect the environment, and feed 10 billion people by 2050. Interviews are led by Dr. Kevin Folta, a professor of molecular biology and genomics. en-us Copyright 2022 Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta podcast@blubrry.com (Blubrry Podcasting) Colabra podcast@blubrry.com https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ https://assets.blubrry.com/coverart/orig/34573-1652899715.jpg Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta Talking Biotech is a weekly podcast that uncovers the stories, ideas and research of people at the frontier of biology and engineering. Blubrry Podcasting: https://www.blubrry.com/ clean http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Fri, 08 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400 CAR-T Therapies to Reverse Cardiac Fibrosis https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/353-car-t-therapies-to-reverse-cardiac-fibrosis http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/87449250/car-t-therapies-to-reverse-cardiac-fibrosis/ Colabra Fri, 08 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400 Injury to organs frequently results in impaired function due to the formation of scar tissue. Heart attacks and chronic high blood pressure can induce the formation of pathogenic fibroblasts, cells that lose their original function, yet maintain some structural element of the injured tissue. The formation of fibrogenic tissue affects a significant portion of the population, and contributes to decline associated with many diseases, such as congestive heart failure or liver cirrhosis. A new technology uses targeted lipid nanoparticles to reprogram T-cells to attack pathogenic fibroblasts.  

]]> Injury to organs frequently results in impaired function due to the formation of scar tissue. Heart attacks and chronic high blood pressure can induce the formation of pathogenic fibroblasts, cells that lose their original function, yet maintain some structural element of the injured tissue. The formation of fibrogenic tissue affects a significant portion of the population, and contributes to decline associated with many diseases, such as congestive heart failure or liver cirrhosis. A new technology uses targeted lipid nanoparticles to reprogram T-cells to attack pathogenic fibroblasts.  

]]> 0:36:32 clean Colabra Injury to heart tissue results in non-functional scar tissue that compromises cardiac function. A new approach combines targeted lipid nanoparicles and mRNAs to reprogram immune cells to seek and destroy the pathogenic fibroblasts that limit heart func... Injury to heart tissue results in non-functional scar tissue that compromises cardiac function. A new approach combines targeted lipid nanoparicles and mRNAs to reprogram immune cells to seek and destroy the pathogenic fibroblasts that limit heart function. Results from mice are promising, and indicate that these approaches may have significant value in treating a suite of human disorders. CAR-T Therapies to Reverse Cardiac Fibrosis 353 352 - Prions and Chronic Wasting Disease https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/352-352-prions-and-chronic-wasting-disease http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/87272985/352-prions-and-chronic-wasting-disease/ Colabra Sat, 02 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400 Prion disorders are rare neurological diseases where a protein within the nervous system converts to a pathological form. The change in conformation affects other proteins, recruiting them to the misshapen, deleterious type. Chronic wasting disease is a neurological disease of deer, caused by prion conversion. In this episode Dr. Sandra Pritzkow from University of Texas Health - Houston describes prion related disease, and specifically the atypical transmission elements of chronic wasting disease. 

]]> Prion disorders are rare neurological diseases where a protein within the nervous system converts to a pathological form. The change in conformation affects other proteins, recruiting them to the misshapen, deleterious type. Chronic wasting disease is a neurological disease of deer, caused by prion conversion. In this episode Dr. Sandra Pritzkow from University of Texas Health - Houston describes prion related disease, and specifically the atypical transmission elements of chronic wasting disease. 

