Detecting the subtle chemistry of a perfect snack is a feat of molecular engineering. Dr. Jeffrey Zurek welcomes Dr. Brian Le to discuss the flavorful world of food science—from the savory secrets of Umami to the synthetic biology reshaping our grocery aisles.

We explore the sociology of the "meandering" academic path, following Dr. Le’s 2,000-mile walk across America that transformed a chemist into a food industry consultant. Discover the debunked myths of the "tongue map," the nonlinear math of flavor synergy, and why the future of your favorite fruits might depend on "shoving" genes into watermelons.

Topics Covered

Food Science Defined: Intersection of microbiology, chemistry, and sensory properties that make food safe and "yummy"

The Umami Imp ...