Episodes
Wading through the torrent of information available online is challenging for everyone. It can be hard to know what and whom to believe. We talk with the FDA Commissioner and other leaders on the frontlines of health and science about how to be more aware of false and misleading information, and its risks to our wellbeing and future innovation. And we discuss ways to stand up for science and stop the spread of misinformation.
Published 05/09/23
The International Space Station has been orbiting in lower earth since 1998 and has been continually inhabited since November 2000. The ISS was originally conceived as a staging base for future missions into deep space. As it turns out, lower earth orbit is an ideal setting for scientific research, from physics and meteorology to astronomy and the life sciences. In this episode we talk with three scientists whose projects are using lower earth orbit to deepen our knowledge of biotechnology...
Published 04/25/23
CRISPR has emerged as a powerful tool for altering DNA sequences with incredible precision, opening up new avenues of research into the treatment of disease. In this episode, we explore the science behind CRISPR, as well as its potential. From curing genetic disorders to creating new crop varieties, the possibilities seem endless. Our four guests today are scientists working to push these gene editing tools to the next frontier.
Published 04/11/23
When people were dying from AIDS in the 1980s and 90s, Congress found a way to expedite the drug approval process and saved countless lives. Established in 1992, the Accelerated Approval Program allows the FDA to speed approval of drugs for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. In this episode we talk with the father of children with a rare disease, a company CEO working to treat rare diseases and two policy experts on Accelerated Approval.
Published 03/28/23
The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotechnology has emerged as one of the most exciting and transformative areas of science. Researchers are developing new tools and technology that could bring about breakthroughs to revolutionize the fields of medicine and health care. In this episode, we talk with scientists who are using AI to unlock new possibilities in the search for novel drugs, cures, and treatments.
Published 03/14/23
Imagine living with excruciating pain that prevents you from walking or doing the things most of us take for granted. We all experience pain, and 50 million people cope with chronic, debilitating pain. The market for pain therapies is estimated at $74 billion. And yet, investment in new pain and addiction treatments is falling short of what is needed, according to a new BIO report, which shows a 44% decrease in clinical drug programs for pain over the past five years. Our guests on this...
Published 02/28/23
Not that long ago psychedelics were considered dangerous, and only enjoyed recreationally by a fringe element of society. Today, researchers are looking at drugs like psilocybin to develop treatments for depression, PTSD, addiction, and anxiety. This episode features guests steeped in the world of psychedelics who are finding new ways to treat mental health.
Published 02/14/23
Last December, a United Airlines’ flight from Chicago to Washington DC was the first ever passenger flight powered with 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The achievement demonstrated the potential for the aviation sector to reduce its carbon footprint. Our guests in this episode each played a key role in in helping the airline reach this exciting milestone.
Published 01/31/23
We are on the precipice of a looming crisis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the evolution of deadly pathogens like bacteria and fungi to resist all current antimicrobial medicines. In this episode, we talk about how the dwindling supply of new antibiotics is fueling this silent pandemic, and why we need a continued pipeline of new antibiotics to avoid this crisis. Guests: Ankit Mahadevia, Spero Therapeutics Henry Skinner, AMR Action Fund Mary Dwight, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Published 01/10/23
I am BIO will begin a new season of exciting topics on Feb 28. During our hiatus, we are bringing back some of our most popular episodes beginning with “Hope for Alzheimer's.” Alzheimer’s disease is a heartbreaking diagnosis and tragically there is no cure. But every day, researchers, scientists and the medical community are working to change that. In this episode, we speak with three guests who are fighting to bend the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease and, in doing so, offering hope for...
Published 12/20/22
Talking about women’s health has been a taboo subject for some time, contributing to a lack of innovation in the sector. Still today, many are uncomfortable discussing the topic. Consequently, only 2% of medical products in the pipeline are for women’s health and only 2% of all venture capital dollars go into developing these products. In this episode, we talk with two women in biotech who are trying to change that narrative and infuse more investment in innovations that meet the needs of...
Published 11/29/22
Plastic is polluting our waterways and oceans, but biotechnology may deliver solutions. Plant-based bioplastics that can break down in months are one solution. Another is mighty microbes bioengineered to speed up consumption of plastic. This episode spotlights scientists, companies and even a filmmaker and artist who are working in different ways to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste.
