The Drip by AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, Ph.D.

5.0 (6)
SCIENCE

Welcome to The Drip (formerly Water in Food), where we keep your mind hydrated with some science, music, and a mantra. I'm your host, Zachary Cartwright, lead food scientist at AQUALAB by Addium Hosted by Zachary Cartwright, Ph.D. Lead FOOD Scientist at AQUALAB https://www.aqualab.com/

05/07/2025

The Drip by AQUALAB: Upcycled Food with Emily Lafferty and Amanda Oenbring

Upcycled Food: the Climate Solution Sitting in Your Trash with Emily Lafferty and Amanda Oenbring What if the future of food isn’t about creating more, but wasting less? In this episode of The Drip, we sit down with Amanda Oenbring, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association, and Emily Lafferty, Director of Supply Chain at Seven Sundays, a breakfast brand rewriting the rules of what ends up on your plate. Together, they’re part of a movement turning food system “waste” into something far more valuable: a solution. We go deep on the science, the systems, and the surprising innovations behind upcycled ingredients. Think of it as ingredient alchemy: transforming by-products into breakfast, and inefficiencies into impact. In this episode, you’ll hear about: What counts as “upcycled”? The big problem with food waste – and the greatest opportunities for innovationReal-world examples: from by-products to breakfast The challenges of processing upcycled foodsPractical ways to plug into the upcycled food revolutionJump to: (00:07) Upcycling 101: What it really means (00:54) Meet Emily Lafferty and Amanda Oenbring (03:42) What is upcycled food, exactly? (05:09) Food waste: The hidden giant (07:26) Upcycled ingredients in action (09:10) Tech hurdles and how to solve them (18:57) This episode’s song recommendation. (19:34) This episode’s mantra. Featured Artist and Song: Pyaar by Troyboi Links mentioned in this episode: Amanda Oenbring on LinkedIn Emily Lafferty on LinkedIn Upcycled Food Association Seven Sundays The Highwomen by Crowded Table, music was chosen by Amanda Sunday Vibes by Masego, music was chosen by Emily Connect with the show AQUALAB Zachary Cartwright, PhD

21 min
04/22/2025

The Drip by AQUALAB: The Science of Storytelling with Laura Lampa

Laura Lampa is a scientist turned communicator and the founder and CEO of LML StoryLab Consulting. She translates complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with wider audiences. On this episode of The Drip, Laura outlines why some groundbreaking scientific innovations struggle to capture public attention and how the art of storytelling can be the key to bridging this critical gap. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Key principles for translating science into stories.Using analogies to make science relatable.Strategies to improve communication in companies.Balancing accuracy and engagement in communication.Trends shaping the future of technical communication.Jump to: (00:53) Introduction to storytelling in science (03:46) Key principles for effective communication (07:22) Simplifying technical topics with real-world examples (11:53) Improving internal communication in companies (22:20) This episode’s song recommendation. (23:12) This episode’s mantra. 00:00 "Communicating Breakthroughs: Science Storytelling" 05:20 From Jargon to Relatable Science 09:49 Effective Layered Communication Strategy 12:52 Navigating Uncertainty in Mergers 16:02 Effective Communication Drives Future Sales 17:17 Content Trends: Visuals and Transparency 20:59 Aqualab: Communicating Scientific Innovations Featured Artist and Song: Found Your Love by Griz Links mentioned in this episode: Laura Lampa on LinkedIn LML StoryLab Consulting "Just Can't Get Enough" by Depeche Mode, music was chosen by Laura Lampa Connect with the show AQUALAB Zachary Cartwright, PhD

24 min
03/11/2025

The Drip by AQUALAB: Realistic Imagination in Product Innovation with Ali Alwattari

Ali Alwattari from Kraton Corporation has been working in product innovation for over 33 years, spanning industries from consumer goods to biotechnology and energy. His passion lies in integrating the human dimension and storytelling into scientific work, accelerating innovation and tackling challenges from the lab to the market. He joins The Drip to share his creative process and reflect on the unique products he's developed over his career. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How phenomena like the surface tension of water can drive innovation across industriesBalancing reasoning and logic with creativity, termed as "realistic imagination"Stories detailing the development of unique products like artificial spider silk and waterproof mascaraHow looking to nature and unrelated industries can inspire breakthroughs … and practical advice for those starting in product innovationJump to: (00:53) Ali's journey in product innovation across diverse industries. (03:46) The significance of the human dimension in scientific work. (07:22) Realistic imagination's role in innovation. (11:53) Ali's creative process and examples of innovative projects. (25:47) The future of innovation in the food industry (29:59) Resources Ali recommends (36:44) This episode’s song recommendation. (37:29) This episode’s mantra. Featured Artist and Song: Ease My Mindy by Chris Lake Links mentioned in this episode: Kraton Corporation ‘Disruptive Innovation' by Clayton Christensen 'Rules for Revolutionaries' by Guy Kawasaki ‘Entrepreneurs in High Technology' by Dr. Roberts Viva La Vida by Coldplay, music was chosen by Ali Alwattari Connect with the show AQUALAB Zachary Cartwright, PhD 00:00 Reusable Skills Drive Success 04:26 Empathy and Emotion in Innovation 08:46 Translating Concepts into Scientific Terms 11:40 Nature-Inspired Water-Repellent Textiles 15:52 Innovative Mascara Formulation Insights 18:57 Dimples Revolutionize Gel Adhesion 20:16 Shaving Gel Chemistry Evolution 23:17 Simplified Product Development Framework 27:00 Need-Driven Innovation in Food Industry 32:31 "Professionalizing Innovation and Mentorship" 35:46 "Product Innovation & Music Groove" 37:49 Strength Over Struggle

