Venki Ramakrishnan

The co-recipient of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry discusses his critical research on the ribosome, a molecular machine that actually forces DNA into action, turning genetic code into functioning proteins that create life. "Everyone has heard of DNA--the molecule that seems to hold the secrets to all life. But by itself, DNA is little more than a blueprint for life, resting inertly within our cells. Hardly anyone, however, has heard of a ribosome....