Being able to predict the shape of proteins using amino-acid sequences could one day inform the development of new treatments for diseases, but learning the shape of even a single protein costs about $100,000 and takes a full year of a researcher’s time. Thanks to John Jumper, lead researcher for U.K.-based company DeepMind’s AlphaFold artificial-intelligence program, it’s now possible to cut that year of work to a single day. AlphaFold leverages neural networks—or algorithmic systems that learn by example—to more quickly compute the shape a protein folds into. The result: a technological leap forward that demonstrates the power of AI to solve complex problems and a better ability to use proteins to understand how diseases work, develop new drugs and more. —Jeffrey Kluger
- The Case for Mediocrity
- How Russia Is Recruiting Cubans to Fight in Ukraine
- Paul Hollywood Answers All of Your Questions About The Great British Baking Show
- Meet the 2023 TIME100 Next: the Emerging Leaders Shaping the World
- Oprah and Arthur C. Brooks: How to Separate Work From Your Identity
- How Canada and India's Relationship Crumbled
- You Don’t Have to Like Wrestling to Love Netflix’s Excellent Wrestlers
- The Most Anticipated Books, Movies, TV, and Music of Fall 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time