AI Helps Scientists Discover Powerful New Antibiotic

Scientists in the US and Canada have now used AI to develop an antibiotic

for one of the worst superbugs, one that is often resistant to almost all
antibiotics.
The bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii has been listed by the World Health
Organization as one of three superbugs that most urgently need new
antibiotics.
To find a new antibiotic for this superbug, the scientists first spent weeks
testing thousands of drugs on it in the laboratory, and they found 480
chemical compounds that could stop it from growing.
They then gave this information to their AI, and used it to look at another
6,680 compounds that they had not yet checked. Using what it had learned,
in just 90 minutes the AI produced a short list of compounds that might be
effective.
Scientists conducted tests on 240 compounds and identified nine potential
antibiotics. Among them, a new antibiotic called "abaucin" was discovered to
be highly effective against a specific superbug.
Notably, abaucin exclusively targets this superbug without impacting other
bacteria, which is advantageous in preventing the development of resistance
and reducing potential side effects. While further testing is required, it is
expected to be available for use by 2030. The study, published in Nature
Chemical Biology, demonstrates the potential of AI in expediting the
development of crucial medications.
DISCUSSION.
1. What are your thoughts on this discovery?
2. How do you feel about artificial intelligence being used in medical
research?
3. Considering that abaucin is expected to be available for use by 2030,
what are the challenges and considerations involved in this research?
4. How can interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, researchers,
and AI specialists enhance the discovery and development of new
antibiotics?
5. What impact do you expect AI to have on healthcare and medicine over
the next few decades?
6. What are some potential societal and economic impacts that could arise
from the success of targeted antibiotics like abaucin?
7. Is there anything you don't like about the healthcare system in your
country?
8. The future of medicine is in your smartphone. — Eric Topol. What are
your thoughts on this statement?