David Baker: The Protein Sculptor

The article is a profile of David Baker, a biochemist at the University of Washington who has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of protein design. Baker and his team have developed computational methods to predict and design the 3D structures of proteins, which has applications in medicine, energy, and materials science. The article highlights Baker’s early fascination with proteins and his journey to becoming a pioneer in the field. It discusses his work on the “protein folding problem,” which aims to understand how a protein’s amino acid sequence determines its 3D structure. Baker’s team has designed proteins that can neutralize viruses, capture carbon dioxide, and even create new enzymes. The article also explores the potential impact of protein design on developing new drugs, materials, and sustainable technologies. Baker’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. The article portrays Baker as a visionary scientist whose work could revolutionize various industries and benefit humanity.

Source: https://time.com/6969322/david-baker/