DeepMind’s AI will accelerate drug discovery by predicting how proteins fold
Google DeepMind has developed a tool to predict the structure of proteins from their genetic sequence, marking a noteworthy example of using AI in the process of scientific discovery.
How it works: The system, called AlphaFold, models the complex folding patterns of long chains of amino acids, based on their chemical interactions, to form the three-dimensional shape of a protein. This is known as the “protein folding problem,” which has challenged scientists for decades.
Why it matters: The shape of a protein dictates its function in the body, so being able to predict a protein’s structure allows scientists to synthesize new protein-based drugs to treat diseases or new enzymes to break down pollutants in our environment.
Training data: The DeepMind team trained deep neural networks to predict the distances between pairs of amino acids and the angles between their chemical bonds, using the massive amounts of data available from genomic sequencing. The resulting system generates highly accurate protein structures, exceeding previous prediction techniques, the team says.
The bigger picture: DeepMind isn’t the only one working to accelerate scientific discovery with machine learning. Many other companies and researchers have sought to develop algorithms for discovering new drugs and new materials.
Deep Dive
Artificial intelligence
This new data poisoning tool lets artists fight back against generative AI
The tool, called Nightshade, messes up training data in ways that could cause serious damage to image-generating AI models.
Rogue superintelligence and merging with machines: Inside the mind of OpenAI’s chief scientist
An exclusive conversation with Ilya Sutskever on his fears for the future of AI and why they’ve made him change the focus of his life’s work.
Unpacking the hype around OpenAI’s rumored new Q* model
If OpenAI's new model can solve grade-school math, it could pave the way for more powerful systems.
Minds of machines: The great AI consciousness conundrum
Philosophers, cognitive scientists, and engineers are grappling with what it would take for AI to become conscious.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.