Reddit mentions of The Machinery of Life

You gotta go check out the Protein Data Bank. It's pretty much *the* source for information on proteins. They have a "protein of the month" that they write about and explain all sorts of cool things about. <https://www.rcsb.org/\>

If you can get your hands on a copy buy "The machinery of Life" <https://www.amazon.com/Machinery-Life-David-S-Goodsell/dp/0387982736\> a book that's a really clear but accurate and detailed explanation of how proteins are made in cells, how DNA and proteins are related, and a lot of other concepts explained very clearly. It's like all the cool parts of what you learn in a college level biochemistry course, but way easier to understand and with less tests and math!

Also check out the game "Fold It" <https://fold.it/portal/\>. It's a game where you fold and design proteins. If you like that try to install a protein design software like Rosetta <https://www.rosettacommons.org/\>.

Lots of cities have shared bio-hacker-spaces where you can use their equipment and meet other people. When I was your age I got involved in robotics by getting involved with a local community group. I learned a lot and people helped me out and By the time I graduated from high-school I had designed robot parts that were sold around the world by the top robot part manufacturer in the US. You can do anything when you are your age and you are interested in something.

The number one thing I recommend is to keep being curious, spend every free moment you can exploring, and when you cant figure out how to do something (because you don't know how, don't have the money, or don't have the equipment) don't let that stop you. Just politely ask people for help and you might not always get a reply but often you will.

Read a lot, learn a lot, watch documentaries, and when you have an idea for a protein you could make email some college professors at whatever colleges are around you and ask if they can help you accomplish your goal. It's pretty likely they will help you.

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PS: Here are some great places to start:

Gene design competition for students: http://2008.igem.org/Main_Page

Universal genes (instructions for making proteins) https://biobricks.org/freegenes/

(Pipetting robot) https://opentrons.com

(The best Protein/Biochem lectures) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfsuDfui0oU

(Protein design program) https://els.comotion.uw.edu/express_license_technologies/rosetta

(Home made biology tools) https://pipettejockey.com/

(VR biology viewer) https://store.steampowered.com/app/493430/Nanome/

From the Machinery Of Life by David S Goodsell. Great book easy for any audience!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Machinery-Life-David-Goodsell/dp/0387982736