This Vast Database Could Upend Science Research – Now, It’s Free

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One of the most extensive databases in the scientific world has just been available for free – and can change how the research was conducted. The “Alphafold” database contains AI model predictions from the shape of almost every protein known to humans. Around 200 million proteins are contained in expanded databases, which contribute almost every organism on the earth that has been catalked through the sorting of genomes. The database also covers all human proteomes – which is a complete set of protein produced by the human body.

Demis Hassabis, Founder and CEO of Deepmind, who collaborated with an EMBL to produce a database, said: “We are amazed by the level where Alphafold has become an important tool for hundreds of thousands of scientists in laboratories and universities throughout the world.”

The database was originally launched with a set of protein structure predictions last year. Immediately, the number of proteins included reaching one million, before the latest expansion took that number up to 200 million. Various kinds of organisms have been simulated protein in databases – the list includes plants, bacteria, and animals, in addition to other organisms. So far, half a million researchers from 190 countries have accessed the database during their work. Information from Alphafold has also found its path to more than 1,000 papers since it was launched.

Why is this important?

The database includes information that can be very useful for scientists who try to solve some of the most urgent human problems. Seventeen database protein is related to “ignored tropical diseases,” which affects the lives of more than one billion people worldwide. Drugs for the Initiative of Oblined Diseases (DNDI) predicts that the database can help researchers find molecules that are able to treat diseases that are often ignored faster than before. DDDI itself uses a database in its efforts to overcome Chagas and Leishmaniasis.

Deepmind and EMBL decisions to create free databases are also great benefits for scientists and researchers in developing countries. Some of these countries tend to be influenced disproportionately by Alphafold disease can help overcome, and lack of financial barriers can be the key to helping frontline research efforts.

Research on scientists and Alphafold leads in Deepmind John Jumper has a high hope for the database he helped. Jumper said: “We release Alphafold in the hope that other teams can learn from and build the progress that we make. Many other AI research organizations have now entered the field and build Alphafold’s progress to create further breakthroughs. This is truly a new era in biology Structural, and AI -based methods will encourage extraordinary progress. “

Database assembly and model it uses only a pair of examples of how artificial intelligence changes the world. AI has made a big step in recent months. While the concept usually receives a negative press, especially because of concerns, one day can become self -aware and produce the end of humanity, in reality, it does a lot of goodness. In addition to curing disease, scientists plan to use AI programs for all, ranging from seeing and helping gambling addicts, to making sports events more just.