On with Kara Swisher

A Nobel Prize Winner on the “Dark Matter of Biology”

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.

47:07

Episode guests

Carolyn R. Bertozzi

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Importance of Happiness in a Career

01:19

Bio-Orthogonal Chemistry

01:13

Theranos and the Impact of Minoritized Founders

01:30

Intro

2min

Cultural Festivities and Political Turmoil

2min

Navigating Controversy and Celebrating Scientific Achievements

3min

Unlocking the Secrets of Biological Dark Matter

3min

Exploring Bioorthogonal Chemistry in Cancer Research

19min

Frustrations at the Intersection of Science and Economics

2min

The Lasting Impact of Theranos on Female Founders

2min

Navigating Trust and Innovation in Biotechnology

15min

Kara interviews Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi, a Stanford University scientist who, along with Morten Meldal and K. Barry Sharpless, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry earlier this year for developing bioorthogonal chemistry and click chemistry. Bertozzi explains what bioorthogonal chemistry actually is before breaking down how identifying different sugars in the body — which she calls “the dark matter of biology’’ — could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases ranging from the flu to cancer. She also weighs in on the state of funding in biology, Twitter, being lesbian in STEM, and the never-ending feud between chemists and biologists.

Before the interview, Kara and Nayeema briefly discuss former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's protest march (which was called off after this episode was recorded) and Trump's dinner with white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

You can find Kara and Nayeema on Twitter @karaswisher and @nayeema.

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