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On World Water Day, we launch a new season of the I am BIO Podcast with a look at the biggest threats to water and how biotech can address them. We also have details on the new Feeding the Economy report, released today, and why equitable access matters in colorectal cancer care. (758 words, 3 minutes, 47 seconds) |
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World Water Day: ‘We have to do better.’ |
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More than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is water, yet water that’s safe enough for human consumption is a finite resource. On World Water Day, we launch a new season of the I am BIO Podcast with a look at the biggest threats to water and what biotech can do to address them.
Challenge #1: Contamination. “Water quality is significantly more sensitive than we thought it used to be”—and increasingly linked to cancer, says Ameen Razavi, CEO of Microvi Biotech, which developed an affordable, biology-based solution for water filtration and purification.
“Water is a resource that drives our economy. It’s the lifeblood of our communities, and it’s the basis of our health,” says Razavi. “Water may be even considered more than a resource. It’s kind of the essence of how we build communities and how we structure our society.”
Challenge #2: Overuse. Growing food is water-intensive, so we have to find ways to increase food output while decreasing water inputs.
Enter vertical farming with hydroponics and aeroponics, which can save as much as 95% of water compared with open field cultivation, explains Dr. Joel Cuello, Professor of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Arizona.
Challenge #3: Plastic. “Each year, roughly 11 million metric tons of plastic flow into the ocean,” says Dr. Michelle. “The types of plastics we most commonly use will take between 400 and 500 years to biodegrade.”
Danimer Scientific developed a completely biodegradable plastic alternative—and they’ve partnered with companies including Bacardi, Mars, and PepsiCo.
The bottom line: “People realize we have to do better,” concludes Danimer’s Chief Marketing Officer Scott Tuten. “Do we have 50 years or a thousand years, there's some point where we can't turn it back. When is that? Nobody knows.”
Click here to listen or get the episode via Apple, Google, and Spotify—and subscribe to get notified about new episodes all spring! March 22 is World Water Day—learn more. |
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Hey, it’s also National Agriculture Day—and the launch of the 2022 Feeding the Economy report, which highlights the role of cutting-edge technology in increasing agriculture production and strengthening America’s bioeconomy, to the tune of 43+ million jobs and $7.4 trillion in economic output. Read the report here, and we’ll have a deeper dive tomorrow. More Agriculture and Environment News: Gevo: oneworld® Alliance members plan to purchase up to 200 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel per year from BIO member Gevo
“one world members Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways expect to utilize Gevo’s SAF for their operations in California including San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles International Airports.” Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC): SEC proposes rules to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures for investors
“The required information about climate-related risks also would include disclosure of a registrant’s greenhouse gas emissions, which have become a commonly used metric to assess a registrant’s exposure to such risks.” |
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In colorectal cancer, equitable access matters |
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Colorectal cancer is incredibly common, but highly treatable—if it’s detected early. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is highlighting the importance of equitable access to screening and care.
Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with 150K Americans diagnosed every year, and diagnoses under age 45 on the rise.
And it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.—with more than 50K dying every year.
The good news: Colorectal cancer is often preventable with screening and treatable when detected early.
But equitable access to screening and care is critical: Black Americans are about 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and 35% more likely to die from it, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “Despite the recent lowering of the minimum screening age to 45 from 50, many in the Black community will not get screened.”
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s theme, March for Access, sponsored by BIO members Genentech and Merck, highlights the importance of equitable access to screening and care opportunities.
How you can participate: - Early detection is critical, so take the quiz to determine which screening options are best for you.
- On Sunday, March 27, join the D.C. Scope It Out 5K—maybe we’ll see you there!
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| Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the United States to receive an MD degree. She was turned away by 10 medical schools due to her gender but ultimately admitted to Geneva Medical College in New York.
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