Join us as Sam Abernethy, Methane Removal Scientist from Spark Climate Solutions, and Paul Reginato of Homeworld Collective explore why tackling methane could be even more impactful than focusing on carbon dioxide in the near-term. Methane's potent warming potential and short-lived nature make it a high-leverage target for climate mitigation.

We delve into nature’s own methane eaters—methanotrophs—and how they could help reduce atmospheric methane levels. From bioreactors to genetically engineered plants expressing methane monooxygenase, we highlight promising biological solutions that could reshape methane mitigation strategies.

However, innovation comes with challenges. Sam and Paul discuss the complexities of engineering enzymes for methane breakdown, the hurdles of accurate methane measurement, and the importance of scientific collaboration. These challenges underscore the need for continued research and development in the field.

From agricultural lands to Arctic permafrost, we explore the ethical and technological questions surrounding methane interventions—and the efforts to shape the future of the field, positioning it as a key strategy in the fight against climate change.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(01:49) Meet Sam Abernethy
(03:01) Understanding Methane and Its Impact
(06:59) Methane Removal: Challenges and Opportunities
(11:35) Biological Atmospheric Methane Removal
(24:30) Workshop Insights and Future Directions
(39:20) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

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How can protein science shape the future of food and climate solutions? Meet Anum Glasgow, a leading researcher at Columbia University, whose journey—rooted in her Pakistani heritage and a childhood of curiosity on the Jersey Shore—led her to the cutting edge of protein engineering.

Anum shares how her fascination with protein folding evolved into groundbreaking research on designing multifunctional proteins and therapeutics. We explore the hidden elegance of nature’s self-folding systems and how they inspire innovations in climate biotech.

We also dive into the work of Team Yeast Feast, a group pioneering a sustainable approach to flavor. By engineering proteins that enhance sweetness and umami naturally, they’re rethinking how we experience taste—tackling food sustainability with creativity and science. From blind taste tests to leveraging AlphaFold, their work blends playfulness with real-world impact.

Finally, we look at how hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry is unlocking the secrets of protein structure and its role in taste perception. What makes some sugar substitutes fall flat? How do protein conformations shape flavor? We connect the dots between sequence, structure, and sensory experience.

Tune in for a closer look at the Glasgow Lab’s work and the latest in climate biotech, brought to you by the Homeworld Collective.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:32) Guest Introduction: Anum Glasgow
(02:03) Anum's Background and Journey into Science
(02:40) The Fascination with Protein Folding
(05:35) From Physical to Biological Folding
(08:05) Computational and Experimental Approaches in Protein Research
(13:12) Exploring Taste Perception and Climate Solutions
(14:43) Engineering Sweet and Umami Yeast
(26:06) Technical Insights: Hydrogen Exchange Mass Spectrometry
(33:30) Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

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What role does biotechnology play in solving the climate crisis? Join us as we spotlight Ahmed Badran, assistant professor at the Scripps Research Institute and a leader in climate biotech innovation. Ahmed is a recipient of Homeworld Collective's Garden Grants for Protein Engineering.

Ahmed shares his journey, from growing up in Egypt in a family of scientists to becoming a pioneer in engineering enzymes for climate solutions.

We dive into the fascinating intersection of machine learning, synthetic biology, and climate innovation, spotlighting Rubisco, a key enzyme in photosynthesis with untapped potential. Ahmed unpacks his research on enhancing Rubisco’s efficiency and its revolutionary implications for carbon capture and climate sustainability.

Ahmed also offers insights for aspiring biotechnologists, sharing advice on bridging computational and chemical expertise and the value of tackling bold, ambitious projects. Tune in for a closer look at the work happening at Scripps Research and the future of climate biotech.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:50) Meet Ahmed Bajran: A Rising Star in Climate Biotech
(01:49) Ahmed's Unique Background and Early Influences
(03:29) Academic Journey and Early Research
(05:33) Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Insights
(07:30) David Liu's Lab and Complex Problem Solving
(11:54) Garden Grant Proposal: Tackling Climate Change
(16:04) Rubisco and Carbon Capture Innovations
(22:51) Advanced Genetic Engineering Techniques
(31:08) Future of Synthetic Biology and Final Thoughts
(34:04) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

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