Kathleen Drew, a British scientist, made a discover that quite literally changed the world of seaweed and has the potential to change the world in far wider ways.
A BBC Radio 4 programme on this story, and the incredible respect the Japanese give to Kathleen Drew for rescuing their seaweed industry, was again aired this evening, and which reminded me, and humbled me, into how science can truly change things in ways we cant imagine.
I can say that I am honoured to know the hugely passionate and immensely knowledgeable Prof. Juliet Brodie, who is quoted in this programme. Juliet so eloquently states the gigantic historic, and future impacts of Kathleen’s discovery.
This discovery, of understanding the lifecycle of Porphyra (nori), meant that the Japanese could start to properly cultivate this staple food on a large and consistent scale. This has expanded and expanded, and is a mainstay in so many diets, and even an integral part of food in the West with the rise of sushi, and nori used in seaweed snacks. This trend is only growing.
I urge you to listen to the programme whilst it is still on.
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I often write and hashtag “Seaweed is the Future”, but it really is, and the vision of those involved in academic and commercial seaweed work back in the days of Kathleen Drew, and today, are making this future a reality. Seaweed is the only ‘thing’ I know of that ticks all the boxes for mega trends, with solid scientific research and commercial application in its ability to provide:
- Food (seaweeds can have high protein, immense nutrition, are highly available and sustainable. Seaweed replaces salt, and adds nutrition to foods)
- Health (seaweeds offer solutions for obesity, diabetes, cancers, viruses, and much more)
- Energy (seaweeds are been shown to be sustainable feedstocks for biofuels)
One day I would love to visit Uto city in Japan to see Kathleen’s monument.