Naturally Obsessed: The Making of a Scientist

This film takes the audience to molecular biology labs where, using X-ray crystallography, professor Lawrence Shapiro and his team investigate a molecule of AMPK – a protein which controls fat burning and depositing. The research results could indicate new directions in diabetes and obesity treatment. The centre of attention in the documentary is not the science itself, but rather the people behind it. Scientists are generally considered as rational people immune to emotional disturbances. However, several years observing PhD students Robert, Kilpatrick and Gabrielle shows that – similarly to non-scientists – they have to cope with the pressure of their working environment and troubles in their personal lives. Nevertheless, they try to adopt the qualities and skills so valued in scientists – not only the knowledge of technology and professional matters but also the expected patience, competitiveness, the art of team work, commitment to the truth and the ability to ask the right questions and accept constructive criticism. (Academia Film Olomouc)