GLP Podcast: Genetics of sugar cravings; Male birth control; CRISPR-edited apples coming soon?

We all crave sugar on occasion, and geneticists say they’ve found some of the genes that may have driven this evolutionary adaptation. Nanotechnology is bringing new forms of male birth control closer to reality. A new USDA proposal to lift some existing CRISPR-edited crop regulations may give consumers access to a wide variety of longer lasting fruits and vegetables.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 152 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

• Sugar high? How and why we genetically crave sweetness

Evidence gathered over many years indicates that our innate desire for sweetness was an evolutionary adaptation that drove our ancestors to seek out energy-dense foods that fueled their hunting and gathering activities. Recent research has bolstered this analysis by identifying two genes, TAS1R2 and TAS1R3, that encode the sugar-detecting receptor protein TAS1R2/3. Many species possess these genes, suggesting that an interest in sweet foods has provided an important survival advantage throughout evolutionary history.

• Nanocontraception: How heated nanoparticles injected in testicles might be a viable method of male birth control

Male birth control doesn’t go beyond condoms and vasectomies for now, but that could change in the coming years. Researchers are beginning to explore nanotechnology-based treatments, so-called “nanocontraception,” that modulate the temperature of testicles, thereby reducing or turning off sperm production entirely. The experimental approach has only undergone preliminary testing in rodents, and important safety concerns have to be addressed before the technology can be used in humans. Then, of course, there’s the ultimate question: will men actually utilize birth control?

• CRISPR gala apples among numerous gene-edited crops that could be greenlighted

More flavorful and longer lasting apples, alongside many other fruits and vegetables, may be headed to grocery stores if a new USDA proposal to loosen regulations on CRISPR-edited crops takes effect. Since these enhanced plants only contain targeted deletions in their DNA, they’re unlikely to pose a risk to human health or the environment, and thus don’t warrant the extensive rules that currently govern their development.

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