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Nature Podcast

Audio long read: AI has dreamt up a blizzard of new proteins. Do any of them actually work?

Nov 29, 2024
Explore the exciting world of AI-driven protein engineering, especially its potential in cancer research. Hear about innovative DIY hackathons that push the boundaries of protein design. Discover the rise of competitions aimed at identifying functional proteins from a vast array of AI-generated options. These contests are democratizing science, but challenges remain in setting objective judging criteria and dealing with high experimental failure rates. Tune in for insights into the future of biotech!
13:13

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Quick takeaways

  • AI-driven protein design is rapidly producing new proteins, highlighting the need for effective evaluation and testing methods to discern functionality.
  • Protein design competitions foster innovation and collaboration among researchers, but they also require transparent criteria to ensure objective winner selection and meaningful outcomes.

Deep dives

The Rise of AI in Protein Design

Artificial intelligence has significantly impacted the field of protein design, enabling researchers to generate numerous engineered proteins rapidly. For example, Alex Nacker utilized AI tools to create proteins targeting a mutated cell receptor associated with tumors, submitting his work to a protein design competition with notable success. These competitions have surged in popularity, encouraging participants worldwide to engage in protein design, often using AI tools like AlphaFold. This trend suggests a potential for revolutionizing drug development and industrial applications as the technology continues to evolve.

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