news 
Building Life with Generative AI
Generative AI has been touted as a game-changer for various industries and applications. However, its potential to revolutionize life sciences is perhaps the most significant yet understated area of impact.
In a recent talk, Geoffrey Maltzahn discussed how generative AI can be used to create new proteins that can treat diseases, analyze unexplored biology, and potentially even bring about life itself.
Maltzahn starts by explaining protein folding, which he describes as the fundamental problem in this area. He explains that new systems are able to generate models of proteins that fold in very precise ways, allowing for the creation of precise antibodies that can target specific parts of viruses like Covid.
This level of precision is crucial because Maltzahn notes that traditional methods have been limited by our understanding of biology and the inability to test every possible combination. In contrast, generative AI can explore this vast space in a way that’s unimaginable for humans.
Maltzahn goes on to describe how these new systems can be used to create enzymes and analyze unexplored areas of biology. He uses an analogy with the ‘great age of exploration’ to illustrate just how much we have yet to discover, stating that even if Mother Nature has tested less than one drop of water relative to all the Earth’s oceans of possible protein sequences.
This is a space where we can find completely new and unexpected insights, potentially leading to profound discoveries. Maltzahn emphasizes that this isn’t limited to just creating beautiful cartoons or limericks for entertainment purposes, but can also expand our access to new knowledge and technologies in important ways.
In conclusion, the potential of generative AI to revolutionize life sciences is enormous. We’re not just talking about incremental advancements; we’re discussing the possibility of discovering entirely new areas of biology that have the potential to impact human health and well-being in profound ways.
Maltzahn’s remarks highlight a critical point: we should be cautious when using generative AI, as it could potentially create life itself.
Source: www.forbes.com
