Air pollution harms our health in many ways; does it also encourage obesity? Farmers in India have access to two newly approved GM crops. Are regulators in the country finally beginning to embrace biotechnology? Wearable devices that track your blood sugar, sleep habits and macronutrient intake are being marketed as a solution to obesity. Will they live up to the hype?

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 193 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* Air pollution linked to greater risk of obesity in women

Air pollution is nasty stuff. It's been linked to all sorts of deadly diseases, and research in recent years has suggested that exposure to air pollutants might amplify the risk of obesity. Do these studies stand up to scrutiny, or is the link between weight gain and smog a media-created health scare?

* India approves first genetically-modified crops in 20 years: Herbicide-tolerant cotton and mustard

After two decades of foot dragging, regulators in India have approved two more genetically engineered crops, herbicide-tolerant cotton and mustard. Many farmers have been growing the enhanced cotton illegally for several years now because it helps them efficiently control weeds and therefore preserve their crop yields. Has the Indian government finally discarded its unnecessary fear of "GMOs"?

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Will ‘biological push notifications’ from weight loss gadgets keep people on track with their diets?

Type 1 diabetics have worn continuous glucose monitors for many years to track their blood sugar. The same technology is now being deployed to help more consumers lose unwanted excess weight. These devices, which can be worn as rings or even embedded in workout clothing, track respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and other health metrics; one device even analyzes breath to determine which macronutrients the user is burning. But with little research to validate these "wearable technologies," some experts wonder how effectively they'll help people lead healthier lives.

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter