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Something to Chew On

Science Podcasts

Our lives are frequently and significantly affected by food. Because we must eat to survive, many human cultures have developed with food at their very core. Through prosperous times and depression what we eat has influenced art, music, science, relationships, and more. In this fast-paced world, we often don’t take the time to consider how food gets to our plates, the importance of what and how that food is produced and the aesthetics of food requirements and food enjoyment. Often, seemingly obscure or unrelated aspects of life circle their way back to food. The goal of this podcast is to explore the complexity and nuance of food systems, celebrate the progress we have made, and debate the best ways for humans to proceed forward into the future. Join our hosts as they informally discuss these points with various contributors from Kansas State University and abroad.

Location:

United States

Description:

Our lives are frequently and significantly affected by food. Because we must eat to survive, many human cultures have developed with food at their very core. Through prosperous times and depression what we eat has influenced art, music, science, relationships, and more. In this fast-paced world, we often don’t take the time to consider how food gets to our plates, the importance of what and how that food is produced and the aesthetics of food requirements and food enjoyment. Often, seemingly obscure or unrelated aspects of life circle their way back to food. The goal of this podcast is to explore the complexity and nuance of food systems, celebrate the progress we have made, and debate the best ways for humans to proceed forward into the future. Join our hosts as they informally discuss these points with various contributors from Kansas State University and abroad.

Language:

English


Episodes

Tackling complex water resource challenges through collaboration and community engagement

2/28/2024
Water, the essence of life itself, stands as our most indispensable resource, yet often goes unappreciated. Water scarcity and sustainability pose formidable hurdles with far-reaching implications for communities, economies, and ecosystems. To navigate these challenges effectively, innovative research endeavors, advancements in agricultural technology, and collaborative partnerships across academic, governmental, and community sectors become imperative. In this episode of Something to Chew On, we highlight the work of Dr. Susan Metzger, Director of Strategic Interdisciplinary Program Development, Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE), Kansas Water Institute, and Institute for Digital Agricultural and Advanced Analytics (ID3A) - Engagement. At the intersection of water resource management, agricultural productivity, and interdisciplinary academic research, Dr. Metzger offers evidence-based solutions for confronting the toughest water challenges of our time.

Duration:00:53:24

Beyond Borders: Advancing Biosecurity through Global Partnerships

1/27/2024
In an era of transformative global shifts—defined by evolving commodity trade patterns, the rise of online shopping, and economic challenges—a critical reevaluation of biosecurity strategies is imperative. Collaborative efforts through international partnerships, innovative approaches in business and technology, and the integration of multidisciplinary methods are essential for ensuring food security and forging novel pathways to combat pests and pathogens. Join us in this episode of Something to Chew On as we delve into these crucial topics with Simon McKirdy, Professor of Biosecurity, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Global Engagement, and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University. A Fullbright Distinguished Chair in Life Sciences Award recipient, Dr. McKirdy's exploration of biosecurity system resiliency, coupled with his ongoing collaboration with K-State's Biosecurity Research Institute and Department of Plant Pathology, helps to establish policies and future frameworks for international coordination and global food security.

Duration:01:04:39

The challenges of contamination and maintaining quality flour in the wheat milling industry

11/25/2023
Milling of wheat into flour seems like it would be pretty straight forward. An application that simply requires running seed though a crushing process and sifting out the flour as the appropriate particle size is reached. The reality is milling is very complex, technically challenging and requires fully interdisciplinary participation. Variations in the quality of the flour from the perspective of baking performance in large scale production has always been challenging. This is particularly true when growing seasons change the seed mix and the impact of temperature, moisture, fertilizer use, pest pressure and more changes the quality characteristics of the flour. The need for highly educated professionals in this area has never been greater and with the expertise of the likes of Dr. Kali Siliveru, K-State is laying the groundwork for preparing the next generation of professionals to better understand the impact of the milling process on the quality and safety of foods we eat every day.

Duration:00:56:54

Grit and Sunshine: Farming Sustainably and Eating with Intent

5/19/2023
Is our current food system sustainable? The consumption of seasonal, locally produced food sustains nutritional value, reduces the carbon footprint, and supports the growth of local economies. In many ways we have lost our connection to food — including understanding where our food comes from, how it is produced, the comradery developed in sharing food, and why it is important to eat seasonally and with intention. In this episode, we talk with Nat and Alison Bjerke-Harvey, co-owners of Piccalilli Farm in Geary County outside of Manhattan, KS. With formal training in history and environmental biology, Nat and Alison’s interest and passion for food has taken them beyond those areas of study headlong into the food system. From baking to cheese making, they have now landed squarely in the arena of sustainable farming and community building. Is it time to rethink what a sustainable food system is?

