Alyssa Norris is the Director of Sustainability at Aether Fuels. She sits down with Zachary Cartwright to discuss how we can produce aviation fuel from waste, and how you don’t have to choose between seeing the world and saving it. Alyssa will shed light on the production, impact, and future of this fuel. We'll also discuss its current usage, the processes involved, and how it plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting a circular economy.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)?
• Suitability of SAF versus electric aircraft for long-haul flights
• How to overcome the unwanted presence of water in jet fuel
• Innovative aspects of Aether's technology
• What does a Director of Sustainability do for a company like Aether?

Jump to:

(03:44) SAF is made from hydrogen, carbon, and waste materials.

(08:41) Airlines will adopt sustainable fuel, therefore lowering costs.

(10:25) Why electric flight tech lags and SAF infrastructure is more simple.

(14:04) Being a startup leader focusing on sustainability and compliance.

(16:07) Which flight operators are currently using SAF?

(20:35) This episode’s song recommendation.

(21:22) This episode’s mantra.

Featured Artist and Song:

Ice Cream Paint Job by SoDown

Links mentioned in this episode:

Aether Fuels

SAF Grand Challenge

Department of Energy

Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance

Eco-Skies Alliance

Everyone Deserves The Chance To Fly by WICKED, music was chosen by Alyssa Norris

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AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

00:00 SAF reduces emissions, fossil reliance, and aids sustainability.

03:44 SAF uses hydrogen, carbon, and various waste sources.

08:46 Increasing SAF adoption will reduce its cost.

10:15 SAF enables existing infrastructure use, batteries are inefficient.

14:03 Startup focuses on sustainability, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

16:05 Alaska and United boost sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.

19:50 Aqualab sponsors moisture analysis in fuels discussion.

Ravi Karkara and Vinay Indraganti, from AI For Food Global Initiative, join the Drip to discuss their new book ‘The AI for Food Movement’. We'll explore how AI is transforming food production, from creating consistent culinary experiences to enhancing sustainability. Tune in as we address challenges like AI adoption fears and data integration, the role in flavor development and personalized dining, and manufacturing efficiencies.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Flavor and texture customization through AI
• The use of AI in R&D, production, and logistics
• Revolutionizing quality control in food production with computer vision
• How AI ensures consistent and repeatable food experiences
• Ethical considerations in automation

Jump to:

(03:39) How big data optimizes farming and food logistics.

(08:25) Sustainability innovations in agriculture: AI, emissions and drones.

(10:58) How AI enhances sensory neuroscience and flavor chemistry.

(17:10) The AI vending machine which offers customizable drink combinations.

(24:09) There is a need to promote positive AI perception in processed food.

(26:26) Mastering AI involves data integration and artistry.

(30:08) Building AI-skilled professionals for sustainable food production.

(33:44) Establish boundaries, evaluate regularly, and address ethical implications.

(36:08) Food's cultural, political, and religious dimensions influence meaning.

(41:40) This episode’s song recommendation

(42:24) This episode's mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Places to Be by Fred again..

Links mentioned in this episode:

SKALA for Moisture Control

AI For Food Global Initative

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Matthew Moore is an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Department of Food Science who is recognized for his groundbreaking research on foodborne pathogens. In this episode, we’ll tackle the risks of influenza H5N1 jumping to mammals and debunk misconceptions about foodborne illnesses, especially noroviruses. We’ll also explore cutting-edge virus detection methods using magnetic liquids and nanopore technology, and discuss the impact of climate change on virus transmission.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Viral vs. bacterial foodborne illnesses
• How do noroviruses survive the journey through your body?
• The impact of climate change on foodborne viruses and mycotoxins
• Cutting-edge work in virus detection and concentration
• Why policy matters when it comes to controlling outbreaks
• … and why it's not just cruise ships affected by noroviruses

Jump to:

(05:56) Viruses must withstand harsh conditions to infect.

(08:14) Key Nnorovirus research: viral entry, replication, and ongoing breakthroughs.

(12:56) Using bacteria to capture viruses cost-effectively.

(14:04) Engineering E. Coli for norovirus detection and collaboration.

(17:08) Fingerprint norovirus to identify outbreaks accurately.

(23:50) Researching virus resistance to disinfectants and application.

(25:20) Students advancing magnetic liquids for virus detection.

(29:05) How climate change and mycotoxins affect food safety.

(33:01) Current H5N1 risk to humans remains low.

(36:00) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(38:34) Featured artist and song

(39:13) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Falling Flying by GRiZ

Links mentioned in this episode:

University of Massachusetts, Department of Food Science

Dr Matthew Moore’s current research

Outstanding Young Scientist Award in honor of Samuel Cate Prescott

Calculating Infinity by The Dillinger Escape Plan, music was chosen by Matthew Moore

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD