Witness History

Discovering the structure of haemoglobin

16 snips
Feb 24, 2025
In 1959, an Austrian scientist sparked intrigue by using modeling clay to unlock the 3D structure of haemoglobin. His groundbreaking discovery took 22 years and was met with skepticism by peers. Utilizing X-ray crystallography, researchers overcame major hurdles to finally visualize this complex molecule. The journey culminated in a Nobel Prize win in 1962, a pivotal moment that not only celebrated their triumph but also advanced understanding of blood diseases. Dive into the emotional highs and lows of this remarkable scientific saga.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

The Modeling Clay Moment

  • In September 1959, Dr. Max Perutz excitedly bought children's modeling clay after a breakthrough.
  • He was visualizing the 3D structure of a hemoglobin molecule for the first time.
ANECDOTE

Perutz's Journey to England

  • Dr. Perutz, born into a Jewish family in Austria, studied at Vienna University.
  • He left Austria for England in 1936 due to rising Nazi power and seeking better scientific opportunities.
ANECDOTE

Seeking the Secret of Life

  • Dr. Perutz sought advice from John Desmond Bernal in Cambridge on solving the "riddle of life."
  • Bernal directed him towards studying protein structures using X-ray crystallography.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app