Plastic is the new Vanilla

Not Another Science Podcast

Ever been so hungry that you have considered eating a mound of plastic as your next meal? Dr. Jo Sadler is a newly appointed Principal Investigator at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences and an innovative builder of new molecules. Synthetic biology - the ability to manipulate biological systems using chemistry and biological processes - is Joanna’s way of breathing new life into so-called ‘waste’ materials. Jo’s newly released research paper uses polyethylene therapthlatate, or PET, found in plastic bottles to synthesize vanilla flavouring that is identical to the vanillin extracted from the natural plant. Listen to hear about the future of foodstuffs and the importance of public engagement in the dissemination of touchy subjects such as man-made foods.

Socials: https://twitter.com/josadler10

Find Joanna’s research here: https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/microbial-synthesis-of-vanillin-from-waste-polyethylene-terephtha

Not Another Science Podcast is co-created by Helena Cornu (@helenacornu) and Tom Edwick (@edwicktom), brought to you by Edinburgh University Science Magazine (EUSci). The hosts are Alix Bailie (@alixbailie) and Hannah Muir. Our podcast manager is Lili Paradi. The logo was designed by Apple Chew (@_applechew), and the cover art was designed by Heather Jones (@heatherfrancs).

You can visit our website at www.eusci.org.uk to check out the latest issue of the magazine, a ton of other cool science content by our student journalists, and to see how to get involved. You can also follow EUSci on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. All podcast episodes and transcripts can be found at www.eusci.org.uk/podcasts/.

Music by Kevin Macleod:

https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama;

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Music by Professor Colin Campbell:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZhfAZ-gCEQ&ab_channel=ChemistryEdinburgh