From Lab to Legislation: Bridging Science and Policy
In this episode of our podcast Amrit Nanda, Executive Manager of Plants for the Future ETP, discusses the importance of plant breeding, public-private collaboration, and science-based policymaking in the EU. She highlights the platform’s mission to connect academia, industry, and policymakers, and to improve science communication through initiatives like “Plantastic Discoveries.” A recent study on 20 years of EU research funding revealed limited growth for plant breeding despite strong overall program growth. Amrit stresses the need for long-term funding models, more support for Eastern Europe, and the potential of gene editing and AI.
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25:56
Leaf Whisperings - Communicating the Science of Plants
Our new episode explores science communication with Tamara Worzewski, focusing on overcoming "plant blindness" and engaging the public with plant-related topics. Tamara highlights the importance of storytelling in making science accessible and building trust between scientists and the public. Topics range from Arctic ecosystems to public outreach strategies, emphasizing creative ways to connect people with plants and nature. Titles like “Plants, Stories, and Science” and “Breaking Plant Blindness” reflect this blend of narrative and education. The conversation inspires innovative approaches to connecting people with science.More:The term-defining publication on “Plant Blindness” Plant Science Café, Sofa Events, and more"Best of" movies by BlattgeflüsterBlattgeflüster websiteBlattgeflüster on Instagram Tamara’s freelancer website
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25:01
Cracking the Code of Hybrid Vigor and Crop Adaptation
In this episode, John McKay, Chief Scientific Officer at New West Genetics and professor at Colorado State University, discusses his research on local adaptation, genotype-by-environment interactions, and heterosis. His work spans crops like maize, rice, and hemp, applying evolutionary genetics to improve breeding strategies. John's projects aim to enhance crop efficiency and sustainability.More information:New West Genetics hybrid hempGenetic basis of plant root growth traits and their response to environment (current NSF grant)National Science FoundationConditional neutrality in Arabidopsis local adaptationGxE in maize root traits
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23:36
Genetic Engineering, Metabolism, and the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
Our guest in this episode of the Computomics Podcast is Alain Tissier, Managing Director at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry. He discusses his research focusing on the molecular mechanisms in plants, particularly the interaction between primary and secondary metabolism and how plants produce chemical compounds for defense and communication. Alain talks about on his work in metabolic engineering and genome editing, particularly using a novel CRISPR-based technology to introduce specific genetic changes in plants. Hear about the INNO-TOM project which uses pangenomes to breed disease-resistant and nutrient-enriched tomatoes.
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22:30
Microbiome Matters - Approaching a Better Health Through Science
In this episode, Gabriele Berg, a renowned microbiome researcher, discusses her work on microbial communities and their impact on health and planetary ecosystems. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of microbiomes in plants, soil, and humans, and aims to enhance ecological and human health. The project An Apple a Day revealed the microbiome's role in apple health, highlighting microbial diversity within the fruit. Gabriele also talks about Tiny Biome Tales, an educational microbiome-focused game integrating science and public outreach. She advocates soil health restoration, stressing its importance for sustainable food systems. Also, collaboration, innovation, and science communication being key to impactful research.
More information:
https://www.tugraz.at/en/institutes/ubt/home
https://www.atb-potsdam.de/de/ueber-uns/team/mitarbeiter/person/gabriele-berg
Gabriele Berg: What is a microbiome? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K7FavVORLo
Tiny Biome Tales: https://enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1751-7915.14544
Tiny Biome Tales - the game: https://microbiome.gamelabgraz.at/
An Apple A Day: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01629/full
ISME: https://isme-microbes.org/
Sobre Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions
Discussions with Computomics and guest speakers on topics covering a wide range from bioinformatics, agriculture, farming, crops, food, to specific research projects. How can new technologies like machine learning facilitate solutions for global food challenges?
Ouça Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions, Horizonte de Eventos e muitos outros podcasts de todo o mundo com o aplicativo o radio.net