Google Deepmind has unveiled the third major version of its artificial intelligence model called AlphaFold, which is designed to help scientists develop medicines and increase the effectiveness of disease control efforts.
The mentioned company was able to make significant progress in molecular biology in 2020. The corresponding result is due to the use of artificial intelligence. In this case, advanced technology was applied as a tool for predicting the behavior of microscopic proteins.
Using the new version of AlphaFold, researchers from DeepMind and a subsidiary of Isomorphic Labs, led by co-founder Demis Hassabis, have mapped the behavior of all molecules of life, including human DNA.
The interaction of proteins with other molecules is the key to drug discovery and development.
DeepMind said the results, published Wednesday, May 8, in the research journal Nature, allow it to reduce the time and money needed to design potentially life-changing treatments.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, May 7, Demis Hassabis noted that new capabilities allow one to design a molecule that will bind to a specific place on a protein. Also in this context, special attention was paid to the ability to predict how strongly a molecule will bind.
Demis Hassabis stated that the results obtained by using the new version of AlphaFold are an important step for those who want to develop drugs and compounds that will help to cope with diseases.
The company also announced the debut of AlphaFold server, a free online tool that scientists can use to test their hypotheses before conducting real-world tests.
Since 2021, AlphaFold forecasts have been freely available to non-commercial researchers as part of a database containing more than 200 million protein structures.
DeepMind stated that the new server requires less computing knowledge. Researchers can run tests with just a few clicks of a button.
This news is an example of the large-scale and deep integration of artificial intelligence technologies into various spheres of human activity. Against the background of the implementation of the relevant process, the issue of cybersecurity becomes more relevant. In this context, user awareness is of particular importance. For example, an Internet search query such as how to know if my camera is hacked will allow anyone to get information about signs of unauthorized access to the device.
