Takeaways

Cassandra Quave is an ethnobotanist focused on the intersection of food and medicine. She studies wild medicinal plants to find solutions for antibiotic resistance. Cassandra’s research includes discovering molecules that inhibit bacterial toxins. The importance of traditional knowledge in modern medicine is emphasized. AI can assist in drug discovery but relies on robust data. Intellectual property challenges complicate the sharing of research data. Functional ingredients in beverages are a current trend in health and wellness. Cassandra’s work involves collaboration with various cultures and ecosystems. The quest for longevity and health benefits drives research in ethnobotany. Cassandra’s lab is exploring innovative techniques like cryo-electron microscopy. You can’t not drink it, right? That would be rude. Durian tastes amazing but smells awful. Teaching locks you into the States, making travel difficult. We’re working on a drug for atopic dermatitis. Our drug targets bacteria that produce toxins. Listening to healers is key in ethnobotany. Herbariums preserve plant knowledge for centuries. 45% of flowering plants are at risk of extinction. Soil health affects the nutrition of our food. The banana apocalypse threatens our food supply.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Cassandra Quave, an ethnobotanist, shares her journey into the world of food and medicine. She discusses her research on wild medicinal plants, focusing on finding solutions for antibiotic resistance and the innovative approaches her lab is taking to treat infections. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in drug discovery, the challenges of intellectual property in research, and the current trends in functional ingredients for health. Cassandra emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge and collaboration in advancing modern medicine, while also exploring the quest for longevity and health benefits through ethnobotany. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore a variety of topics ranging from unique culinary experiences, such as the infamous durian, to the challenges and innovations in academia and dermatology. They discuss the importance of ethnobotany and the role of herbariums in preserving plant knowledge, while also addressing the pressing issues of plant extinction and soil health. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of food systems, health, and the environment, emphasizing the need for genetic diversity in agriculture to ensure a sustainable future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and High Energy Vibes 02:01 Cassandra Quave’s Journey into Ethnobotany 04:10 Exploring Medicinal Plants and Antibiotic Resistance 08:56 Indigenous Science and Animal Behavior 11:15 Innovative Approaches to Treating Infections 15:43 The Role of AI in Ethnobotanical Research 20:47 Navigating Intellectual Property in Drug Development 22:30 The Urgency of Proactive Research 25:32 Emerging Technologies in Ethnobotany 28:30 The Complexity of Plant Compounds 30:14 Chasing the Holy Grail of Ethnobotany 34:57 Innovations in Dermatology and Plant Medicine 44:15 The Importance of Herbariums 47:10 Extinction and the Tree of Life 48:09 The Role of Plants in Medicine 51:50 Genetic Diversity and Crop Vulnerability 57:13 The Future of Agriculture and Nutrition

The post Dr. Cassandra Quave & Ethno Botany first appeared on Irreverent Health.