fashion

Google on Wednesday unveiled an artificial intelligence tool capable of predicting the structure and interaction of a vast universe of biomolecules, a fundamental advance that may help scientists unravel poorly understood aspects of biology and disease.

The new AI, dubbed AlphaFold 3, improves upon earlier versions of the model by predicting not just the structure of proteins, but all the molecules that interact with them in cells, including RNA, DNA, ions, and other small molecules.

advertisement

Most new drugs consist of small molecules designed to bind to a protein involved in disease. AlphaFold 3 opens broader avenues of exploration, allowing scientists to rapidly examine complex interactions with other molecules that may highlight new disease targets — and different ways of attacking them.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the technologies disrupting health care — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300 Annually per user

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.