Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford recently collaborated on the development of an innovative artificial intelligence tool called EVEscape. This cutting-edge tool is designed to predict virus transformations and gather crucial biological and structural information about specific pathogens. In a study published in the prestigious journal Nature, researchers claim that EVEscape could have played a crucial role in combating the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.
While many would assume that artificial intelligence programs are mainly used to fight off digital viruses or perform computer-related tasks, modern AI technology has far-reaching real-world applications, such as the groundbreaking EVEscape AI virus tool. In the near future, this tool could become a valuable asset in preventing another global virus outbreak from wreaking havoc on our world.
In this article, we will delve into how the EVEscape AI virus program operates. Additionally, we will explore a similar artificial intelligence tool that focuses on creating antibodies rather than vaccines.
So, how does the AI virus tool actually work? According to the Harvard Gazette, the AI virus program evolved from a predecessor called EVE, which stands for “evolutionary model of variant effect.” EVE initially focused on studying gene mutations that lead to human diseases. The core of EVE is a generative model that learns to predict the functionality of proteins based on extensive evolutionary data from various species. This advanced technology enabled researchers to distinguish between disease-causing and harmless mutations that contribute to heart rhythm disorders and cancers.
However, when the COVID-19 virus emerged and spread rapidly across the globe, it presented an unprecedented challenge for researchers. The virus constantly mutated, making it incredibly difficult to develop effective therapies and vaccines. “We underestimated the ability of viruses to mutate under pressure and within large populations,” stated computational biologist Debora Marks. “Viruses are remarkably adaptable; it’s almost as if they have evolved to evolve.”
However, Marks and her team saw the pandemic as an opportunity to enhance EVE’s capabilities. They transformed it into EVEscape, an AI virus tool specifically designed to predict viral variants. They enhanced its mutation prediction feature by incorporating biological and structural details of specific viruses. Co-lead author Nicole Thadani said, “We are integrating biological information on how the immune system functions with our insights gained from the broader evolutionary history of the virus.”
The team put EVEscape to the test by applying it to the study of COVID-19. It successfully processed thousands of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that emerged on a weekly basis and identified the most problematic ones. “By quickly assessing the threat level of new variants, we can help inform early public health decisions,” explained co-lead author Sarah Gurev. The team regularly publishes a ranking of new SARS-CoV-2 variants detected by EVEscape on their website, allowing users to witness the tool in action.
In addition to its role in identifying viral variants, EVEscape also proves invaluable in evaluating vaccines and therapies against current and future viral mutations. Consequently, it assists scientists in designing effective treatments that can effectively combat viruses.
Moving on to the AI program that detects antibodies, medical technology firm LabGenius has developed a similar artificial intelligence system with the same purpose. Before delving into that, it’s essential to differentiate between vaccines and antibodies. While vaccines help stimulate the immune system to produce specific antibodies targeting particular pathogens, antibodies themselves are proteins produced by the immune system that attach to viruses, bacteria, and other harmful agents.
Oxford and Harvard’s cutting-edge AI virus tool, EVEscape, primarily focuses on vaccine development. On the other hand, LabGenius’ AI system is geared towards the creation of antibodies by searching for the most promising combinations of amino acids. The LabGenius AI program starts by selecting over 700 initial options from a pool of 100,000 potential antibodies. It then proceeds to design, construct, and test these antibodies in an automated fashion. Throughout the process, human oversight is required to move samples between machines. The AI system continuously learns from experimental results, significantly increasing the likelihood of producing superior outcomes. According to LabGenius CEO James Field, “As a human, the only input you provide to the system is an example of a healthy cell and an example of a diseased cell. The system then explores various antibody designs that can effectively differentiate between the two.”
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford have resulted in the development of the innovative AI virus tool, EVEscape. This tool has the potential to contribute to the creation of “future-proof” vaccines that can effectively combat evolving viral threats. If you’re eager to learn more about EVEscape and its capabilities, make sure to check out The Harvard Gazette. For the latest digital tips and trends, be sure to visit Inquirer Tech.
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