Furthering the understanding of vital processes
Kurt Wüthrich, biophysicist at the ETH Zurich, conducts research into the development of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules. His work has led to the application of NMR to proteins. The ability to detect proteins, to analyse them in detail and examine their three-dimensional structure in solution has furthered the understanding of life processes and revolutionised the development of new cures. New and promising applications are also continually being reported in other areas, for example, in food inspection and the early diagnosis of breast and prostate cancer.