Rainwater around the world now contains detectable levels of PFAS or ‘forever chemicals.’ Found in everything from waterproof mascara to firefighting foam, PFAS now accumulates in our bodies, soils, and water systems.
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Dr. Alissa Cordner, Professor of Sociology at Whitman College and Co-Director of the PFAS Project Lab, and Dr. Kimberly Garrett, Assistant Professor and Environmental Health Researcher at the City University of New York. Together, they unpack the science, policy, and human stories behind one of the world’s most persistent environmental crises.
The conversation explores what PFAS are and why their carbon–fluorine bond makes them so resistant to breakdown, how exposure happens through drinking water, food, clothing, and cosmetics, and the health impacts linked to PFAS, including cancers, developmental issues, and immune system effects. They discuss what governments and communities are doing to regulate and reduce PFAS use and highlight promising alternatives like bioplastics and fluoride-free firefighting foams.
Alissa and Kimberly also share how interdisciplinary collaboration between chemists, social scientists, policymakers, and local communities is reshaping how we study and respond to chemical contamination. From mapping contamination sites to building databases that empower citizens, their work at the PFAS Project Lab highlights a research model that is grounded in justice, accessibility, and collective action. They leave us with a powerful reminder: turning off the PFAS tap starts with informed choices, stronger regulations, and scientists who see themselves as part of the communities they serve.
LINKS
SOURCES
PFAS Explained – United States Environmental Protection Agency
New Chemicals Program Review of Alternatives for PFOA and Related Chemicals – United States Environmental Protection Agency
Engineering a Future Without PFAS: The Path to Sustainable Alternatives – The Chemical Engineer
Alternatives to PFAS are available for many applications – Food Packaging Forum
Foam's Next Phase – National Fire Protection Association
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE:
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
What happens when you volunteer to be the first human injected with mRNA? For Dr. Steve Pascolo, it meant glowing skin, but it took many years for this technology to hit the mainstream.
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Dr. Steve Pascolo, a senior scientist in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Zurich and co-founder of CureVac, about his groundbreaking role in testing mRNA back in 2003. They explore why the scientific community was sceptical for so long, how COVID-19 changed everything, and why mRNA could hold the key to treating not just infectious diseases, but also cancer, autoimmune conditions, and even aging.
They also dig into the technical and practical realities of working with mRNA: the challenges of stability, the role of lipid nanoparticles, and the lessons learned from scaling production during the pandemic. Steve shares how chemical synthesis, AI, and cross-disciplinary collaboration could accelerate the next wave of mRNA therapies.
His advice for young scientists is simple but powerful: true breakthroughs require teamwork across fields, from chemistry and biology to medicine and computer science. The future of mRNA is not just vaccines; it is a platform for reimagining medicine itself.
LINKS
SOURCES
The tangled history of mRNA vaccines – Nature.com
The Long History of mRNA Vaccines – Johns Hopkins: Bloomberg School of Public Health
Webinar: PAT and Model-Based Approach to Accelerate Biopharma Process Development - Merck KGaA and METTLER TOLEDO
Scaling Up the Global COVID-19 Vaccination Program: Production, Allocation, and Distribution with an Emphasis on Equity - PubMed Central
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE:
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
What happens when you build sustainability into a business from day one? For Russ Wakeham, co-founder of Two Drifters Distillery, the answer is a rum that’s not just delicious but also carbon negative. His approach could help rewrite the rules for how companies think about profit, planet, and scale.
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Russ about how his background in chemistry and carbon capture research led to a distillery powered by renewable energy. They explore how Two Drifters measures and reduces its emissions across every stage of the supply chain, from sugarcane fields to bottle packaging, and why Russ treats carbon removal costs like any other line item in the business.
They also dig into the practical realities of tackling Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, from shipping and distribution to the hidden carbon costs of glass bottles. Russ’s advice for other business owners is clear – if you implement sustainability right from the beginning, it becomes easier to maintain and grow that practice later on.
LINKS
SOURCES
Scope 1,2 and 3 Emissions Standards and Guidance: GHG Protocol
Climate impact of shipping: European Federation for Transport and Environment
2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships: IMO
The road to net zero – the emissions targets of the world’s drinks giants: Just Drinks
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE:
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
An estimated 220 million people worldwide are affected by arsenic exposure. So how can communities be empowered to create and implement solutions themselves?
