Ankara: Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, Prof. Morten Meldal, has announced that his team is working on developing a new method to eliminate side effects in cancer treatment. Meldal stated, "The dream is that cancer is treated like any other disease, preferably with a drug that doesn't have all the side effects that you would see in current cancer treatment."

According to Anadolu Agency, Meldal, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2022 for his groundbreaking work in "bioorthogonal chemistry," has been pivotal in laying the foundation for "click chemistry." This emerging field enables molecules to link together quickly and efficiently, allowing these reactions to occur within living cells without disrupting natural processes. Meldal recently traveled to Turkey to participate in events at Middle East Technical University (METU), where he discussed the potential of click chemistry in treating cancer and Alzheimer's, as well as its implications for water-based synthesis methods that prevent toxic waste in drug production.

During an interview, Meldal shared his experiences in Turkey, expressing admiration for the talent and enthusiasm of METU students. He emphasized the importance of nurturing curiosity and passion for scientific discovery among young researchers. Meldal also reflected on how his life has changed since receiving the Nobel Prize, noting that it has opened new opportunities for his research and collaborations.

Meldal explained that click chemistry, which he likened to the way velcro works, allows for the creation of complex molecular architectures with multiple functions, akin to small molecular robots. This innovation has significant implications for developing new drugs with higher specificity and selectivity, reducing the impact on non-target cells.

While Meldal was cautious about revealing details of ongoing research in oncology, he hinted at promising developments in targeting cancer cells more selectively. Beyond cancer, he expressed concern about the rise of Alzheimer's disease and the need for solutions to address neurodegenerative diseases. His team is working on methods to penetrate the blood-brain barrier to deliver therapeutic molecules effectively.

Meldal also discussed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating scientific research, while cautioning against the risks of misinformation. He highlighted the importance of accurate data in training AI models, drawing parallels between art and science as different expressions of creativity and problem-solving.

In conclusion, Meldal's message to Turkish scientists and students emphasized the value of curiosity-driven research and the pursuit of personal interests in scientific endeavors. His visit to Turkey and ongoing research continue to inspire a new generation of scientists striving to make impactful discoveries.