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

Connect with the show

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

Mario Gonzalez Angulo is the HPP Food Applications Manager at Hiperbaric High Pressure Technologies. Curious about how your guacamole stays fresh? High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a non-thermal food preservation method that harnesses oceanic-level pressures to inactivate foodborne pathogens and extend the shelf life of various products… all while preserving their nutritional and sensory qualities. We’ll explore the history, application, and potential of this revolutionary technology, as well as its effects on the molecular level.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The journey of HPP from its first mention in 1899
• What food products are benefiting from HPP – from guacamole to baby food
• Why water activity needs to be between 0.97 and 1 for optimal HPP effectiveness
• How the method keeps your food pathogen-free AND flavorful
• How the applications of HPP extend beyond food

Jump to:

(04:43) pH and water activity determine microbial inactivation.

(06:54) How pressure affects weak bonds, not strong covalent bonds.

(12:50) Why clostridium botulinum struggles to grow in coconut water.

(16:54) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(20:30) Featured artist and song

(22:31) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Cheshmhaye Tameshki by Marjan Farsad, sung by Roodabeh Derakhshanian

Links mentioned in this episode:

Hiperbaric High Pressure Technologies

The Scientist by Coldplay, music was chosen by Mario Gonzalez Angulo

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Subhendu Nayak is the Director of Formulation (Probiotics and Herbal) at Vida Herbs. He joins The Drip to talk about the complexities of manufacturing, from blending to storage, and the crucial role of water activity in maintaining probiotic potency. We'll also explore the nuances between CFU and AFU measurements and discuss innovative yet straightforward solutions.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Water activity in probiotics
• Colony Forming Units (CFU) versus Active Fluorescent Units (AFU)
• Spore-forming, non-spore-forming, and next-generation types
• Manufacturing processes like blending, encapsulation, and packaging
• How keeping solutions uncomplicated can lead to better success and innovation

Jump to:

(03:39) How AW measures the vapor pressure ratio in foods.

(08:01) Minimize water activity to prevent probiotic die-off.

(10:12) Molecular sieves control water activity and maintain potency.

(15:20) Preferred sugar alcohols for coolness.

(17:34) Granular ingredients ensure better stick-pack sealing.

(22:54) Water activity control in oil prevents decay.

(25:39) Plate counting measures CFU per gram.

(30:20) Viable but unculturable cell health benefits questioned.

(32:41) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(35:09) Featured artist and song

(38:25) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Sometimes Somehow by Eric E.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Vidya Herbs

One Dance by Drake, music was chosen by Subhendu

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Marcus Washington is the co-founder of FSQA Help in Oklahoma. Marcus joins The Drip to address the challenges faced by emerging food brands, the importance of understanding regulations, and the role of consulting in maintaining compliance. He also shares his experiences managing a small farm, the science behind animal health, and his entrepreneurial journey of his own food business.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Understanding and complying with FDA and USDA regulations.
• A unique perspective on food safety from having managed a small farm
• The science behind feeding farm animals
• Why local state regulations can be a lifeline for startups
• How to better integrate preharvest food safety knowledge

Jump to:

(05:48) Navigating food classification regulations.

(07:40) Why is ensuring animal safety vital for food safety?

(13:36) Key lessons from Grad school farm visits.

(14:53) Promote food safety through farm relationships and volunteering.

(20:13 Decision-making is like playing poker in life.

(18:58) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(23:24) Featured artist and song

(24:22) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

NRG by PiCO THE GUYO

Links mentioned in this episode:

FSQA Help

Homemade Food Freedom Act

Pink Friday 2 by Nicki Minaj, music was chosen by Marcus Washington

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Transforming Invasive Plants into Valuable Resources – The Biochar Solution with Pratikshya Silwal

Pratikshya Silwal recently finished for PhD in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University. She joins The Drip to share how biochar, a form of charcoal produced through pyrolysis, can be used as a sustainable additive in potting mixes. We'll uncover how it can replace conventional components, the size and growth of the global biochar market, and its environmental impact. Pratikshya also shares insights into her groundbreaking research on converting the problematic eastern red cedar tree into valuable biochar and discusses consumer willingness to adopt this innovative product.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What is biochar, and how is it produced through pyrolysis?
• The factors that are driving the growth of the global biochar market
• How biochar in soil contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Pratikshya’s research on using the invasive eastern red cedar
• … and which other plant species can be used to produce biochar

Jump to:

(01:05) What is biochar?

(03:39) How the invasive eastern red cedar threatens ecosystems and agriculture.

(07:32) Some studies show negative effects of biochar.

(12:14) The power of the optimistic mindset: everything happens for the best.

(14:44) Featured artist and song

(15:46) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

Midnight Thoughts by McNasty

Links mentioned in this episode:

Oklahoma State University

‘Role of biochar toward carbon neutrality’ by Liuwei Wang, Jiayu Deng, Xiaodong Yang, Renjie Hou and Deyi Hou

One Love by Blue, music was chosen by Pratikshya Silwal

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD

Breanna Neff from brelixi, delves into the innovation of nanoemulsified technology in the cannabis space. As a certified food scientist and founder, she shares her expertise on the advancements of nano-infused edibles, the benefits of different cannabinoids, and her journey in creating functional cannabis products. We'll also explore the science behind fast-acting cannabis, the diverse consumer market, and how her company is overcoming social stigmas associated with edibles.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What are the different forms of cannabis edibles?
• How nanoemulsified technology enhances the bioavailability of cannabinoids
• The development approach of new flavors for brelixi products
• How the cannabis industry faces social stigma
• Ensuring compliance with federal regulations for shipping

Jump to:

(05:00) How brelixi offers fast-acting cannabis wellness products.

(09:22) Turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefits and market research.

(10:17) How small businesses can overcome challenges through networking.

(13:21) The guest’s favorite artist and song

(16:34) Featured artist and song

(18:06) This episode’s Mantra

Featured Artist and Song:

RIGHT NOW by NASTY CAT

Links mentioned in this episode:

brelixi

Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz, music was chosen by Breanna Neff

Connect with the show

AQUALAB

Zachary Cartwright, PhD