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Jagannath Biswakarma, Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol, about the global threat of arsenic contamination in groundwater and food.
The conversation unpacks why arsenic exposure is so dangerous, how it spreads through soil, crops, and water, and what communities can do to fight back. From simple iron-nail filters that anyone can build, to advanced monitoring systems and international policy shifts, they highlight solutions that save lives today while pointing toward a safer future.
They also explore the surprising potential of arsenic recovery to fuel a circular economy, transforming pollutants into valuable resources for industries such as semiconductors.
Jagannath also shares how citizen scientists, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stronger communication between researchers and policymakers can turn a toxic crisis into an opportunity for innovation and justice.
LINKS
SOURCES
Arsenic reduction to <1 µg/L in Dutch drinking water – ScienceDirect
Algal Logistics – U.S. Department of Energy
Pollution and Circular Economy – EU Environment Program
Three ways pollution can be turned into something useful – World Economic Forum
Lead toxicity in plants: Impacts and remediation – PubMed
Cadmium toxicity in plants: Impacts and remediation strategies - ScienceDirect
The ocean – the world’s greatest ally against climate change – United Nations
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE:
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
Balancing the Future will be taking a break in August.
In the meantime, you can catch up on any episodes you’ve missed in your podcast app of choice.
Balancing the Future will return in September for the second half of Season 2.
LINKS
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
What happens to electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life? The answer could help reshape not just battery recycling, but entire local economies.
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Jake Entwistle, Lead Engineer at Altilium Clean Technology, about the UK pilot plant that's pushing the boundaries of EV battery recycling. Together, they explore how high-efficiency recycling can help create circular economies, reduce reliance on mining, and meet growing regulatory demands.
They dig into the technical challenges of processing black mass: the powdered remains of shredded batteries, and explain why materials like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and graphite are so valuable to recover. From advanced hydrometallurgical methods to the role of EU regulations and the rise of battery passports, the conversation touches on every aspect of this emerging industry.
LINKS
SOURCES
Energizing Change: How Batteries Drive the Green Transition – Balancing the Future
Trends in electric car markets – International Energy Agency
Is LFP More Expensive Than NMC Batteries? - Cell Saviors
Recent progress and hurdles in cathode recycling for Li-ion batteries - ScienceDirect
The economic and technical challenges of LFP battery recycling – NEU Battery Materials
The European Green Deal – European Commission
From waste to value: the potential for battery recycling in Europe - European Federation for Transport and Environment
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE:
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
What are “bugs as drugs?” These are live microbes used as therapies designed to help rebalance our microbiomes, offering hope against everything from antibiotic-resistant infections to chronic diseases. But working with living organisms isn’t as simple as formulating a pill. These therapies raise deep scientific, regulatory, and manufacturing challenges.
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai are joined by Dr. Moira Monika Schuler, Global Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Manager at Wacker Biotech. Together, they explore how our microbiomes shape human health in ways we’re only beginning to understand. From gut disorders to mood regulation and hormone balance, the microbiome is emerging as a central player in 21st-century medicine.
They dive into groundbreaking work like fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs), FDA-approved microbial therapeutics, and the race to develop safe and scalable live biotherapeutic products. But the conversation also touches on the many hurdles: ensuring consistency among living strains, developing complicated sterile delivery systems, and navigating a fragmented regulatory landscape across the U.S. and Europe.
LINKS
SOURCES
The Hidden Crisis of Antimicrobial Resistance in Contaminated Water – Balancing the Future
Antibiotics and the gut microbiome: Understanding the impact on human health – ScienceDirect
Fecal microbiota transplantation reduces amounts of antibiotic-resistance genes in patients with multidrug-resistant organisms - Biomedical.com
About C. diff – U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Harnessing the power of the microbiome for people and planet - APC Microbiome Ireland
Global Manufacturing of CAR T Cell Therapy – PubMed
Rapid Sterility Methods for CAR T-cell Therapies - PharmTech.com
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
Cultivated, or ‘lab-grown meat,’ offers a promising path for reducing climate impact and feeding a growing population. But what does this mean for the traditional agricultural industry? How can it embrace a technology that challenges a practice as old as civilization itself?
In this episode of Balancing the Future, hosts Micah Schweizer and Chai Nussbaumer speak with Illtud Dunsford, farmer, founder, and CEO of Cellular Agriculture Ltd. to explore how cultivated meat may not replace traditional agriculture but rather evolve from it. Using a bioreactor modeled on the human vascular system, Dunsford’s breakthrough technology could dramatically reduce the environmental footprint and cost of meat production, while still relying on inputs from farms.
