Google's DeepMind engineers have developed a new AI model, AlphaFold 3, to improve understanding of the human body and accelerate the development of vaccines and disease treatments.
New Delhi,UPDATED: May 9, 2024 17:27 IST
Google's DeepMind engineers are busy expanding the AI offerings provided by the company. The latest innovation is a new AI model called AlphaFold 3, which promises to significantly improve our understanding of the human body and accelerate the development of new vaccines and treatments for diseases. According to Google, the new AI model can predict the structure and interactions of all life's molecules, including proteins, DNA, RNA, and other molecules, with unmatched accuracy.
Google explains that the core of AlphaFold 3's technology is its ability to model the 3D structure of large biomolecules such as proteins, DNA, and RNA, as well as small molecules known as ligands. This capability allows researchers to visualise how these molecules interact with one another in the complex systems of living organisms, helping them learn more about the processes that underlie human health and disease.
AlphaFold 3 is built upon its predecessor, AlphaFold 2, which Google launched in 2020. AlphaFold 2 made a significant breakthrough in protein structure prediction in 2020. However, according to Google, its new AI model, AlphaFold 3, goes beyond proteins and can predict the structure and interactions of a vast array of molecules within a cell, including DNA, RNA, and even tiny drug molecules. This allows scientists to see how these different elements work together, providing a much more complete picture of cellular machinery.
By revealing how drugs interact with proteins and other molecules, Google's new AI model can help scientists better understand the human immune system and the behaviour of viruses such as the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This knowledge could lead to improved treatments and vaccines for various diseases. Traditionally, this process has been slow and expensive, with many promising drugs failing clinical trials. However, AlphaFold 3 can help scientists identify the most promising candidates early on, leading to the faster development of life-saving treatments.
Google further highlights that it wants to make AlphaFold 3 accessible to the scientific community and has therefore launched the AlphaFold Server, a free platform that allows researchers to use the model for non-commercial research. Using this platform, biologists can harness the power of AlphaFold 3 to model structures composed of proteins, DNA, RNA, and a selection of ligands, ions, and chemical modifications.
However, the potential of Google's AI model is not just limited to the human body. In fact, the model can help researchers gain insights into the development of healthier, more resilient crops by revealing how certain enzymes interact with plant cells. This can further aid advancements in agriculture and food security.
Responsible Use of AI
Notably, AlphaFold is an AI model, and like other AI-based models, it also requires boundaries to prevent potential misuse. Google assures that it understands the potential impact of AlphaFold 3 and is committed to developing and using it responsibly. The company has consulted with experts in various fields to minimise the risks and ensure everyone benefits from this technology.
Published By:
Divya Bhati
Published On:
May 9, 2024
English (US) ·