Duration:01:01:58

Impacting the food system and changing lives in Manhattan and Riley County

5/1/2023
There are so many needs when it comes to food, including the availability of food and its impact on health. How does one make a difference to meet these needs? The ability to identify needs and a passion for making a difference is what drives today’s guest, Vickie James, Coordinator of the Manhattan/Riley County Food and Farm Council. In this discussion, Vickie details the Food and Farm Council’s work to increase knowledge, build partnerships and provide solutions to the complex food system challenges in our local community.

Duration:01:08:07

Food security challenges for university students

4/19/2023
Food availability and food security are not always guaranteed on college campuses. Issues of food insecurity and a lack of food certainly do not end at the campus borders, but rather extend out into the city, the region and the world. If we treat these problems individually, we will fail collectively. Where does student health fit into the global food system? How does nutrition connect to a college student’s overall quality of life? Kathleen Hatch, Morrison Family associate vice president for student well-being, joins the podcast for a conversation about K-State’s role in tackling such issues and questions, including the Cats’ Cupboard and more.

Duration:01:03:20

Food and poetry: Exploring the connection between food, the five senses, creativity and language

4/12/2023
Poetry provides a conduit for engaging readers in fostering feelings and understandings. Food, creativity, language, and words all play a significant role in our lives and relationships. In the latest episode of Something to Chew On, Traci Brimhall, professor in the Department of English at K-State and Kansas Poet Laureate, shares about her passion for poetry and food. She draws a connection between the two and shows that the humanities – including poetry – fit into so many places within the food system.

Duration:01:02:34

Connecting food security and food safety, locally and beyond

3/6/2023
How do we maintain relevant information on public health in the arena of local food producers? Is there a connection between food security and food safety? How do we make information on mitigating these challenges available? In this podcast, we will discuss these issues and more with Londa Nwadike, Extension Associate Professor of Food Safety for Kansas State University and the University of Missouri. With a rich background in the international food system along with a passion for food safety and human wellbeing, Nwadike shares her insight into today’s challenges with food quality and availability.

Duration:00:48:16

Big data, interdisciplinary research and the future of agriculture

2/2/2023
The agriculture industry has advanced in many positive ways, including increases in productivity and efficiency, but the cost of those advancements could be high. Current research in agronomy is seeking ways to manage food production that will feed an ever increasing population with improved efficiency, productivity and nutritional value. Ignacio Ciampitti, professor of agronomy at Kansas State University, is working with colleagues — both inside and outside of the college of agriculture — and is encouraging students to broaden their view of agronomy due to the increasing need for a multidisciplinary approach to solving problems. He joins the podcast and takes us through his passion and vision for improving the future of agronomy and food production around the world.

Duration:01:04:45

Animal protein: Working toward the sustainable optimization of breed, feed and environmental impact

1/3/2023
The sustainable production of beef cattle and other animal protein is complex, and the achievement of ‘net zero’ production from an environmental perspective is challenging at best, making it difficult to know where to begin. Areas of focus in this field include using food waste streams as quality animal feed, gathering all the areas of expertise need to tackle sustainability, impacting the microbiome of feed and reducing greenhouse gases. Phillip Lancaster, clinical assistant professor and member of the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University, joined “Something to Chew On” to discuss the work he is doing to tackle these issues.

Duration:00:52:06

The impact and importance of feeding the world: Researching the sustainable production of grain-based food

12/1/2022
The study of cereal grains comes in many forms, from the fundamental investigation of grain components and their functionality, to processing technologies, to the development of healthy food products ready for consumption. In this podcast, we welcome Sajid Alavi, professor of grain science and industry, to discuss the importance of cereal grains research in the sustainable production of grain-based foods that represents close to 70% of the world’s calorie consumption.

Duration:00:52:33

Science impacts life and life impacts science: A conversation about family, food safety and technology

10/25/2022
When a mechanical engineer, a microbiologist and a food scientist collide, big things happen in a very small way. The old adage, “it takes a village,” appropriately describes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to solving food challenges. In this podcast we talk with Dr. Shih-Kang "Scott" Fan, professor of mechanical engineering at Kansas State, about his work on the development of a “lab on a chip” using microfluidics in the identification of STEC producing e-coli and other pathogenic organisms.

