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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 174 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:
The question has frustrated epidemiologists for decades: why do so many non-smokers develop lung cancer? A number of environmental contributors have been proposed over the years, though solid evidence for any one of them remains elusive. Fortunately, advances in DNA sequencing have begun to offer some helpful insights. Research has shown that smokers and non-smokers typically develop different kinds of lung cancer with unique genetic signatures that even respond differently to the same treatment. Will scientists ever fully explain this mystery?
Could facial scans performed during pregnancy help doctors identify serious diseases? A team of researchers from India say—maybe. They’ve conducted a small study of 102 children which suggests that certain morphological features identified during an ultrasound could help diagnose inherited genetic disorders that went undetected previously. The results are encouraging, but the study authors stressed the need for more research to confirm their results.
Environmental activist groups have long opposed “industrialized” farming. While these organizations champion ‘low input agroecology-based farms,’ scientists are trying to harness the power of plant breeding to make conventional agriculture more intensive. The goal? Produce crop varieties ready to withstand the withering effects of climate change and the onslaught of plant diseases that can devastate a farmer’s yields. Have these research projects achieved any success thus far? And what sort of progress can we expect in the future?
Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta
Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow ACSH on Twitter @ACSHorg
