Topic: Gene Sequencing

Moderna is highlighted for its partnership with Amazon's on-demand cloud computing to facilitate rapid gene sequencing for personalized therapies. Despite receiving nearly a billion dollars in US government funding, the company had never brought a product to market prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion questions the legitimacy of a commercial company emerging so quickly through government and big tech synergy.

The Gates Ag One initiative is described as an effort to accelerate the adoption of patented agricultural technology in developing nations. By gene-sequencing heirloom seeds from indigenous cultures and applying slight manipulations, the foundation can patent and replace traditional varieties. This is framed as a massive land grab over the genetic landscape of the Earth's biosphere.