OMGMO

The discovery of penicillin, proposing the theory of evolution, and applying CRISPR for gene editing have in common that luck or chance seem to have affected the scientific outcome or recognition of these events. But these are not exceptions, and science is a complex process that spans beyond just the intelligence of the scientist. Join us to discover the role of luck and creativity in science. 

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry of 2020 was awarded to Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier for the development of CRISPR as a tool for genomic editing. In this episode, we give an overview on the importance of CRISPR and we discuss if Nobel Prizes can reflect the reality of modern day science. 

There are some worries about a nutritional collapse in agriculture produced by intensive techniques. However, we need to take the statements out there with a grain of salt. There is some truth behind the so-called nutritional collapse, but it is very nuanced. Join us to discover why this is nothing to worry about. 

Biofuels are a better alternative than fossil fuels, but they are considered to be a less ecological option than electricity and batteries to fuel cars and other transports. But biofuels are evolving, and new types of biofuels might be more desirable than batteries. Should we follow this path? Or should we bet all our resources on an electrical transition? Join us in the search for the best path forward in this episode. 

Netflix's show Biohackers deals with students performing experiments outside academic environments. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Biology is a movement that aims to bring biological sciences and technologies to the general public. This movement is received both with praise for democratizing science but also with skepticism and concern about the potential problems on biosafety and biosecurity. Join us in discussing the promises and challenges of DIY Biology. 

In our society, experimenting on one's body is frown upon. But this is a practice that not only is happening, it has been happening throughout history. There are people trying to do genetic engineering on themselves. Are they pioneers or just crazy weirdos? Join us in this episode and make up your mind. 

Brain implants are a technology that may not be too far, but those are not the only implants available to upgrade human capabilities. Some people have started to wear implants for several purposes, from communicating with machines to just cosmetic reasons. Can implants change our identity and how many implants can you incorporate into your body before stop being human? Join to find the answers in this episode. 

Gene-edited crops are a kind of genetically engineered crop, another example being transgenic crops. Even those these two types of crops are created using different techniques, they are generally perceived the same by the population and they are not distinguished in EU legislation. Why do gene edited crops generate such strong feelings? Discover why in this episode.

Animal experimentation has a direct impact on the welfare of the subject animals, but not all animals are the same. Society has decided that some animals deserve more protections than others, such as cephalopods (octopus, squid, cuttlefish…). Why are these animals protected, while insects are not? Discover why in this episode.