Chemistry Nobel Prize awarded for harnessing evolution to help humans
The Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded to three scientists who have harnessed the power of evolution to develop biological molecules with useful applications.
Frances Arnold, based at Caltech in the US, developed a way to direct the evolution of enzymes to make them much more effective at catalysing chemical reactions. Her work has found applications in brain imaging, biofuels, pharmaceuticals and the chemical industry. She has been awarded half of the prize money.
The other half is split between George Smith at the University of Missouri and Gregory Winter at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, UK. This pair developed ways to develop therapeutic antibodies, which are now used to treat autoimmune diseases, anthrax and cancer.
Advertisement
“This has formed the basis for a pharmaceutical revolution,” said Nobel committee member Sara Snogerup Linse while announcing the prize.
New Scientist is updating this story. More details to follow.