Skip to main content

3 Must Watch Biotech Ted-Talks



We all know TED talks are brilliants parcels of knowledge that we may use to inspire ourselves. But for some reason, we often forget about them and then find ourselves once or twice a year binge watching them. These are the top 3 talks we have watched here at Biotech10, that we believe properly encapsulate the brilliantness of biotechnology.

How CRISPR Lets Us Edit Our DNA

Jennifer Doudna, part of the team that invented the revolutionary genetic technology that is CRISPR-Cas9. The tool (CRISPR) allows for editing of DNA strands with "incredible precision" as stated by Doudna, which may be used in mind-blowing ways, such as treatments for genetic diseases. However there is ethical concern for the potential of "designer babies". In this TED talk Doudna reviews the workings of CRISPR-Cass9, as well as the potential it harnesses. She rounds off her talk with an important discussion about the ethical implications that this gene editing technology carries. 



The Medical Potential OF AI and Metabolites

Leila Pirhaji makes use of artificial intelligence in drug discovery and the treatment of metabolic diseases. Before we can use what we know about the human genome to decipher treatments for diseases, all the information gained from the genome needs to be augmented, with all the information about the metabolite activity within our bodies. These molecules such as fats, glucose and cholesterol are critical when it comes to the development of diseases such as fatty liver disease. By using AI, Pirahji has been able to analyze the copious amounts of data that is required for a precise understanding of the patterns for each type of metabolite, that connects to underlying diseases. This allows for better, more successful treatments. In her talk, Pirhaji discusses the progress that has been made in this sector.




How Supercharged Plants Could Slow Climate Change

Joanne Chory - regarded as one of the greatest scientific innovators in present day science - studies the genetic codes of plants. The driving force behind these studies is her passion to use plants to help fight climate change. It makes sense. Plants and trees are our natural allies when it comes to fighting climate change, because the process of photosynthesis takes in CO2 while releasing oxygen as it stores carbon in the root system and soil. The answer to using plants to help fight the war against climate change is just to have more plants, but there is one issue. Space.  Due to finite space on our earth we struggle to make use of the land currently used or needed in the future for agricultural purposes, without creating a food shortage for the ever expanding population. In this talk Chory describes the work that her and her team at Salk Institute's Harnessing Plants Initiative (HPI) are carrying out. They are using genetic and genomic techniques to increase the carbon storage capacity of root systems by helping plants grow larger, more robust root systems. 





Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Epic Biotechnology Podcasts to Follow

Podcasts are an awesome way of using your brain whilst completing mundane tasks like commuting, cleaning  or doing the laundry. They allow you the time to catch up with recent events, as well as being an excellent way to learn. So here is a list of some of the podcasts we at TheBiotech10 are listening to, to keep up to date with the biotechnology space.    The Talking Biotech Podcast Dr. Kevin Folta, the host of this podcast, is a professor of the horticultural sciences department at the University of Florida. This weekly podcast provides science based discussions on the current topics within biotech. The guests Dr. Folta brings on describe the current issues within the biotechnology space and often the solutions behind them. There is also a segment dedicated to plant genetic improvement from domestication through the today's breeding efforts. This guest based podcast is a must listen for those interested in the Biotechnology space. The Bio Report The Bio Report is a week...
2 comments
Read more

3 Biology Experiments You Can Do at Home

Biology is an extremely exciting subject, however, not all of us have access to state-of-the-art lab equipment to do biology experiments. Luckily for us, it is possible to do some experiments within the comfort of our own homes. Here is a list of 3 easy biology experiments you can do at home. Extract your own DNA  It very easy to extract your own DNA using everyday kitchen supplies. You can even extract the DNA of any fruit or vegetable you desire, but I think looking at your own molecular blueprint is much cooler. Equipment A clean shot glass Saliva Dish Soap Table Salt Pineapple Juice (or cleaning solution for contact lenses)  Chilled alcohol (120 proof or higher) Drinking Straw  Toothpick Instructions Take your DNA sample by spitting into the shot glass until it is a quarter full of your saliva. Add a few drops of dish soap to lyse the cells (break them open). Add a tiny splash of pineapple juice. This cleans up some of the proteins that have spilled out of your cells ...
Post a Comment
Read more

What you need to Know About Violet Biotechnology

Violet Biotechnology is related to publication invention, IPRs (Intellectual Property Rights) and patents of biotechnology. It is devoted to regulation and problem solving, it's also responsible for the formation of a platform  for discussion. While the other forms of biotech aim at increasing the number of inventions, violet biotechnology maintains them. Biotechnology is a sector that is responsible for causing a lot of doubts and fears, due to the radical potential of many inventions. These fears have caused serious moral dilemmas and discussions. Due to disputes as a result of these fears, the formation of a new branch of biotechnology was created, the Violet branch.  Violet Biotechnology Includes Encouraging new inventions within biotechnology  Analysis and Publication of biotech research  Patenting of biotech inventions  Enforcement of intellectual property Applications of Violet Biotechnology Many of the processes within this sector of biotech take years d...
Post a Comment
Read more