Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

Revolutionizing Agriculture with RNA Technology - Dr. Andrey Zarur

Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

Show Notes

In this episode of the Talking Biotech podcast, Dr. Andrey Zarur, CEO of Greenlight Biosciences, discusses the innovative applications of RNA technology in agriculture. The conversation covers the challenges of food security, the role of RNA in pest control, and the regulatory advantages of RNA-based products. Dr. Zarur highlights the efficacy and safety of RNA insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, as well as the company's efforts to address bee health. The discussion also touches on public perception and the importance of transparent communication in biotechnology. 00:00 Introduction to RNA and Its Role in Agriculture 02:02 Challenges in Global Food Production 05:07 The Promise of RNA Technology 10:05 Regulatory Landscape for RNA-Based Solutions 13:52 Stability and Application of RNA Products 18:00 Product Development and Efficacy of RNA Pesticides 19:48 Targeting Specific Pests with RNA Technology 26:51 AI in RNA Design and Future Prospects 30:01 Innovative Approaches to Pest Control 32:41 Targeting Specific Pests with RNA Technology 35:22 Challenges in Regulatory Approval and Public Perception 38:02 Engaging with the Public and NGOs 42:46 Addressing the Varroa Mite Crisis in Beekeeping 49:18 Developing RNA Solutions for Weed Management

More from Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

Oct 5, 2026

In this episode, Kevin Folta interviews Brigitte Weston, the director of product development at Gates Ag One, about their mission to accelerate crop technology development for smallholder farmers in Africa and South Asia. They discuss the organization's approach to innovation, regulatory challenges, and how they foster public-private partnerships to improve food security.

Sep 28, 2026

Oncolytic viruses may offer a new way to tackle solid tumors by targeting cancer cells and activating the immune system. Dr. Eric Poma explains how Calidi Biotherapeutics is engineering a vaccinia-based virus to evade immune clearance, reach tumors, and deliver an immune-stimulating payload. He and Kevin Folta discuss the approach’s potential for cancers such as lung cancer, melanoma, renal cancer, and head and neck cancers.

Aug 31, 2026

This episode explores the fascinating history and science behind GLP1 receptor agonists, their development from animal venom to life-changing diabetes and obesity treatments, and the importance of basic research in medical breakthroughs.

Aug 24, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Alexia Groff discusses her groundbreaking research on expressing mammalian myoglobin in plants using chloroplast transformation. We explore the implications for food production, biosecurity, and future applications in meat substitutes and nutritional enhancement. Chloroplast inheritance reduces gene flow risk, enhancing biosafety. Heterologous expression in plants can produce functional animal proteins.

Aug 17, 2026

This episode explores the cutting-edge advancements in ALS diagnostics and treatment, highlighting how AI and digital health are transforming patient care and research. Guest Indo Navar shares her journey from Silicon Valley entrepreneurship to pioneering innovative solutions for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

See all episodes →