Scientists create new enzymes using AI for the first time
In a scientific first, researchers have used machine learning-powered AI to design de novo enzymes — never-before-existing proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions in living organisms. Enzymes are essential for a variety of processes, including digestion, muscle building and breathing.
The AI engine of the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design was used by a team of researchers from UCLA, Xi’an Jiaotong University in China, and others to create new enzymes of a type called luciferases. Luciferases, as their name suggests, catalyze chemical reaction that emits light. They are what gives fireflies their flair.
David Baker, professor of biochemistry and senior author of the study, stated that \”Living Organisms are remarkable Chemists.\”
Source:
https://www.freethink.com/science/ai-designed-enzymes