Duration:00:46:37

Food and life challenges: A discussion with Ukrainian ag economist and refugee, Antonina Broyaka

9/15/2022
The country of Ukraine is a major worldwide producer of cereal grains and cooking oils. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has put food security at risk for many parts of the world. Our guest for this episode is Antonina Broyaka, former dean of the faculty of economics and entrepreneurship at Vinnytsia National Agrarian University in Ukraine. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Broyaka came to the United States as a refugee with her two children and is now an extension associate of the department of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. Her focus here at K-State is on the economic impact of the Russian military aggression on both Ukrainian agriculture and global food security.

Duration:00:43:57

The future of food in Liberia: The need for agricultural development and evolution of the food system

8/15/2022
This summer, 24 recipients from the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders program joined K-State faculty in learning about leadership in civic engagement. In this episode, we are pleased to welcome one of those participants, Saykwayee Harmony Henry from the Republic of Liberia. Saykwayee is a mother, public speaker, entrepreneur, advocate for the rights of women and children and is the executive director at Kids Development Initiative. Children in Liberia go to school hungry while companies from other countries use Liberian land to grow and export crops around the world. The heart of Saykwayee’s work focuses on agriculture development and her country’s need to produce food for themselves through practical education and prioritizing healthy food production as a lifestyle and profession from a very young age.

Duration:00:42:56

How basic research can improve the food we eat

7/12/2022
This podcast episode features a team of K-State lipid researchers to help us understand food through basic lipid research and how this work improves what we eat. For this conversation, we welcome Ruth Welti, distinguished professor of biology and director of the Kansas Lipidomics Research Center; Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology; and Timothy Durrett, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics.

Duration:00:46:30

Destructive greenhouse gases in the food system

5/4/2022
In this podcast, Jeongdae Im, Jeffrey and Joy Lessman keystone research scholar and assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering discusses destructive greenhouse gases in the food system. From hay bales to landfills, plastics to wastewater, the intersection of engineering and microbiological science has allowed Im to tackle multiple challenges in studying ways to mitigate the negative effects of those greenhouse gases.

Duration:00:40:45

Anaerobic microorganisms importance within agricultural systems

3/8/2022
In this podcast, we talk with Prathap Parameswaran, associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at K-State. Parameswaran’s research focuses on the use of anaerobic microorganisms in a continuous system that produces energy and isolates materials that might be used to increase soil nutrients and more. Parameswaran discusses his approach to combating water contamination and its importance within agricultural systems.

Duration:00:42:28

The Microbiome: A discussion of life as we know it

2/22/2022
In this podcast, we talk with Sonny Lee, assistant professor in the Division of Biology at K-State. Lee’s work touches on many areas of microbiome research and casts a wide net in laboratory studies, mining data from peers to aid in complex evaluations, and working with students and colleagues capable of critical thinking and problem solving. Lee discusses how we are in the infancy of understanding how organisms impact our health, a plant's ability to grow and everything dealing with life as we know it.

Duration:00:43:43

Diversity is the key to Sustainability: Challenges and opportunities in the field of Weed Science

