The future of plant chemistry

Chemical engineer Beth Sattely studies the intricate chemistry of plant life. Plants are more than food, she says: They are living chemical factories churning out molecules that help plants do everything from adapting to climate change to fighting infections – or even producing valuable new cancer drugs. Lately, Sattely’s lab is working on ways to make crops more resilient to engineer more sustainable foods and environments. Some of our most exciting technologies already exist in nature, we just have to find them, Sattely tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Elizabeth SattelyConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Beth Sattely, a professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:10) Path to Plant MetabolismHow chemistry and gardening led to a career in plant science.(00:03:54) Environmental and Human HealthUsing plants to improve both the planet and people’s well-being.(00:04:53) Engineering Climate-Resilient CropsMaking crops more sustainable and nutritious amid global change.(00:05:58) Old vs. New Crop EngineeringComparing traditional breeding with modern molecular tools.(00:08:04) Industry and Long-Term Food SecurityThe gap between short-term market goals and long-term environmental needs.(00:09:13) Tomato ChemistryTomatoes reveal how plants produce protective molecules under stress.(00:12:26) Plant “Vaccines” and Immune SignalingHow plants communicate threats internally and mount chemical defenses.(00:14:14) Citrus Greening and LimonoidsThe potential role of limonoid research on citrus greening.(00:16:59) Plants Making MedicineHow plants like Yew trees naturally produce cancer drugs like Taxol.(00:21:19) Diet as Preventative MedicineIdentifying plant molecules to understand their preventative health effects. (00:24:36) Food Allergies and Plant ChemistryWhy the immune system tolerates some foods and rejects others.(00:26:42) Understanding Tolerance in ImmunityPossibility of reintroducing tolerance through partial molecular exposure.(00:28:02) Engineering Healthier PlantsPotential for designing plants to enhance micronutrient content.(00:29:04) Training the Next GenerationBeth celebrates her students’ role in shaping a sustainable future.(00:30:39) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.