The Way of Bioprospecting - Green is Gold

Explore the intersection of conservation, environmental stewardship, and medical breakthroughs in this 17-minute TEDxHouston talk by Dr. Jeffrey C. Carlson. Discover how bioprospecting can lead to disease cures and cancer treatments while emphasizing the importance of protecting Earth's diverse ecosystems. Journey from the Tropical Andes to the intricate world of ant communication, learning how every aspect of nature can yield functional benefits. Gain insights into Dr. Carlson's work with RioRaiz, a non-profit organization that uses biotechnology to support global conservation efforts. Learn about their partnerships with indigenous tribes, local communities, and academics to preserve ecosystems while identifying novel bioactives for drug discovery in threatened biomes. Understand the potential of nature as a discovery platform for new classes of natural medicines and the importance of bringing nature into the classroom through educational initiatives.