Published 11/15/22
Not that long ago psychedelics were considered dangerous, and only enjoyed recreationally by a fringe element of society. Today, researchers are looking at drugs like psilocybin to develop treatments for depression, PTSD, addiction, and anxiety. This episode features guests steeped in the world of psychedelics who are finding new ways to treat mental health.
Published 11/01/22
Patient Advocates do more than raise money—they are active participants in the drug development process. While the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge garnered global attention, lesser-known patient advocates also flex their expertise to drive new treatments and cures. In this episode, we talk with two moms, one who is a patient herself, about their work as partners in research and development, helping bring treatments for two rare diseases to the market.
Published 10/18/22
Monkeypox hit our shores in May of this year. How did our public health agencies and infrastructure perform? What went right, what went wrong, and what needs to improve? We talked with three experts in public health and biodefense about the threats on their radar screens and how the U.S. can better prepare for the next inevitable outbreak or pandemic.
Published 10/04/22
You might be surprised to learn that data storage currently requires huge amounts of land and energy, and we're running out of both. In this episode, we speak with a small group of researchers who are working to revolutionize the way we store the massive amounts of data we produce every day. Their solution: use DNA.
Published 09/20/22
Current market trends have put investors in a “flight-to-safety” mentality, especially when it comes to biotech companies. What does this mean for getting biotech innovations to the marketplace? This episode explores the daunting challenge of raising capital in a bear market.
Published 05/31/22
A convoluted, confusing, and opaque system for pricing drugs has evolved that distorts the market and often limits patient access to the drugs they need to survive. In this episode, three experts explain how the system works—or doesn’t’—and the consequences of a dysfunctional pricing system.
Published 05/17/22
Alzheimer’s disease is a heartbreaking diagnosis and tragically there is no cure. But every day, researchers, scientists and the medical community are working to change that. In this episode, we speak with three guests who are fighting to bend the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease and, in doing so, offering hope for the millions suffering from this devastating illness.
Published 05/03/22
Last December, a United Airlines’ flight from Chicago to Washington DC was the first ever passenger flight powered with 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The achievement demonstrated the potential for the aviation sector to reduce its carbon footprint. Our guests in this episode each played a key role in in helping the airline reach this exciting milestone.
Published 04/19/22
2021 was the unofficial year of mRNA—and deservedly so. But the science behind the technology is not always easy to understand. In this episode, we will dive into the miracle technology that saved countless lives and talk about what it holds for the future. We also speak to a biotech company about its non-mRNA vaccine technology for COVID and why the healthcare ecosystem will always need multiple options.
Published 04/05/22
More than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is water, and yet water that is safe enough for human consumption remains a finite resource. In this episode we speak to experts about the biggest threats to water—contamination, overuse, and plastic. We also learn how innovative new tools can ensure there is enough water to hydrate us, our plants, and our animals. Guests: Ameen Razavi, Microvi Biotech Dr. Joel Cuello, The University of Arizona Scott Tuten, Danimer Scientific
Published 03/22/22
We are on the precipice of a looming crisis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the evolution of deadly pathogens like bacteria and fungi to resist all current antimicrobial medicines. In this episode, we talk about how the dwindling supply of new antibiotics is fueling this silent pandemic, and why we need a continued pipeline of new antibiotics to avoid this crisis. Guests: Ankit Mahadevia, Spero Therapeutics Henry Skinner, AMR Action Fund Mary Dwight, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Published 11/23/21
Not only do we need STEM students, but we also need them from every corner of the population, because innovation thrives through diverse perspectives; through the people who bring both their talents and backgrounds to the work. In this episode, we dig into the importance of kids learning about STEM early in their educations, the impact of the pandemic on students and teachers, and what the future of STEM education looks like. Guests: Barak Balva, Sanofi Kimberly Bryant, Black Girls...
Published 11/09/21
Today we have two powerful stories. Each one is as different as the disease that it’s about. Yet there is a common thread: patients want and need to be heard. You will hear from a mom who will do whatever it takes to save her son’s life. And you will learn about a young woman who is fighting for herself and her underserved patient community. Guests: Amber Freed, SLC6A1 Connect Melodie Blackwell, COCCI
Published 10/26/21