Scientists employ AI to synthesize new antibiotic
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Scientists have reportedly used AI algorithms to screen thousands of anti-bacterial molecules, configuring a new anti-bacterial which they named abaucin.
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Scientist in using a microscope, Mar 19, 2020 (Pexels)
The Guardian reported that scientists have discovered an antibiotic for a superbug bacteria known as Acinetobacter baumannii.
The bacteria are classified by the WHO as a critical threat among its "priority pathogens". The bacteria have an innate mechanism to find new ways to resist treatment and can pass on genetic material to other bacteria making them drug-resistant as well.
Scientists have reportedly used AI algorithms to screen thousands of anti-bacterial molecules: and then configured a new anti-bacterial which they named again.
“We had a whole bunch of data that was just telling us about which chemicals were able to kill a bunch of bacteria and which ones weren’t. My job was to train this model, and all that this model was going to be doing is telling us essentially if new molecules will have antibacterial properties or not,” said one of the researchers.
Read more: Experts warn AI poses existential threat to health of millions
Earlier this week, European trade union chief Esther Lynch warned that no employee should be "subject to the will of a machine," pressuring for a regulation to ensure humans remain in control as artificial intelligence technology advances at breakneck speed.
In the same way that European Union treaties safeguard worker health and safety, Lynch said in an interview ahead of a big gathering of union representatives in Berlin that restrictions are needed to ensure "the human-in-control principle" when it comes to AI.
Citing a "dystopian" scenario, Lynch said as quoted by AFP, "We need to be guaranteed that no worker is subject to the will of a machine."
