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How AI is speeding up scientific discoveries

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

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How AI is speeding up scientific discoveries

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.

How AI is speeding up scientific discoveries

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Tobacco Plants Contribute Key Ingredient For COVID-19 Vaccine

Tobacco plants are being used in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. One is already being tested in humans. Rehman Asad/Barcroft Media via Getty Images hide caption

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Rehman Asad/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

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Tobacco Plants Contribute Key Ingredient For COVID-19 Vaccine

Here's irony: tobacco plants may be key in preventing COVID-19. Two companies are using the plants to produce proteins for a vaccine. One candidate vaccine is already in a clinical trial.

Tobacco Plants Contribute Key Ingredient For COVID-19 Vaccine

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Scientists Find Surprising Age-Related Protein Waves In Blood

Researchers have identified waves of proteins in blood that peak at three distinct stages of life. What do the findings mean for aging? ER Productions Limited/Getty Images hide caption

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ER Productions Limited/Getty Images

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Scientists Find Surprising Age-Related Protein Waves In Blood

They've identified hundreds of proteins in human blood that wax and wane in surprising ways as we age. The findings could provide important clues about which substances in the blood can slow aging.

Scientists Find Surprising Age-Related Protein Waves In Blood

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Scientists Train Bacteria To Build Unnatural Proteins

Bacterial cells can now read a synthetic genetic code and use it to assemble proteins containing man-made parts. Gary Bates/Ikon Images/Getty Images hide caption

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Gary Bates/Ikon Images/Getty Images

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Scientists Train Bacteria To Build Unnatural Proteins

Bacteria engineered with an expanded genetic alphabet can produce novel proteins, which could lead to the development of new drugs.

Scientists Train Bacteria To Build Unnatural Proteins

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