Dr. Mario Capecchi ’56, winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, is best known for his pioneering work on the development of gene targeting in mouse embryo-derived stem cells. In this talk, he shares his research which sheds light on the possibility of a physiological basis—hardwired into the genetic code—for numerous psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Mario R. Capecchi is best known for his pioneering work on the development of gene targeting in mouse embryo-derived stem cells. This technology allows scientists to create mutations in any desired gene, giving them virtually complete freedom to manipulate the DNA sequence in the genome of living mice. In 2007, he received the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. His current research interests include the molecular genetic analysis of early mouse development, neural development in mammals, production of mouse models of human genetic diseases, gene therapy, homologous recombination and programmed genomic rearrangements in the mouse. A distinguished professor of human genetics and biology, Mario belongs to the National Academy of Sciences and the European Academy of Sciences and most recently, the National Academy of Medicine. The Nobel Prize tops a long list of worldwide awards and recognition he has received for his scientific achievements. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx