In this episode, Joe Proudman and Tracy Sellers join us to explore the role of communication in shaping public conversations about CRISPR gene editing and other emerging agricultural technologies. Together, we discuss why researchers are exploring CRISPR in livestock production, the potential implications for animal health and sustainability, and what recent research reveals about how consumers think about these innovations. The conversation examines why storytelling, transparency, and early public engagement are essential for communicating complex science, particularly before misinformation fills knowledge gaps. We also explore how scientists, communicators, and social scientists can work together throughout the research process to better understand public values and build trust around new technologies. Ultimately, the discussion highlights that how we communicate emerging science may be just as important as the discoveries themselves.

Learn more about Joe Proudman’s work below:

UC Davis CLEAR Center Bio Page: https://clear.ucdavis.edu/people/joe-proudman

Learn more about Tracy Seller’s work below:

UC Davis CLEAR Center Bio Page: https://clear.ucdavis.edu/people/tracy-sellers

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

UC Davis State of the Science Summit: https://clear.ucdavis.edu/news/global-experts-convene-fourth-annual-state-science-summit

Article- Using narratives and storytelling to communicate science with nonexpert audiences: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1320645111

Article- What is Post-Normal Science: https://www.andreasaltelli.eu/file/repository/Editorials2.pdf

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Visit https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/food-systems-comm-hub/ for more information.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, Dr. Maxwell Scott joins us to unpack the New World Screwworm and why this parasitic fly is an important concern for livestock producers and animal health. Dr. Scott explains how Screwworm affects animals, why it is difficult to control, and how the United States successfully eradicated it through the use of the sterile insect technique. We also explore the pest’s recent re-emergence in Mexico and Texas, the biological and ecological factors that could influence its spread, and what an outbreak could mean for livestock producers and the broader food system. The conversation highlights Dr. Scott’s research developing genetically engineered male-only strains that could make sterile insect programs more efficient, as well as emerging approaches using CRISPR to sterilize males and gene drives to suppress insect populations. Dr. Scott also discusses how these technologies are being evaluated for responsible use and why continued innovation will be important for managing Screwworm in the future.

Learn more about Dr. Scott’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/entomology-and-plant-pathology/people/mjscott3/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

Max Scott Lab: https://maxscottlab.wordpress.ncsu.edu/

Genetic Engineering and Society Center at NC State: https://ges.research.ncsu.edu/

Gene Convene Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON960H5VFgI

North Central IPM Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw6ferJh3TM

USDA- NovoFly Q&A: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/novofly-questions-answers

Article- An early female lethal system of the New World screwworm, Cochliomya hominivorax, for biotechnology-enhanced SIT: https://link-springer-com.prox.lib.ncsu.edu/article/10.1186/s12863-020-00948-x

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Visit https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/food-systems-comm-hub/ for more information.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Reberg-Horton joins us to explore what climate-resilient agriculture looks like in practice and how farmers are adapting to increasing weather variability. We discuss the challenges posed by drought, heavy rainfall, and shifting climate patterns, and how conservation practices like cover crops and reduced tillage can help improve resilience on the farm. The conversation also highlights how different crops and regions face varying levels of vulnerability, and how growers manage risk through diversification and long-term planning. Dr. Reberg-Horton shares how precision agriculture and emerging technologies are changing decision making in real time and reshaping how farms operate at different scales. Finally, we talk about the balance between sustainability and profitability, and what it will take to build more resilient and adaptive food systems moving forward.

Learn more about Dr. Reberg-Horton’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/crop-and-soil-sciences/people/screberg/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

Precision Sustainable Agriculture: https://www.precisionsustainableag.org/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University. Visit https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/food-systems-comm-hub/ for more information.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.