Synthetic biology was once considered little more than science fiction. But with the rise of genetic engineering and the ability to make living cells in the lab, there is a real potential for this technology to change our lives for the better. Not surprisingly, this has led to much debate about whether we should use it or not. On this week’s show, we discover how “synbio” can help to improve our food security.  

Our first guest is Lenore Newman and she is the Canada Research Chair in Food Security and Environment at the University of the Fraser Valley. She has been exploring the continual decline in our food supply and has authored the book, Lost Feast: Culinary Extinction and the Future of Food. We first discuss the problems with our current food supply and the issues that need to be addressed. While we may believe climate change is the most important factor, Newman reveals many issues that can lead to a dwindling food supply.

We next focus on the use of synthetic biology to help resolve some of these troubles. But rather than explore the use of genetically modified organisms, Newman explains that synthetic biology is better used to develop alternatives to our natural sources. From enzymes in milk needed to make cheese to meat alternatives, we learn about how synthetic biology isn’t just the future, it’s also happening right now.

In our SASS Class, we learn about how synthetic biology is being used to transform food security in the developing world. Our guest teacher is Sabrina Marecos and she is a research associate at the National University of Asuncion in Paraguay. We hear how the technology is helping to transform the food economy and how one particular plant considered to be a staple in the natural health community is being helped by synbio.

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Twitter: @JATetro
Email: [email protected]

Guests:

Lenore Newman
Web: https://www.ufv.ca/geography/faculty-and-staff/faculty-members/newman-lenore.htm
Lost Feast: Culinary Extinction and the Future of Food - https://ecwpress.com/products/lost-feast
Twitter: @DrLenoreNewman

Sabrina Marecos
Web: https://www.sabrinamarecos.com/  

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