This time, we discuss and scrutinise Gene Machine: The Race to Decipher the Secrets of the Ribosome, by Venkatraman ‘Venki’ Ramakrishnan. By the time Venki had earned a PhD in physics from Ohio University in the US, he had already made the unusual decision to change direction and focus full-force on uncovering the secrets of the ribosome, which eventually led to him co-winning the Nobel prize in 2009.

A picture of Gene machine Book Cover

Known as the mother of all molecules, you’ll find lots of information to help explain why the ribosome is so crucial in understanding DNA, as well as personal insights and tales of calamity on the way to the top.

Next month, it’s time for many of you to revisit old memories, as we feature Sarah-Jane Blakemore’s book Inventing Ourselves: the Secret Life of the Teenage Brain. In this book, the neuroscientist takes on the monumental challenge of deciphering the mysteries of the teenage brain and the science behind it.

We want to include you, the Chemistry World reader, in the conversation so tweet your thoughts to @ChemistryWorld, or use the hashtag #BookClubCW and we’ll endeavour to include your opinions (or questions) in the podcast.