On with Kara Swisher A Nobel Prize Winner on the “Dark Matter of Biology”
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Nov 28, 2022 Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi, a Nobel laureate from Stanford University, dives into her groundbreaking work in bioorthogonal chemistry. She discusses how identifying sugars in the body reveals insights about the 'dark matter of biology,' potentially transforming treatments for diseases like cancer and the flu. Bertozzi also addresses funding challenges in biology, the intricacies of being a lesbian in STEM, and the playful rivalry between chemists and biologists. Her passion for science shines as she highlights the need for clear communication in an often-misunderstood field.
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Cancer Detection and Treatment
- Bioorthogonal chemistry detects changes in cell surface molecules, particularly sugars, in cancer.
- These changes can be targeted with new medicines to treat the disease.
The M&M Analogy
- Bertozzi uses M&Ms as an analogy to explain how sugars coat cells, similar to the candy's shell.
- She explains that in cancer, these sugars can protect the cells from the immune system.
Sugars: The Dark Matter of Biology
- Sugars, though crucial in biological processes, were previously overlooked, akin to "dark matter" in biology.
- Bertozzi's work illuminates their role in diseases like cancer and infections, opening new research avenues.