From curing meat with centuries-old methods to pioneering lab-grown alternatives, Illtud shares his personal journey from initial skepticism to becoming a leader in innovation.
LINKS
SOURCES
Could Cultivated Meat Revolutionize Diets of the Future? - Balancing the Future
Planetary boundaries – Stockholm Resilience Center at Stockholm University
Coffee Consumption – British Coffee Association
Coffee Without Beans, Chocolate Without Cocoa – The Companies Making Plants from Cells (and why we need them) - Cultivated X
Cell culture of plant cells - EBSCO
Plant-based and cell-based approaches to meat production – Nature.com
The strange future of lab-grown meat - Food and Environment Reporting Network
Culture Clash? What cultured meat could mean for UK farming – Royal Agricultural University
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE
Join Micah Schweizer and Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
Hydrogen has long played a behind-the-scenes role in industry, but could it become a frontrunner in the race toward a cleaner energy future?
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah Schweizer and Chai Nussbaumer dive into hydrogen’s evolving role in the green transition. From color-coded classifications like green, blue, and even "sad" hydrogens like pink and black, to cutting-edge pilot projects in transportation and heating, this episode breaks down what makes hydrogen both promising and volatile.
Joining them is Nipun Kaushik, an electromechanical engineer at Capgemini Engineering, who offers an insider's view into the science, scalability, and policy hurdles surrounding hydrogen energy. Together, they examine not only how hydrogen is made, but whether it's truly as clean as it claims to be.
LINKS
SOURCES
The Future of Hydrogen – The International Energy Agency (IEA)
Green hydrogen in the energy transition – Acciona
The Hindenburg Disaster – Airships.net
Dealing with the Aftermath of the Hindenburg Disaster – National Air and Space Museum
Lessons learnt from hydrogen incidents – Gexcon
As generative AI asks for more power, data centers seek more reliable, cleaner energy solutions – Deloitte
Top tech companies turn to hydrogen and nuclear energy for AI data centers – CNBC
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE
Join Micah Schweizer and Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
If you haven’t heard of GLP-1s, you’ve almost certainly come across the brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These drugs were originally developed to treat diabetes, but they’ve recently become household names thanks to their dramatic impact on weight loss. Beyond shedding pounds, early evidence also points to promising benefits for chronic kidney disease, certain liver conditions, and cardiovascular health.
But with surging demand for GLP-1s driven by their weight-loss potential, there’s growing concern about access for those who rely on them for critical medical conditions. As supply chains stretch thin, the ripple effects are being felt in unexpected places, including the rise of gray and black markets offering questionable or counterfeit alternatives to meet unmet demand.
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai are joined by Ben Locwin, Chief Scientist and Head of Clinical Services at Black Diamond Networks. Together, they unpack the meteoric rise of GLP-1s in popular culture and how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped fuel the frenzy. They also examine the darker undercurrents of that attention: underground sales, off-label usage, and inequities in access.
One emerging issue is sustainability. Most GLP-1s are delivered via disposable, single-use pens or prefilled syringes, products that are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills or as medical waste. As millions more people begin using these injectables, the environmental cost is becoming impossible to ignore. The reliance on needles also poses challenges for people who have a fear of injections or are unwilling to self-administer shots regularly, increasing pressure on pharmaceutical companies to fast-track the development of oral alternatives.
Ben Locwin brings deep insight as a healthcare executive, medical scientist, TEDx speaker, and frequent contributor to outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and NPR.
LINKS
SOURCES
The GLP-1 journey: from discovery science to therapeutic impact – PubMed Central
The Ozempic Effect: Everything You Need to Know About Medical Weight Loss - Columbia University Department of Surgery
Adderall - Encyclopædia Britannica
Early development history of Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) - PubMed Central
A Snapshot History of Botox - Dimensionz Injectables
How to prevent gray market activities: A comprehensive checklist for pharmaceutical companies - Systech
FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray – US. Food and Drug Administration
Oral Insulin: The Rationale for This Approach and Current Developments - PubMed Central
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
In an age of constant scientific innovation and shifting public trust, how can science communication help bridge the gap between labs and lives? In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah Schweizer and new co-host Chai Nussbaumer explore the powerful role that storytelling, emotion, and empathy play in making science more relatable and relevant to the public, grant funders and the media.
