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How AI could speed up scientific discoveries, from proteins to batteries : Short Wave Artificial intelligence can code computer programs, draw pictures and even take notes for doctors. Now, researchers are excited about the possibility that AI speeds up the scientific process — from quicker drug design to someday developing new hypotheses. Science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel talks about his visit to one protein lab already seeing promising results.

Have an AI query? Send us your questions to shortwave@npr.org.

Short Wave

How AI is speeding up scientific discoveries

How AI is speeding up scientific discoveries

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Scientists are using AI to design synthetic proteins with hopes it will speed up the discovery process. Ian C Haydon/ UW Institute for Protein Design hide caption

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Ian C Haydon/ UW Institute for Protein Design

Scientists are using AI to design synthetic proteins with hopes it will speed up the discovery process.

Ian C Haydon/ UW Institute for Protein Design

Artificial intelligence can code computer programs, draw pictures and even take notes for doctors. Now, researchers are excited about the possibility that AI speeds up the scientific process — from quicker drug design to someday developing new hypotheses.

Science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel talks to host Regina Barber about his visit to one protein lab already seeing promising results.

Click here to read Geoff's full story.

Listen to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Have an AI query? Send us your questions to shortwave@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Berly McCoy and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Geoff Brumfiel checked the facts and Maggie Luthar was the audio engineer.