2/8/2022
Listen to our first podcast of 2022, where we discuss weed management techniques, old and new, and the tools being developed to achieve food crop yield optimization with Vipan Kumar, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University. Weeds can reduce food crop yields by more than 30%. In this podcast, Kumar discusses the ways in which this problem might be solved when the need for food production will continue to increase, and the challenges caused by climate change create a moving target. Transcript: “Diversity is the key to Sustainability; Challenges and opportunities in the field of Weed Science”. Diversity is the key for sustainability. You keep doing one thing again and again you will see a problem that we have seen in our herbicide based methods or weed control. Something to chew on is a podcast devoted to the exploration and discussion of global food systems. It's produced by the Office of Research Development at Kansas State University. I'm Maureen Olewnik, coordinator of Global Food Systems. We welcome back co host Dr. Jim Stack Professor of Plant Pathology, weeds can reduce food crop yields by more than 30%. These interlopers compete for resources including soil nutrients and water. We attempt to control weed growth through chemistry, but over time they manage to mutate, overcome, thrive, and adjust to given management techniques. So how is this problem solved when the need for food production will continue to increase and the challenges caused by climate change create a moving target. Today, we will hear more about weed management techniques old and new. And the tools being developed to achieve food crop yield optimization with Dr. Vipan Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University, I want to welcome you Vipan would like to before we get started in the technical side of things, just get a little background and understanding of who you are and how you got to the place that you are today as far as your professional interests go. Sure, So my name is Vipin Kumar, I'm originally from India. I did my bachelor in crop science, but finished in 2008 from Punjab Agricultural University back in India, in the state of Punjab, it's a Northwestern State in India, mainly known for wheat production and rice production. And it's very big in ag, Punjab state. So, my original goal was to help communities there, especially the farming communities to management practices they are doing so I did my bachelor there. And then I started my master actually mastering Weed Science in Pau 2008, fall 2008. But somehow I was also interested to come abroad and expand my education here in the States. So I was looking through some programs and during that time, I got to know there is a master positions open in Louisiana State. So I I applied there and I got invited and came over 2009 That was summer 2009 started my graduate research assistant with LSU, Louisiana State, Louisiana State University. So that program was specifically looking for someone who can help growers in terms of managing their irrigation water irrigation scheduling, developing some crop coefficients for the cotton prop in North East side of Louisiana. So I was based in actually a research center. It was in North East Louisiana, about five, four or five hours from the main campus Baton Rouge. So my whole research was on resource center and I got to know very few people there but I had a very excellent project to work with. So during that time, I was doing a master I got interested in Weed Science because wonderful. One of my committee member was a weed scientist. He was the superintendent with the research center and he was on my committee and glyphosate resistant Palmer Amaranth was kinda getting a lot of attention during that time in codon. So during that conversation and meeting with his students, I got interested in wheat science. So finishing master and then I started applying for PhD...

Duration:00:55:14

The Many Paths of Pathogens with Dr. Philip Hardwidge, associate director of the Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

6/22/2021
In this episode, we host Dr. Philip Hardwidge, associate director of the Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology at Kansas State University. Dr. Hardwidge’s research focuses on understanding, treating and preventing diarrheal disease caused by bacterial pathogens. These pathogens represent important threats to food safety, biosecurity and animal health. His research team is tackling the fundamentals of biochemical interactions, leading to a better understanding of mitigation methods. Transcript: The Many Paths of Pathogens with Dr. Philip Hardwidge, associate director of the Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases We have to be as scientists extremely open and and generally willing to share data be transparent about our raw data and like other aspects in life know when to ask for help. [Music] Something to chew on is a podcast devoted to the exploration and discussion of global food systems produced by the Office of Research Development at Kansas State University. I'm Maureen Olewnik. Coordinator of Global Food Systems. I'm Scott Tanona. I'm a philosopher of Science. We welcome back co-host Dr. Jim Stack Professor of Plant Pathology. Diarrheal disease caused by bacterial pathogens is a challenge in both humans and animals in many instances the introduction of pathogens in animal systems causes illness and in some cases is carried through meat processing affecting contamination of food meant for human consumption. Studies of food safety at K-State includes fundamental through applied research. The importance of research in the area of pathogenic bacteria has been addressed in several of our podcasts to date. Most focusing on the applied research in testing, monitoring, and mitigating potential contamination of food products. However, the basic molecular biology of host pathogen interaction is not well understood. In today's podcast, we will talk with Dr. Philip Hardwidge, Associate Director of the Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases here at K-State. His study of host pathogen interaction has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which pathogens enter and colonize in a host system. With studies leading to an understanding of how this impacts autoimmune disorders, cancer, and more. I would like to welcome Dr. Philip Hardwidge to the podcast. Dr. Hardwidge is the Associate Director of NIH and Cobra Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. I am hopeful that he will explain to us exactly what all that means. Before we get started in talking about your current activities, Dr. Hardwidge could we maybe get a little bit of understanding of who you are, what your background is, and what brought you to K-State. What brought you to the area of study that you're in, today. Thanks for having me on this podcast series. I'm from the midwest, Michigan and Illinois. My father was a Pfizer scientist and we happened to be living in Central Illinois when I was a high school student, so he gave me some interest in Microbiology and Chemistry, so I ended up doing a Microbiology degree at the University of Illinois, and wanted to develop a research program kind of at the interface between Biochemistry and Microbiology, so I knew from a fairly early age where my career would hopefully head. I did a PHD at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School in Rochester, Minnesota. So, Mayo is a very famous hospital. They also have a very robust graduate training program. And after that, I did a postdoc at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada. Primarily because one of the leading E Coli Microbiologists was running his laboratory in Vancouver and when I finished my education I took an Assistant Professor Position in South Dakota State University back in 2005. There were some unique opportunities to help develop their graduate program, and I had the opportunity to work with germ-free piglets which are a very...

Duration:00:49:25