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piqer for: Global finds Technology and society
I have worked in both University and Private sector labs and studied biology at UT Austin.
After leaving academic research I helped form Prophase BioStudios and built a laboratory out of a local Hackerspace.
Using the laboratory at Prophase BioStudios I started doing my own independent experiments that led me to create my Biomanufacturing company, Portunus.
My interests are primarily in biotechnology, particularly in the realms of fabrication and human enhancement.
BioTech For Common Problems: Indoor Air Pollution
Episode 167 of the Talking Biotech podcast discusses the use of plants and genetic engineering to produce a lower cost and more green way to filter air than HEPA filters. These genetic modifications were derived from the livers of rabbits and based off of the idea that the liver can break down alcohol. Using the same genes that enable this process in a plant allow it to break down pollutants like benzene.
This advancement can increase working condition safety for indoor production plants, such as in the electronics industry or cleaning the air in a person's home. Irrespective of commercial or individual use, the advent of these engineered plants offer an opportunity for increased clean air access.
The problem of indoor air pollution is more common than one would think. Not only do factories and other industrial buildings have problems with pollution as a result of production but homes are at risk as well. Pressed wood products, Electronics packaging and second hand smoke are all common sources of indoor air pollution.
