TED Health Why building new proteins from scratch is our new superpower | David Baker
Jan 27, 2026
David Baker, Nobel-winning biochemist and protein-design pioneer, explains how AI-created proteins can tackle viruses, pollutants and new materials. He talks about computing protein structure, AI methods like RF diffusion, real-world vaccines and sustainability applications. He also discusses open science, global access and the future of designed biology.
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Design Proteins By Inverting Folding
- Protein sequences determine 3D structures, which determine function, so design can start from desired structure and work backward to a sequence.
- Baker's team uses computational models to predict structure from sequence and then invert that process to design novel proteins.
AI Produces Functional Proteins Like Images
- Modern protein design uses AI trained on ~250,000 known structures to generate novel proteins conditioned on desired functions.
- Baker compares RF diffusion to image generation models that create proteins to bind viruses or other targets on command.
Design Enzymes For Green Chemistry
- Protein design now extends to catalysis, enabling bond-making and bond-breaking for green chemistry and pollutant degradation.
- This opens routes for low-energy synthesis and breaking down plastics or harmful molecules.