AI might assist scientists remedy killer illnesses even quicker because it’s ‘like utilizing a jet pack’
Researchers say powerful artificial intelligence systems are tearing through mountains of medical studies and spotting hidden clues humans may have missed
The technology is already helping uncover treatments(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
AI could help scientists crack killer diseases faster after a breakthrough left one expert saying he nearly “fell off” his chair. Researchers say powerful bot systems are tearing through mountains of medical studies and spotting hidden clues humans may have missed.
They are helping scientists uncover possible new treatments for illnesses including cancer, liver disease and blindness. Two new studies published in the journal Nature show how firms are racing to put AI to work in medical research.
Scientists say the turbo-charged tech could dramatically speed up discoveries that would normally take years. One paper focused on an AI co-scientist built by Google DeepMind, designed to generate its own scientific theories and identify connections buried deep within huge volumes of scientific research.
Professor Gary Peltz, from Stanford University School of Medicine in California, used the system while looking for existing drugs that might help tackle liver fibrosis which can be deadly. He selected two drugs he believed might work based on decades of expertise and the AI suggested three more possibilities.
His choices showed no benefit on testing but two of the AI’s suggestions worked. One treatment blocked around 90% of fibrosis damage.
Prof Peltz said: “It was really quite striking. I kind of fell off my chair.” He added: “It’s like talking to an oracle that’s read everything, knows all the literature, but also has some reasoning capabilities and finds connections that we may miss.”
AI also flagged up a compound called Kira6 which scientists think could help battle acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive blood cancer. Early laboratory tests found it suppressed cancer cells.
Scientists stressed any treatments remain a long way from being clinically proven.
Professor Filippo Menolascina, of Edinburgh University, said AI would not replace scientists but could supercharge research. He added: “It’s like strapping on a jet pack.”
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