Shot over three years' time in the molecular biology laboratory of Dr. Lawrence Shapiro of the Columbia University Medical Center, the film chronicles how the tool of X-ray crystallography enables the discovery of the workings of the AMPK protein molecule, revealing a new path towards the treatment of diabetes and obesity.

It follows the emotional ups and downs of three graduate students (Robert Townley, Kilpatrick Caroll and Gabrielle Cubberley[1]) guided by their professor and laboratory head along the challenging and uncertain journey to the PhD degree.

The film was produced by the not-for-profit ParnassusWorks, headed by Dr. Richard Rifkind, formerly director of research and Chairman of the Sloan-Kettering Institute in New York City, where he also was responsible for graduate student education.

Reviewers in the popular and science press have highlighted the veracity of the film: Ann Hornday, The Washington Post: "Naturally Obsessed," a funny, lively, thoroughly absorbing documentary ... moves viewers with ease and intimacy through a world too often portrayed as boring, nerdy and filled with indecipherable jargon.

[5] The production team also includes: In 2009, Naturally Obsessed was screened at universities, research institutes, high schools, cultural organizations, government agencies, and corporations nationwide.