Professor John Pickett CBE FRSEarly identification of sex related pheromones of agricultural pests opened similar opportunities for insect vectors of human pathogens. Although small molecules, sophistication in structural requirements for biological activity of the often-novel chemical structures for these pheromones and other semiochemicals must be accommodated. This is achieved by exploiting natural catalytic systems for synthesis with the exact natural isomeric chemistry. Particularly useful are promiscuous enzymes from extremophile organisms that can robustly accept wider ranges of biochemical reaction conditions as well as novel substrates. New developments in sustainable food production have followed with delivery including such biotechnological production, plant genetic engineering and ecosystem management. Also are new offers of sustainable opportunities for human health, as potential impact from infectious disease grows. More realistic but radical scientific thinking could provide: the perennialisation of all arable crops; new interventions in achieving the One Health global concept.
Professor of Biological Chemistry
Cardiff University
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Bristol Myers-Squibb lecture theatre, 32 Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EG, United Kingdom
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