]]> 0:26:05 clean Colabra Chronic wasting disease is an increasingly common prion-based disease of deer and other cervids. Dr. Sandra Pritzkow describes the disease, it's transmission, and efforts to mitigate its spread. Chronic wasting disease is an increasingly common prion-based disease of deer and other cervids. Dr. Sandra Pritzkow describes the disease, it's transmission, and efforts to mitigate its spread. 352 - Prions and Chronic Wasting Disease 352 351 - Biotech, Pesticides, Toxicology and Food https://share.transistor.fm/s/ca797f56 http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/87067946/351-biotech-pesticides-toxicology-and-food/ Colabra Sat, 25 Jun 2022 11:44:04 -0400 Specific chemistries are used to protect crops from insects, weeds, fungi and other microbes. Legacy issues with some older pesticides led to restrictions or bans on their use. Unfortunately, suspicion remains around contemporary solutions, even though today's chemistries are highly  specific, with low toxicity to non-target organisms, including humans. Use of crop protection compounds is critical to all agriculture, including organic production. However, activist groups continue to manufacture fear, uncertainty and doubt to override what we really know about the detection of these compounds in food and the relative toxicity at levels found. Dr. Liza Dunn is an emergency medical doctor and toxicologist.  For the last several years she has been working with the Bayer Corporation, and has been a leading important conversations about pesticides, residues, and their potential for impacts on human health. Follow her at @DrLizaMD

]]> Specific chemistries are used to protect crops from insects, weeds, fungi and other microbes. Legacy issues with some older pesticides led to restrictions or bans on their use. Unfortunately, suspicion remains around contemporary solutions, even though today's chemistries are highly  specific, with low toxicity to non-target organisms, including humans. Use of crop protection compounds is critical to all agriculture, including organic production. However, activist groups continue to manufacture fear, uncertainty and doubt to override what we really know about the detection of these compounds in food and the relative toxicity at levels found. Dr. Liza Dunn is an emergency medical doctor and toxicologist.  For the last several years she has been working with the Bayer Corporation, and has been a leading important conversations about pesticides, residues, and their potential for impacts on human health.
Follow her at @DrLizaMD

]]> 0:47:28 clean Colabra There is abundant conversation about pesticides and food, especially in social media. Unfortunately, there is little understanding about regulation, dosage, tolerances and toxicity. Dr. Liza Dunn is an emergency physician and toxicologist that provides... There is abundant conversation about pesticides and food, especially in social media. Unfortunately, there is little understanding about regulation, dosage, tolerances and toxicity. Dr. Liza Dunn is an emergency physician and toxicologist that provides her insights about the practical toxicity of these compounds, and how we can be effective in communicating about them. 351 - Biotech, Pesticides, Toxicology and Food 351 Methylation of DNA, Relationship to Disease https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/350-methylation-of-dna-relationship-to-disease http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/86836363/methylation-of-dna-relationship-to-disease/ Colabra Sat, 18 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400 Epigenetic regulation of gene expression occurs via many mechanisms.  One method is the methylation of regulatory sequences that control the expression of specific genes. Methylation is the addition of a small methyl group to specific bases of the DNA helix. Addition of a methyl group can change how the DNA blueprint is accessed and expressed.  Today's guest is Prof. Asaf Hellman. His group has found relationships between the methylation state of DNA and expression of genes associated with diabetes and cancers. Understanding these patterns may help inform predisposition to disease, as well as eventually causal factors and drug targets.  

]]> Epigenetic regulation of gene expression occurs via many mechanisms.  One method is the methylation of regulatory sequences that control the expression of specific genes. Methylation is the addition of a small methyl group to specific bases of the DNA helix. Addition of a methyl group can change how the DNA blueprint is accessed and expressed.  Today's guest is Prof. Asaf Hellman. His group has found relationships between the methylation state of DNA and expression of genes associated with diabetes and cancers. Understanding these patterns may help inform predisposition to disease, as well as eventually causal factors and drug targets.  

