Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and educator. She obtained her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry, studying the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. She is currently an assistant associate professor at the University of Rhode Island, has worked as an immunology scientist in the biotech industry, and works in the cannabis industry studying the chemical complexity of cannabis smoke.
Riley is also the co-founder of the cannabis research and education non-profit organization called the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP). Through NAP and on her podcast, Riley uses science as advocacy to research and communicate findings that highlight the unique power of natural products. The goal of Riley’s work is to unite people in the Cannabis industry, academia, and consumers to further the reach of Cannabis education and reduce harm.
Riley is passionate about making Cannabis science accessible through social media channels and alternative media which lead to Bioactive; an educational podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. On this bi-weekly podcast, she covers current news and research surrounding cannabis, psychedelics, toxins, pharmaceuticals & other bioactive substances. Listen for special guests highlighting community stories.
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with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and educator. She obtained her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry, studying the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. She is currently an assistant associate professor at the University of Rhode Island, has worked as an immunology scientist in the biotech industry, and works in the cannabis industry studying the chemical complexity of cannabis smoke.
Riley is also the co-founder of the cannabis research and education non-profit organization called the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP). Through NAP and on her podcast, Riley uses science as advocacy to research and communicate findings that highlight the unique power of natural products. The goal of Riley’s work is to unite people in the Cannabis industry, academia, and consumers to further the reach of Cannabis education and reduce harm.
Riley is passionate about making Cannabis science accessible through social media channels and alternative media which lead to Bioactive; an educational podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. On this bi-weekly podcast, she covers current news and research surrounding cannabis, psychedelics, toxins, pharmaceuticals & other bioactive substances. Listen for special guests highlighting community stories.
The Amazing Coevolution of Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Plants with Dr. Anurag Agrawal
BIOACTIVE
1 hour
2 months ago
The Amazing Coevolution of Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Plants with Dr. Anurag Agrawal
In this conversation, Host Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Anurag Agrawal discuss the intricate relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed, exploring themes of coevolution, chemical ecology, and the ecological arms race. He explains how monarchs have adapted to survive the toxic compounds in milkweed, the challenges they face due to habitat destruction and pesticides, and the importance of conservation efforts. The discussion highlights the fascinating dynamics of species interactions and the need for community involvement in preserving biodiversity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Monarchs and Milkweed
06:32 The Co-evolutionary Dance
11:32 Monarchs vs. Milkweed: The Arms Race
20:14 The Role of Cardiac Glycosides
30:01 Sequestration and Survival Strategies
31:37 The Journey of Monarch Butterflies
37:30 Understanding Monarch Population Decline
46:49 Human Impact on Monarchs and Conservation Efforts
54:01 Exploring Other Fascinating Insects
Follow Dr.Agrawal’s research:
https://ecologyandevolution.cornell.edu/anurag-agrawal
https://agrawal.eeb.cornell.edu/
Read or listen to Monarchs and Milkweed
https://www.amazon.com/Monarchs-Milkweed-Migrating-Remarkable-Coevolution/dp/0691166358
Preorder my book Reefer Wellness!
https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156
✨ Want Exclusive Content?
Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one. www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, and more!
Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:
https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem
https://instagram.com/cannabichem
https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/
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BIOACTIVE
Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and educator. She obtained her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry, studying the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. She is currently an assistant associate professor at the University of Rhode Island, has worked as an immunology scientist in the biotech industry, and works in the cannabis industry studying the chemical complexity of cannabis smoke.
Riley is also the co-founder of the cannabis research and education non-profit organization called the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP). Through NAP and on her podcast, Riley uses science as advocacy to research and communicate findings that highlight the unique power of natural products. The goal of Riley’s work is to unite people in the Cannabis industry, academia, and consumers to further the reach of Cannabis education and reduce harm.
Riley is passionate about making Cannabis science accessible through social media channels and alternative media which lead to Bioactive; an educational podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. On this bi-weekly podcast, she covers current news and research surrounding cannabis, psychedelics, toxins, pharmaceuticals & other bioactive substances. Listen for special guests highlighting community stories.
