What are GMOs?

GMOs or genetically modified organisms have become quite a controversial topic in the past decade. In this podcast, we delve into the history behind GMOs, explain how they work, and discuss some of the technologies used to produce GMOs. This is part one of two and we plan to tackle why GMOs have become controversial in the next podcast. 
As always, our goal is not to tell you what to think but to give you the tools you need to make informed decisions and remove some of the fear and stigma associated with the science behind these controversial topics. 
If you have more questions feel free to contact us at steministas@gmail.com or on Twitter or Instagram @steministaspod
SOURCES // 
Great article on GMOs: https://www.unfortunatephd.com/post/what-you-need-to-know-about-gmos
Flavr Savr: https://www.genengnews.com/insights/mistakes-shorten-first-approved-gmos-shelf-life/
Plant transformation: https://www.jic.ac.uk/blog/what-is-plant-transformation/
Europe vs U.S.
https://theconversation.com/how-we-got-to-now-why-the-us-and-europe-went-different-ways-on-gmos-48709
History:
https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/science-and-history-gmos-and-other-food-modification-processes 
Different types of gene editing: https://agbiotech.ces.ncsu.edu/q1-what-is-the-difference-between-genetically-modified-organisms-and-genetically-engineered-organisms-we-seem-to-use-the-terms-interchangeably/
Defining a GMO: https://grist.org/food/mind-bomb-its-practically-impossible-to-define-gmos/
Transgenic plants: https://www.biologydiscussion.com/plants/transgenic-plants/top-6-examples-of-transgenic-plants-genetics/84649
Book: Mendel in the Kitchen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U58AU0/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

CRISPR wins the Nobel Prize!

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to two women this year for the application of CRISPR to biotechnology. This fascinating technology has huge implications for science! In this podcast we talk about the life of Alfred Nobel who founded the Nobel prize, what CRISPR is, and why it is so exciting that two women won the Nobel Prize. 
 
SOURCES: //
Alfred Nobel's life: https://www.nobelprize.org/alfred-nobel/alfred-nobels-life-and-work/ 
CRISPR Nobel Prize: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/lists/nobel-prize-awarded-women/#:~:text=Only%20one%20woman%2C%20Marie%20Curie,1911%20Nobel%20Prize%20in%20Chemistry.

The immune system, CAR-T therapy and cancer

The immune system has become a hot topic recently with COVID-19's spread but did you know that scientists can manipulate the immune system to fight cancer? In this episode we go over the basics of the immune system, discuss how cancer can hijack the immune system and introduce you to CAR-T therapy! 
// SOURCES 
Types of T-cells: https://www.celiackidsconnection.org/2018/05/06/what-are-the-different-types-of-t-cells/
Great summary of the nature article: https://www.sciencealert.com/new-t-cell-therapy-kills-most-human-cancer-types-and-might-work-across-individuals
Hallmarks of cancer: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/the-hallmarks-of-cancer-9-reprogramming-energy-metabolism/
Journal article on glycolysis and immune system: https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/pdf/S1550-4131(18)30178-5.pdf
Personalis article: https://www.personalis.com/understanding-role-human-leukocyte-antigen-cancer-immunotherapy/
What is CAR-T therapy: https://www.cartcellscience.com/car-t-cell-therapy-frequently-asked-questions/
Lymphoma CAR-T: https://www.cell.com/molecular-therapy-family/molecular-therapy/fulltext/S1525-0016(17)30058-8?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1525001617300588%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#secsectitle0020

What are CRISPR babies 3.0?

Over a year ago, Chinese scientist Dr. He Jianku announced the birth of the first two genetically modified human babies. Now, we return to this story with new discoveries about the details of the study and the fate of the senior scientist. Main article:https://www.technologyreview.com/s/614764/chinas-crispr-babies-read-exclusive-excerpts-he-jiankui-paper/