]]> 0:44:49 clean Colabra Methylation is the addition of a small methyl group to specific bases of the DNA helix. Addition of a methyl group can change how the DNA blueprint is accessed and expressed. Today's guest is Prof. Asaf Hellman. Methylation is the addition of a small methyl group to specific bases of the DNA helix. Addition of a methyl group can change how the DNA blueprint is accessed and expressed. Today's guest is Prof. Asaf Hellman. His group has found relationships between the methylation state of DNA and expression of genes associated with diabetes and cancers. Understanding these patterns may help inform predisposition to disease, as well as eventually causal factors and drug targets. Methylation of DNA, Relationship to Disease 350 Addressing the Issue of Scientific Reproducibility https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/349-addressing-the-issue-of-scientific-reproducibility http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/86577930/addressing-the-issue-of-scientific-reproducibility/ Colabra Fri, 10 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400 Recent reports criticized the lack of reproducibility in scientific publications, and this has profound effects on the public's trust in research results.  Today's interview is with Tim Errington, Director of Research at the Center for Open Science. The Center for Open Science has devised a series of strategies and tools that can help improve reproducibility, as well as offer collateral benefits to scientists. 

]]> Recent reports criticized the lack of reproducibility in scientific publications, and this has profound effects on the public's trust in research results.  Today's interview is with Tim Errington, Director of Research at the Center for Open Science. The Center for Open Science has devised a series of strategies and tools that can help improve reproducibility, as well as offer collateral benefits to scientists. 

]]> 0:43:28 clean Colabra Trust in science is predicated on independent reproducibility of research results. Perceived breakdowns in reproducibility have gained much recent attention, and it is up to the scientific community to devise new mechanisms to help ensure methods and r... Trust in science is predicated on independent reproducibility of research results. Perceived breakdowns in reproducibility have gained much recent attention, and it is up to the scientific community to devise new mechanisms to help ensure methods and results are complete and transparent. This week's guest is Tim Errington from the Center for Open Science. We discuss new strategies that enhance reproducibility. Addressing the Issue of Scientific Reproducibility 349 The Human Protein Atlas https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/348-the-human-protein-atlas http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/86339897/the-human-protein-atlas/ Colabra Fri, 03 Jun 2022 20:00:00 -0400 Proteins define the structure and function of cells. The human genome encodes tens of thousands of proteins, yet we know surprisingly little about most of their functions. The Human Protein Atlas uses labor-intensive methods to identify the tissue localization of a significant catalog of human proteins. The reasoning is that if we know where a protein is expressed, we can begin to infer roles in cellular processes. The Human Protein Atlas is an open source resource of over 15 million images that define where different proteins are located. This week's podcast discusses the Atlas with Dr. Mathias Uhlen of the University of Stockholm. We speak about the origins of the database, how the work is done, and potential applications of this incredible resource. 

]]> Proteins define the structure and function of cells. The human genome encodes tens of thousands of proteins, yet we know surprisingly little about most of their functions. The Human Protein Atlas uses labor-intensive methods to identify the tissue localization of a significant catalog of human proteins. The reasoning is that if we know where a protein is expressed, we can begin to infer roles in cellular processes. The Human Protein Atlas is an open source resource of over 15 million images that define where different proteins are located. This week's podcast discusses the Atlas with Dr. Mathias Uhlen of the University of Stockholm. We speak about the origins of the database, how the work is done, and potential applications of this incredible resource. 

]]> 0:33:51 clean Colabra Proteins are the central catalytic and structural components of cells, and ultimately are at the center of cellular function. Certain proteins are the agents of disease, some are potentially diagnostic. Dr. Proteins are the central catalytic and structural components of cells, and ultimately are at the center of cellular function. Certain proteins are the agents of disease, some are potentially diagnostic. Dr. Mathias Uhlen describes the Human Protein Atlas, a massive project that defines where individual proteins are present. By knowing their locations we can better understand their roles, and potentially identify effective drug targets for disease. The Human Protein Atlas 348 New Drugs that Repair Broken Genes https://share.transistor.fm/s/48a51858 http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/86120376/new-drugs-that-repair-broken-genes/ Colabra Sat, 28 May 2022 00:33:27 -0400 Many diseases do not have cures, yet from deleterious mutations in the genome. Many of these are rare disorders that do not benefit from extensive research or drug development. Current therapies mask symptoms more than solve the basis of the disorder. Dietrich Stephan of NewBase describes a novel custom drug design platform that shows amazing potential in animal models. A small oligonucelotide with a specific backbone can bind to its complementary sequence in DNA or RNA, derailing RNA polymerase, or dissociating other regulatory proteins.  The design is highly specific and shows great promise against a myriad of disorders, including Myotonic Dystrophy, Huntington's Disease, and various cancers. This episode features a deep dive into molecular biology, so please do not hesitate to ask questions, it is interesting technology. 

]]> Many diseases do not have cures, yet from deleterious mutations in the genome. Many of these are rare disorders that do not benefit from extensive research or drug development. Current therapies mask symptoms more than solve the basis of the disorder. Dietrich Stephan of NewBase describes a novel custom drug design platform that shows amazing potential in animal models. A small oligonucelotide with a specific backbone can bind to its complementary sequence in DNA or RNA, derailing RNA polymerase, or dissociating other regulatory proteins.  The design is highly specific and shows great promise against a myriad of disorders, including Myotonic Dystrophy, Huntington's Disease, and various cancers. This episode features a deep dive into molecular biology, so please do not hesitate to ask questions, it is interesting technology. 

]]> 0:43:46 clean Colabra Many diseases do not have cures, yet have a foundation in deleterious genomic mutations. Dietrich Stephan of NewBase describes a novel custom drug design platform that shows amazing potential in animal models, Many diseases do not have cures, yet have a foundation in deleterious genomic mutations. Dietrich Stephan of NewBase describes a novel custom drug design platform that shows amazing potential in animal models, and seeks to directly reverse currently untreatable disease. New Drugs that Repair Broken Genes 347 An Owner's Manual for the Mind https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba471a7e http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/85895904/an-owners-manual-for-the-mind/ Colabra Sat, 21 May 2022 18:36:35 -0400 We are bombarded by claims, and have access to the most information in human history, instantly.  How do we sort it out? What is real and what's not?  Who do we trust? These are major questions today, and affect everything from public health to the foundations of democracy in the USA.  From the news to the internet to the dinner table we are immersed in suspect information. How do we recognize and address conspiratorial thinking?  What mistakes do we make when analyzing a problem?  How can we recognize disinformation? Jon Guy has written a new book, Think Straight, that that addresses these questions perfectly, by providing a tool kit for dissection of information and claims. He covers a broad section of topics in what might be the most complete work on the subject of critical thinking and skepticism.

Pre-Order on Amazon Here 

]]> We are bombarded by claims, and have access to the most information in human history, instantly.  How do we sort it out? What is real and what's not?  Who do we trust? These are major questions today, and affect everything from public health to the foundations of democracy in the USA.  From the news to the internet to the dinner table we are immersed in suspect information. How do we recognize and address conspiratorial thinking?  What mistakes do we make when analyzing a problem?  How can we recognize disinformation? Jon Guy has written a new book, Think Straight, that that addresses these questions perfectly, by providing a tool kit for dissection of information and claims. He covers a broad section of topics in what might be the most complete work on the subject of critical thinking and skepticism.

Pre-Order on Amazon Here 

]]> 0:52:05 clean Colabra In the age of an internet full of false information, how do we tell the real from the fictitious? Jon Guy introduces his new book, Thinking Straight- an owner's manual to the mind. In the age of an internet full of false information, how do we tell the real from the fictitious? Jon Guy introduces his new book, Thinking Straight- an owner's manual to the mind. An Owner's Manual for the Mind 346 Update on Self-Limiting Mosquitoes https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/345-update-on-self-limiting-mosquitoes http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/84570745/update-on-self-limiting-mosquitoes/ Colabra Sat, 14 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400 Mosquitoes are the world's most dangerous animals, vectoring dozens of diseases. One of the major disease vectors is Ades aegypti, an invasive insect with an ever-expanding range. Municipalities have turned to insecticides for control, which can impact beneficial insects. Sterile insect techniques, performed by mutagenizing mosquitoes to sterility, can work well in controlling insect populations. Over the last decade, Oxitec has advanced technologies that use a molecular techniques to repress development of mosquitoes in subsequent populations. Release of their genetically engineered males leads to decreasing populations of resident mosquitoes.  In this week's podcast we discuss the risks, benefits, and overall strategy, along with the company's public communications efforts, with the goal of increasing deployment of this technology when it can complement pubic health initiatives. 