They’re joined by science communications expert Rachael Vorwerk, whose journey began with a children’s book about the hippocampus and has evolved into shaping multimillion-dollar research campaigns and amplifying the voices of scientists. Together, they examine what makes scientific messaging effective. Whether it's explaining breakthroughs in broadband speed during a global pandemic or using virtual reality to bring abstract concepts to life, this episode explores some of the successes and failures of science communication.
LINKS
SOURCES
The Role of Black Pastors in Disseminating COVID-19 Vaccination Information to Black Communities in South Carolina – PubMed Central
New campaign to support vaccine roll-out backed by social media companies and British institutions – Gov.uk
Australia 'records fastest internet speed ever' – BBC World News
New research centre to bring the world’s best measuring device out of the lab – RMIT University
Genetically modified foods: safety, risks and public concerns—a review – PubMed Central
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch – IMDB
Seven Up! – IMDB
ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE
Join Micah Schweizer and Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.
ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
Science and technology are evolving faster than ever, and it's exciting to imagine where they might take us next. But which breakthroughs should we be paying attention to?
Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Season 2 of Balancing the Future is here - listen soon wherever you get your podcasts.
About METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories.
From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.
Balancing The Future Podcast Website
For over 200 years, the fundamental principles of battery technology have remained largely unchanged. However, the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market and the urgent need for efficient energy storage solutions for renewable sources have intensified efforts to push this technology further.
In the final episode of Balancing the Future Season 1, Dana and Micah are joined by Simon Taylor, Segment Business Development Manager for Battery Technology at METTLER TOLEDO. Together, they delve into the cutting edge of battery innovation -exploring which battery technologies deserve our attention today, how we might double or even triple energy storage capacity in the near future, and the exciting possibility of battery-powered commercial flight.
Simon also sheds light on the ethical concerns surrounding battery production, particularly the urgent need to reform the mining of raw materials like lithium, where child labor remains a critical issue.
With a background in analytical chemistry, Simon shares insights into his successful transition from the lab to the business world, offering valuable lessons from his journey into battery technology.
LINKS:
SOURCES
Alessandro Volta Biography - Encyclopædia Britannica
The Daniell Cell – ScienceDirect
The (surprisingly long) history of electric vehicles - National Grid
Green battery discovery turns trash into treasure – Northwestern University
Renewables Supplied a Staggering 71% of Portugal’s Electricity in 2024 - The Renewable Energy Institute
Portugal allocates funding for 500 MW of energy storage – PV Magazine
5 battery storage innovations helping us transition to a clean energy future – World Economic Forum
What is a Megawatt (MW) and how many homes can it power? - PKNERGY
The Top 5: Largest Battery Energy Storage Systems Worldwide - Saur Energy International
Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.
Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.
From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with over 2.3 million cases diagnosed globally each year. While current detection methods like mammograms and self-exams are valuable, they’re not without limitations. But what if a simple blood test could revolutionize early detection and save countless lives?
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Dana and Micah are joined by Ivana Domljanovic, a researcher at the forefront of breast cancer detection technology. Together, they explore how biomarkers in blood could transform cancer screening and monitoring — integrating seamlessly into routine blood work to make testing more accessible, efficient, and frequent.
Ivana also shares her vision for the future, including the exciting potential for at-home testing kits that empower individuals to monitor their health from the comfort of their homes.
Ivana’s journey into this groundbreaking field began during her PhD studies, sparked by a professor focusing on breast cancer research. At the time, her primary interest was in using nanostructures and DNA origami to detect dysregulation in microRNAs.
LINKS:
SOURCES:
Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.
Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.
From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives over the past century. However, their widespread use has led to a crisis – the evolution of antimicrobial resistance or AMR. According to a 2024 study, over a million people have been killed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria since 1990. This number is only set to rise over the coming decades.
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Ana Almeida joins Dana and Micah to explore how pollution in the water supply has contributed to this environmental and global health emergency.
Together they delve into how the prolific manufacture and use of antibiotics has accelerated the development of AMR and discover how there may already be scientists out there who can communicate the scale of this crisis to the public.
Ana Almeida is an environmental and microbiology consultant with 20 years of experience in academia, regulation, and industry.
LINKS:
SOURCES
Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.
Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.
From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.