38 min
02/25/2025

The Drip by AQUALAB: Probiotics Explained with Anđela Martinović

Anđela Martinović holds a PhD in Food Systems from the University of Milan, specializing in probiotics and gut health. As a co-founder and program development coordinator at epiSTEMe Hub, she advances science, innovation, and technology with a focus on Montenegro. Angela joins The Drip to explore the complexities of probiotics, from production to their journey in the human GI system, and the role multidisciplinary research plays in this field. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Definition of probiotics and key production/ regulation challengesStages of production and importance of probiotic survival and functionalityRole of water activity in preservation and gut survival challengesAngela's PhD insights on probiotics and Montenegro's marketEmerging trends, future directions, and AI in probioticsJump to: (00:53) Understanding the definition and challenges of probiotics. (03:46) Overview of the probiotic production process. (07:22) Importance of water activity in probiotics' journey through the gut. (09:52) Angela’s PhD research insights on probiotic survival and functionality. (13:46) Analyzing the probiotic market in Montenegro. (18:10) Future directions and emerging trends in probiotics (26:05) This episode’s song recommendation. (26:45) This episode’s mantra. Featured Artist and Song: Push the Tempo by Sub Focus Links mentioned in this episode: Anđela Martinović’s work Anđela Martinović on LinkedIn ‘Uncovering the Probiotic Supplement Landscape: Market Offerings, Sales Patterns, and Future Forecasts Using Machine Learning Approach - A Case Study of Montenegro’ by Anđela Martinović et. al (2024) Spread Your Wings by Queen, music was chosen by Anđela Martinović Connect with the show AQUALAB Zachary Cartwright, PhD 00:00 Probiotic Survival and Functionality 05:04 Optimizing Probiotic Production Factors 07:03 Ensuring Probiotic Stability: Key Factors 11:45 Streptococcus Thermophilus' Urase Activity Reduction 14:59 Enhancing Standards and Analyzing Sales 18:10 Multidisciplinary Collaboration Key to Probiotic Innovation 20:31 Emerging Trends in Probiotics 26:17 "Push the Temple" Review 27:07 "Releasing Toxicity: The Drip"

28 min
02/12/2025

The Drip by AQUALAB: Exploring Ice Cream Science with Abigail Thiel

Abigail Thiel is a Food Scientist and YouTuber of ‘Abbey the Food Scientist’. She is a postdoctoral researcher at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, focusing on food quality and design, with a particular interest in ice cream microstructure, healthier fat alternatives, and sustainable food production. She joins The Drip to delve into the fascinating world of ice cream science, from its microstructure to the intricacies of creating healthier and more sustainable sweet treats. In this episode, you’ll hear about: What are the ice cream terms "variegates" and "inclusions”?Understanding the healthier fats in ice cream.Creating a food science YouTube channel.Precision fermentation: milk proteins from yeast.00:00 Ice Cream Texture Research Funding 03:48 Started YouTube During Covid Lockdown 08:40 Yeast-Based Milk Protein Production 12:50 Abby's Food Science Courses Online 15:31 Tackling Ice Cream Moisture Migration 16:36 "Mesmerizing Down Tempo Collaboration" Jump to: (00:53) How Abby started studying the science of ice cream through a USDA-funded project focusing on healthier fats. (03:46) The difference between variegates and inclusions and their importance in ice cream. (07:22) Balancing texture and health in food, and how it is a central theme in Abby's research. (11:53) Abby's venture into YouTube during the COVID-19 lockdown. (14:37) This episode’s song recommendation. (15:28) This episode’s mantra. Featured Artist and Song: Liftoff by Adastra and Bethany Agustin Links mentioned in this episode: Abbey the Food Scientist – Website Abbey the Food Scientist – YouTube Abigail Thiel on LinkedIn Wageningen University Taylor Swift, music was chosen by Abigail Thiel Connect with the show AQUALAB Zachary Cartwright, PhD

19 min
01/28/2025

The Drip by AQUALAB: Food Safety, Shelf Stability, and Consulting Tips with Rachel Zemser

