| CEO's Corner | ||
Many of the biggest problems our society faces are interconnected, from health care to climate change to sustainability. We know that every individual is unique and that lifestyle and environment directly impact their health - from where they live and work, to the food options they have access to. There are several variables that affect our individual health, and it has become more apparent that problems related to climate change, food, urban planning, and sustainability are all merging with health challenges. In an effort to address these problems, researchers must broaden their knowledge base and understand how these problems are inter-related, in order to find solutions that will benefit society on a larger scale. The technology platforms we create are built from an interdisciplinary team approach through convergence and innovation. We look at the merging of ideas, perspectives, and knowledge from diverse disciplines to create a strategy for solving complex, multi-tiered problems. The production of meat requires a large amount of land use, energy, and resources to meet the growing demands of our increasing population. It is astonishing that livestock generate more greenhouse gases than all the cars in the world! Raising cattle requires vast acres of land, which is a factor in global deforestation and is a leading contributor to climate change. We are rapidly adapting our technology platforms to support personalized nutrition by engineering food sources to be modified to meet individual needs. Our researchers are developing sustainable, healthy food sources that will avoid harmful elements from traditional meat sources and prevent foodborne illnesses. Clean meat provides individuals with a healthy source of protein and supports their daily nutrition. It will also significantly reduce animal agriculture, which means less energy and water use and in turn will lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. By understanding that environment impacts a person’s health, we examine multiple interrelated problems to find a solution that will address them all. As the borders between disciplines continue to blend, we encourage our researchers to dive deep and look beyond their area of expertise and to be curious and connect with their colleagues as they tackle complex health challenges. In so doing, they may identify solutions that will make our world better, healthier, and more sustainable.
Ali Khademhosseini | ||