Experiments conducted in space challenge scientists to rethink processes in entirely new ways. But what insights can these experiments offer - not only about the unique environment of space but also about our future on Earth?
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Dr. Magdalena Herová joins Dana and Micah to delve into the meticulous process of preparing experiments for the rigors of space. Together, they explore groundbreaking research happening above our planet and envision a future where humanity might establish a permanent residence among the stars.
Dr. Magdalena Herová, is a scientist at BIOTESC, an organization that acts on behalf of the European Space Agency. She joined BIOTESC after earning her PhD in molecular biology from the University of Zurich.
LINKS:
Dr. Magdalena Herová on LinkedIn
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts Website
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn
Dana Clémençon on LinkedIn
Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn
SOURCES
Image of Astronaut Michael Barrett Conducting an Experiment on the ISS – Universe Magazine
Space Station 20th: First NASA Research on ISS – NASA.gov
What Is Microgravity? - NASA.gov
Groundbreaking Results from Space Station Science in 2023 – NASA.gov
Crew Explores Satellites and Lunar Cement Mixing for Space Construction – NASA Blogs
Growing Plants in Space – NASA.gov
International Space Station Facts – NASA.gov
Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.
Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.
From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.
On this special holiday episode of Balancing the Future, Dana and Micah revisit some of their favorite moments that didn’t make it into earlier episodes. They also offer an exciting glimpse into what’s ahead, previewing some of the engaging conversations coming in 2025.
Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.
Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.
From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.
LINKS:
Could Cultivated Meat Revolutionize Diets of the Future?
Transforming Drug Discovery: The Power of 3D Cell Cultures
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn
Dana Clémençon on LinkedIn
Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn
SOURCES
Why clothes are so hard to recycle – BBC Online
Bioplastic technology has been around for decades, but how can it be effectively utilized and scaled to address the growing crisis of plastic waste we face today?
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Dr. Manfred Zinn joins Dana and Micah to explore the cutting-edge applications of bioplastics, the implications of enhanced biodegradability, and the challenges and opportunities of scaling these solutions.
Manfred is a Professor at the Institute of Life Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Sion, Switzerland. He earned his degree in Biotechnology and PhD at ETH Zurich, where he conducted pioneering research on nutrient-limited growth conditions in continuous cultures. Manfred further honed his expertise during two postdoctoral fellowships in the United States, focusing on biofilm research at the University of Tennessee and Harvard University.
LINKS:
Manfred Zinn on LinkedIn
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn
Dana Clémençon on LinkedIn
Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn
SOURCES
After bronze and iron, welcome to the plastic age, say scientists – The Guardian Online
Microplastics: Are we facing a new health crisis – and what can be done about it? - The World Economic Forum
Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? - National Geographic
EU Biorefinery Outlook to 2030 – The European Commission
India's first bamboo-based biorefinery to start operations in March - Reuters
CIB commits $277 million towards biorefinery and Canada’s largest electrolyzer - Canada Infrastructure Bank
Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.
Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.
From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.
Brewing beer is both an art and a science, a tradition that has connected people for millennia. But what lies ahead for this age-old craft?
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Chris Treanor sits down with Dana and Micah to delve into the science behind brewing, the intricate dance between innovation and business, and the pivotal role beer has played in shaping culture and community.
Chris Treanor is the Head Brewer at Qrew Brew, a community-centric brewery in Switzerland. Qrew Brew is an initiative by QoQa, an innovative e-commerce platform. Before entering the industry, Chris trained as a biotechnologist at Dublin City University. He believes this education prepared him for a career in brewing, which combines elements of science, engineering, and business.
LINKS:
Chris Treanor on LinkedIn
Qrew Brew Website
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn
Dana Clémençon on LinkedIn
Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn
Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.
Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.
From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.
Plant-based meat alternatives are having a moment, but do they represent a real shift towards a more sustainable diet? In this episode, Edwina Romanens dives into the technology that made the plant-based protein taste revolution possible, how consumer preference steers the industry, and what place plant-based meat alternatives might have in the diets of the future.
Edwina is the former lead biotechnology scientist at Planted, a leading plant-based food company in Switzerland specializing in meat alternatives. She now works as a biotech research manager at Givaudan, a flavor and fragrance manufacturer.
LINKS:
Edwina Romanens on LinkedIn
Givaudan Website
Planted Website
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website
METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn
Dana Clémençon on LinkedIn
Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn
Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.
Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.
From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.
