Sidney Altman: Unraveling the Mystery of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Nobel Laureate Sidney Altman, Sterling Professor at Yale University, for a discussion of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). Topics covered include: the importance of basic research, creativity in the sciences, the qualities and skills necessary for scientific problem solving, the evolution of Altman's career, his Nobel research unraveling the mystery of RNA's function, and the implications of his discovery for understanding the origins of life and preventing disease.  Drawing on his experience as Dean of Yale College in the 1980's, he also discusses reforming undergraduate science education.