[Financial Times]

I am a scientist but I don’t work in a typical lab – I work with 3D goggles and a computer. You could say that I am paid to play computer games.

I work with 3D representations of enzymes, manipulating the conditions under which the thousands of atoms of which they are made thrive. Enzymes help to break down a variety of substances, such as sugars, fats and proteins. For example, enzymes in your stomach help you to digest. My goal is to determine how to make them more efficient so that we can use them in products such as washing detergent to remove stains at lower temperatures than an enzyme’s typical environment. …

Nothing beats the feeling I get when results from the lab show my improved enzyme prototype works in real life. Even better is the knowledge that I have contributed to products found in my home and my local supermarket. At least my kids think so.

See the full story here: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/2c0fa762-6eaf-11e1-b1b2-00144feab49a.html#axzz1pZnoadxp