Dr. Adam Leman, Lead Scientist, Fermentation, Good Food Institute December 19, 2023 In this episode, we discuss the convergence of fermentation, perhaps the world's oldest biotechnology, with modern advancements in molecular biology to produce non-animal proteins as a sustainable food source. The exponential growth of the human population and our continued reliance on traditional processes for growing crops and raising animals for food risk widespread food security challenges, as we...

Dr. James Diggans, Head of Biosecurity, Twist Bioscience & Chair, International Gene Synthesis Consortium October 19, 2023 In this episode, we discuss the role of international screening efforts in protecting against the misuse of synthetically manufactured genetic materials. Rapid expansion in the capacity, affordability, and accessibility of gene synthesis—the ability to assemble genetic sequences from scratch—enables anyone with an internet connection to order custom genomes from...

Mr. Saurabh Todi, Research Analyst, High-Tech Geopolitics Programme, The Takshashila Institution, India Dr. Shambhavi Naik, Head of Research, The Takshashila Institution, India September 28, 2023 In this episode, we discuss advancements in gene drive capabilities and their potential as a tool to control vectors of zoonotic diseases. Gene drives are a natural process that preferentially propagates specific genetic traits through a population via sexual reproduction, and advances in genomic...

Dr. Andy Spry, Consultant to the Planetary Protection Officer, NASA April 21, 2023 In this episode, we discuss NASA's Office of Planetary Protection, which focuses on mitigating contamination risk for space missions. Their efforts cover both forward contamination—ie, contaminating extraterrestrial bodies with organisms from Earth—and backward contamination—ie, contaminating Earth with extraterrestrial life. Planetary protection functions much like laboratory biosafety, but on a much larger...

Ms. Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, IKP Knowledge Park, India Dr. Diah Iskandriati, Biosafety Officer, Primate Research Center, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia August 14, 2023 This episode was recorded live, on site at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the BWC Global Forum side event hosted during the August 2023 meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention. BWC states parties will convene as the...

Dr. Lauren Oldfield, Director of Synthetic Genomics, Replay April 17, 2023 In this episode, we discuss efforts to develop large DNA viruses, such as herpesviruses, as vectors to deliver gene therapies, including advantages over other types of pathogen platforms. Notably, large viruses enable the delivery of larger genes for therapeutic purposes, and the characteristics of herpes simplex viruses (HSV) can allow gene therapies to be delivered over longer periods of time.

Dr. Mariam Elgabry, Founder & CEO, Bronic Ltd April 11, 2023 In this episode, we discuss the risks and challenges associated with the emerging field of cyberbiosecurity and some considerations and approaches to mitigating those risks, as biology continues to integrate further with advanced computing, machine learning, and other cyber-related technologies.

Dr. James Revill, Head, WMD & Space Security Programmes, UN Institute for Disarmament Research Dr. Anna Laura Ross, Head, Emerging Technologies, Research Prioritization & Support Unit, World Health Organization Dr. Leifan Wang, Assistant Professor, Center for Biosafety Research & Strategy, Tianjin University November 28, 2022 This episode was recorded live, on site at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the BWC Global Forum side event hosted on the...

Dr. Robert Mayall, Chief Technical Officer & Founder, FREDsense September 14, 2022 In this episode, we discuss the technologies and capabilities associated with wastewater surveillance systems, their rise to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic response, and prospective benefits and risks associated with expansion to other pathogens and purposes.

Dr. Jung-Mo Ahn, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas September 14, 2022 In this episode, we discuss the use of small molecules as targeted treatments to interrupt the regulatory pathways responsible for cancer growth, neurodegenerative diseases, and other conditions, with relatively minimal off-target effects.

Dr. Kazuto Kato, Professor of Biomedical Ethics & Public Policy, Osaka University October 11, 2022 In this episode, we discuss the current state of technologies and ethics associated with human genome editing, including as direct treatment for patients and to modify inheritable traits for future generations.

Ben Novak, Lead Scientist & Program Manager, Revive & Restore September 6, 2022 In this episode, we discuss Revive & Restore's de-extinction efforts for the passenger pigeon, including the current state of associated technologies, timeline for developing and implementing future technologies, and intended and unintended consequences of de-extinction.