However, many scientists are already well advanced trying to make drugs which can inhibit PARP - the other enzyme which starts the signalling process.

BBC: Pine cone source for stroke drug

C-Sixty's fullerene-based drug scuppers this process by settling snugly into the enzyme's active site, stopping it functioning.

ECONOMIST: Nanotechnology in biology

Back in 1992 the FAO helped her develop a camel cheese-making process, sending a scientist to show her how to use a special enzyme to give her products the right consistency.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Milking the benefit from camels

Most plants use an enzyme called rubisco to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into sugars containing three carbon atoms a process known as C3 photosynthesis.

ECONOMIST: Genetic modification