Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

Kevin Folta
  • 4.8 (273)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 1D AGO

    AI and the Future of Healthcare -- Dr. Emilia Javorsky

    This week's Talking Biotech Podcast examines the realistic potential of AI in cancer research and healthcare, emphasizing data quality, individualization, and system reform. Guest: Dr. Emilia Javorsky, Future of Life Institute.   Future of Life InstituteAI and Cancer: A New Frontier

    39 min

  2. APR 28

    The First Environmental GE Organism Release - almost! Dr. Steven Lindow

    This episode explores the pioneering work on ice minus bacteria and their role in frost damage prevention in plants. Dr. Steven Lindow shares insights into early biotech innovations, regulatory challenges, and the potential for modern applications of this technology.

    26 min

  3. APR 16

    New Frontiers in Therapeutic Peptides - Dr. Karsten Eastman

    In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Karsten Eastman discusses the significance of peptides in biology and their therapeutic potential. He explains the roles of peptides, particularly GLP-1 therapeutics, and the challenges associated with their stability and bioavailability. The conversation delves into nature's strategies for enhancing peptide stability and how Sathera Therapeutics is innovating in this space to create more effective peptide-based therapies. The discussion also touches on the business model of Sathera and its focus on rare cancers and anti-inflammatory treatments.

    33 min

  4. APR 1

    Genetic Variation in Vegetative Propagation - Dr. Danelle Seymour

    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.

    28 min

  5. FEB 27

    Conditionally Active Therapeutics - Dr. Neela Patel, Dr. Diane Hollenbaugh

    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.

    47 min
  6. A Plasmid-Based Cancer Therapy - Dr. Alexander Schneider

    FEB 17

    A Plasmid-Based Cancer Therapy - Dr. Alexander Schneider

    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.

    45 min

  7. FEB 2

    Biotech in Beauty Products - Nicholas Brideau

    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.

    1h 10m

  8. JAN 24

    Molecular Biology Giants that Left Us In 2025

    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.

    1h 10m
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4.8
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273 Ratings

About

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.

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