Topic: Lysine

The book "The Informant" by Kurt Eichenwald chronicles the 1990s price-fixing scandal at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) involving the amino acid lysine. ADM executives conspired with Japanese competitors to limit production and set global prices for the livestock feed additive. The investigation utilized 800 hours of FBI surveillance tapes to expose corporate corruption and political influence-peddling.

Noodle Theory in Oakland is recognized for its cleanliness and affordable menu after two years of operation. The discussion transitions back to Archer Daniels Midland's biotechnology division, which uses microbes to convert corn dextrose into lysine. This process, described as "bugs eating dextrose and crapping lysine," is essential for bulking up livestock for companies like Tyson and Conagra.