TED Talks Daily 5 challenges we could solve by designing new proteins | David Baker
Jun 17, 2019
David Baker, a groundbreaking computational biologist, is revolutionizing protein design at the Institute for Protein Design. He discusses how creating new proteins could solve five major challenges facing humanity. Topics include the potential for a universal flu vaccine and smart therapeutics that could enhance health care. Baker also addresses how innovative protein solutions could improve agriculture and sustainability, highlighting the ethical implications of this cutting-edge science. This visionary approach aims to inspire global change.
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Proteins: The Body's Machines
- Proteins drive crucial bodily functions, from digestion to neuron firing.
- Their 3D structures, determined by amino acid sequences, dictate these functions.
The Protein Folding Problem
- Genes encode the amino acid sequences of proteins, dictating their structure and function.
- This complex relationship is called the "protein folding problem."
Learning from Birds
- Humans didn't learn to fly by modifying birds, but by understanding aerodynamics.
- Similarly, understanding protein folding allows us to design new proteins.