This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
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Nobel Laureate Frances H. Arnold talks to Scientific American editor-in-chief Mariette DiChristina about her work, which takes advantage of the evolution algorithm to make entirely new enzymes that can perform useful chemistry. She also discusses her star turn playing herself on an episode of one of the country’s most popular television comedy series. She spoke prior to a Kavli Foundation event at the National Academy of Sciences in April.