Machines & Genes: The Future of AI in Biology with Dr. George Church
Oct 25, 2023
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Vanguard geneticist Dr. George Church discusses his pioneering work in genomics and synthetic biology, including DNA sequencing and CRISPR gene editing. He shares controversial ideas about resurrecting wooly mammoths and using genome sequencing in dating apps. Dr. Church emphasizes the potential for synthetic biology and genetics to transform medicine and society, and explores the impact of AI on biology, including protein and nucleic acid design. The chapter also delves into the democratization of gene editing and AI technology and the importance of ethics and protocols.
AI can revolutionize genetics by improving genetic diagnostics, personalized medicine, and interpreting genomes.
Clinicians should have a basic understanding of AI and genetics to leverage AI tools in medicine and interpret AI-based diagnostics.
Deep dives
AI and its Impact on Medical Specialties
AI has the potential to greatly impact medical specialties such as genetics and age-related diseases. In genetics, AI can play a role in interpreting genomes and polygenetic risk scores, improving genetic diagnostics and personalized medicine. In age-related diseases, AI can aid in developing multiple gene therapies and treatments, potentially extending healthy lifespan and treating a wide range of diseases associated with aging.
Preparing for AI in Medicine
Early career clinicians should have a high-level understanding of AI and how it can be applied in medicine. They don't need to be experts in AI, but they should know how to leverage AI tools, access large databases, and interpret AI-based diagnostics. Having a solid foundation in genetics will also be important, as AI and genetics often intersect in medical applications.
Controversy Surrounding Genetic Testing and Carrier Status
Encouraging people to consider getting their genome sequenced, especially before reproductive age, to understand carrier status, has been a topic of controversy. However, the idea of utilizing a dating app that takes carrier status into account to provide potential matches based on genetic compatibility could be a more humane approach to reducing the risk of certain genetic diseases in future generations.
Addressing Ethical Concerns and Safety in AI
The rapid democratization of AI raises concerns about ethics and safety. Learning from the gene editing field, regulations and regulatory agencies like the FDA can play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of AI applications. However, it's essential to remain vigilant and learn from past experiences to address potential threats and evade loopholes that could arise from unregulated or unrecognized AI applications.
In this episode, vanguard geneticist Dr. George Church recounts his storied career from his early fascination with computers and science to his pioneering work in genomics and synthetic biology. Dr. Church developed innovative DNA sequencing methods that enabled the first sequencing of the human genome. He was also instrumental in developing CRISPR gene editing technology. Dr. Church discusses his controversial ideas around resurrecting wooly mammoths and using genome sequencing in dating apps to prevent genetic diseases. He also provides insights into founding genomics companies and the role of AI in advancing biotechnology. As a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School and the founder of multiple genomics companies, Dr. Church emphasizes the potential for synthetic biology and genetics to transform medicine and society.