]]> Mosquitoes are the world's most dangerous animals, vectoring dozens of diseases. One of the major disease vectors is Ades aegypti, an invasive insect with an ever-expanding range. Municipalities have turned to insecticides for control, which can impact beneficial insects. Sterile insect techniques, performed by mutagenizing mosquitoes to sterility, can work well in controlling insect populations. Over the last decade, Oxitec has advanced technologies that use a molecular techniques to repress development of mosquitoes in subsequent populations. Release of their genetically engineered males leads to decreasing populations of resident mosquitoes.  In this week's podcast we discuss the risks, benefits, and overall strategy, along with the company's public communications efforts, with the goal of increasing deployment of this technology when it can complement pubic health initiatives. 

]]> 0:38:10 clean Colabra Mosquitoes are the world's most deadly insect, vectoring dozens of bloodborne diseases. Oxitec has been revising "sterile insect" techniques classically used in mosquito control with modern technologies that are more precise. Mosquitoes are the world's most deadly insect, vectoring dozens of bloodborne diseases. Oxitec has been revising "sterile insect" techniques classically used in mosquito control with modern technologies that are more precise. Update on Self-Limiting Mosquitoes 345 New Drugs Targeting Dangerous Cholesterol https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/344-new-drugs-targeting-dangerous-cholesterol http://www.blubrry.com/talkingbiotech/84570744/new-drugs-targeting-dangerous-cholesterol/ Colabra Sat, 07 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400 Heart attack and stroke are leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatments are aimed at prevention-- using various medications to control the health of the circulatory system.  This week's podcast speaks with Dr. Oki O'Connor, Co-CEO of Underdog Pharmaceuticals. Dr. O'Connor discusses the cellular basis of atherosclerosis, and how modified cholesterol play a central role in its development.  We then discuss the ability of a cyclical carbohydrate called cyclodextrin to sequester cholesterol, and how this company has used computer modeling to modify cyclodextrins to limit and potentially reverse cardiovascular disease. There are also potential ramifications in Alzheimer's Disease prevention and treatment.  

]]> Heart attack and stroke are leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatments are aimed at prevention-- using various medications to control the health of the circulatory system.  This week's podcast speaks with Dr. Oki O'Connor, Co-CEO of Underdog Pharmaceuticals. Dr. O'Connor discusses the cellular basis of atherosclerosis, and how modified cholesterol play a central role in its development.  We then discuss the ability of a cyclical carbohydrate called cyclodextrin to sequester cholesterol, and how this company has used computer modeling to modify cyclodextrins to limit and potentially reverse cardiovascular disease. There are also potential ramifications in Alzheimer's Disease prevention and treatment.  

]]> 0:51:27 clean Colabra Specific modifications of cholesterol appear to be central in heart disease, stroke and other disorders. Dr. Matthew "Oki" O'Connor from Underdog Pharmaceuticals speaks about how a cyclical carbohydrate has been modified to potentially reverse these pr... Specific modifications of cholesterol appear to be central in heart disease, stroke and other disorders. Dr. Matthew "Oki" O'Connor from Underdog Pharmaceuticals speaks about how a cyclical carbohydrate has been modified to potentially reverse these problems that significantly limit lifespan and quality of life. New Drugs Targeting Dangerous Cholesterol 344