Next-Gen Materials Podcast
In a world of rampant consumerism, fast-fashion, single-use obsession, and ever-growing trash heaps, the choice of materials we use to produce everyday objects is becoming increasingly crucial to the well-being of present and future generations. This podcast highlights new technologies that are being used to create the world's next generation materials. Stay tuned to learn how biotech and other creative, novel technologies are being used to produce less waste, reduce harm to the environment, and obviate the need for animals in the materials industry.
Next-Gen Materials Podcast
#5: Lab-grown furniture with Ashley Beckwith, PhD Candidate at MIT and Draper Sholar
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Season 1
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Episode 5
You might have heard about meat without the animal; but have you heard about wood without the tree? In this episode we are introduced to the concept of lab-grown furniture, and in particular, lab-grown wood, by Ashley Beckwith, mechanical engineering PhD Candidate at MIT and Draper Scholar. Ashley is developing a novel method for producing wood by culturing Zinnia elegans plant cells into different desired shapes. Her work was published earlier this year in the Journal of Cleaner Production. Listen in to learn why lab-grown wood is needed, the myriad uses of wood, and the biological considerations when growing plant cells in a lab.