Rachel Zemser from A La Carte Connections is a lifelong food scientist and consultant, dedicated to helping companies formulate and develop innovative food products. She is the author of "The Food Business Toolkit for Entrepreneurs" and holds degrees in food science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Illinois. She has also attended culinary school in New York. Rachel joins The Drip by AQUALAB to explore the intricacies of food science consulting and entrepreneurial challenges in the food industry. 00:00 Food Science Consulting Insights 05:26 Entrepreneurs Vs. Big Brand Ingredients 08:23 Designing a Custom Snack Bar 13:02 Finding the Right Co-Packer 14:14 Evaluating Co-Packer Suitability 19:52 Preparing for Food Science Consulting 21:14 Essential Skills for Food Consultants 26:51 Food Science Consulting Expertise 28:08 Song and Mantra for Upliftment In this episode, you’ll hear about: Rachel’s productivity hacks for self-employment success.Key tips for developing successful food products.Importance of water activity in dry foods.From Unilever to startups: Rachel’s career insights.Featured Artist and Song:Here with Me by Marshmello Links mentioned in this episode:A La Carte ConnectionsRachel Zemser on LinkedInStrange Currencies by REM, music was chosen by Rachel Zemser Connect with the showAQUALABZachary Cartwright, PhD

30 min
01/14/2025

The Drip by AQUALAB: Understanding Food Texture with Dr. Carolyn Ross

Dr. Carolyn Ross is a professor of food science and the director of the Washington State University School of Food Science. Her expertise covers sensory science, human perception of food textures, and the formulation of food products tailored to different populations. She joins The Drip to unpack texture's critical role in food acceptance and how this knowledge can be leveraged to design foods for diverse groups, from children with Down syndrome to older adults. 00:00 Understanding food texture is crucial for acceptance. 03:52 Down syndrome: 80% have eating and swallowing difficulties. 07:35 Individual consumer needs shape food product development. 10:16 Behavioral and preference studies on children, adults. 16:02 Include targeted users in product design decisions. 18:28 Water activity affects food consistency over time. 21:49 AQUALAB collaboration enhances food sensory evaluation. 23:53 Mantra: "I'm brave enough to climb any mountain."

25 min
12/10/2024

The Drip by AQUALAB: Fungi's Role in Future Foods & Medicine with Roman Libov

Roman Libov is a food scientist specializing in plant-based foods and the incorporation of bioactive and psychoactive fungi into nutraceuticals. In this episode of The Drip, we learn about Roman’s journey from mental health to food science. We explore the challenges and innovations in incorporating psychoactive fungi into food products, the intersection of food science and psychedelics, and the promising future of fungi in the food industry and mental health therapeutics. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The rise of fungi in functional foodsStability challenges with psilocybin in beveragesThe future of psychedelic consumptionRegulatory challenges in consumer testing… and how fungi can improve public health outcomesJump to: (03:45) What is fungi's nutritional, medicinal, and sensory potential? (06:59) How psilocybin affects brain serotonin receptors and the “Entourage Effect”. (11:50) The importance of water activity for bioactive preservation. (13:25) How psilocybin stability is affected by environmental factors. (16:54) Why fungi are gaining popularity in health food. (22:28) This episode’s song recommendation. (23:26) This episode’s mantra. 00:00 Fungi's future role: food, health, psychedelics, innovation. 04:19 Fungi offer innovative, eco-friendly food solutions. 08:36 Psychoactive fungi consumed as gummies or chocolates. 10:27 Maintaining bioactive compounds' stability in food matrices. 13:24 Psilocybin stability affected by processing and elements. 16:54 Fungi increasingly popular in food and health. 21:55 Sponsored content about fungi ingredients and music. 23:52 Embrace authenticity and self-understanding; stay hydrated. Featured Artist and Song: Where You Are by John Summit Links mentioned in this episode: Roman Libov on LinkedIn ‘Virtual Reality as a Moderator of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy’ by Agnieszka D. Sekula, Luke Downey, Prashanth Puspanathan (2022) ‘Psychoactive Fungi Formulations in Nutritive and Palatable Food Matrices: Options for Clinical and Non-clinical Use’ by Roman Libov (2023) ‘Psychedelics and virtual reality: parallels and applications’ by Jacob S. Aday, Christopher C. Davoli, Emily K. Bloesch (2020) My Time by Sultan + Shepard, music was chosen by Roman Libov Connect with the show AQUALAB Zachary Cartwright, PhD

24 min

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

Welcome to The Drip (formerly Water in Food), where we keep your mind hydrated with some science, music, and a mantra. I'm your host, Zachary Cartwright, lead food scientist at AQUALAB by Addium Hosted by Zachary Cartwright, Ph.D. Lead FOOD Scientist at AQUALAB https://www.aqualab.com/

Creator

Zachary Cartwright, Ph.D.
Years Active

2020 - 2025
Episodes

61
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 Addium, Inc.
Show Website

The Drip by AQUALAB