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How Artificial Intelligence May Aid in the Quest for Immortality
Humanity has always been intrigued by the prospect of eternal life. From ancient Greek mythology to modern-day scientific endeavors, the idea of achieving immortality has captivated our imagination. While the myths speak of gods and magic, today’s scientists are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help in the search for the elixir of life.
A team of researchers from Integrated Biosciences, a California-based company, collaborated with scientists from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to explore how AI could assist in the quest for immortality. Their study, titled “Discovering small-molecule senolytics with deep neural networks,” focuses on using AI to search for potential remedies to combat aging and related illnesses.
The research, published in the journal Nature Aging, outlines the team’s goals: training deep learning models using a sample of small molecules to identify compounds with senolytic activity. Senolytic activity refers to the ability to reduce the aging of cells, combating diseases such as fibrosis, tumors, inflammation, and osteoarthritis. By leveraging AI, the researchers aim to discover structurally diverse compounds that can target and eliminate senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells,” that contribute to the aging process.
Felix Wong, a renowned physical chemist, mathematician, biophysics expert, and lead author of the study, discussed the challenges faced in the drug discovery process. He compared it to searching for a needle in a haystack, with the haystack consisting of all the existing or potential chemical compounds that could be developed.
To overcome this challenge, Wong and his team used AI to efficiently search through over 800,000 chemical solutions and predict which drug candidates are most likely to be effective. This process significantly reduces the time and effort required to identify potential anti-aging medications.
The methodology employed in the study has been praised by experts in the field. Biophysicist Andrew Rutenberg from the University of Dalhousie in Canada commended the research, stating that it utilizes deep machine learning techniques to explore diverse molecular structures for novel senolytics.
The experiment started with training the AI system. The researchers evaluated around 2,400 compounds in test tubes to determine their potential in killing senescent cells. The collected data was then fed into the AI program, which was trained to identify the best candidates from the pool of over 800,000 options. This process allowed the researchers to evaluate all alternatives simultaneously and identify 216 compounds with potential senolytic activity. Further laboratory experiments narrowed down the selection to three potentially effective drugs.
To test the efficacy of one of the drugs, an 80-year-old mouse was used as a model. The researchers observed a decline in aging biomarkers, indicating a reduction in the number of senescent cells in the mouse’s kidneys. This breakthrough suggests that the compound can effectively reduce cell aging in living organisms.
The three compounds currently in testing phases are identified as BRD-K20733377, BRD-K56819078, and BRD-K44839765. While the names might be complex, their potential impact on extending and improving human lives is profound.
Aline Martins, a Brazilian biologist working at The Scripps Research Institute in San Diego, expressed her excitement about the study. Although she was not involved in the research, she commended Wong’s work for exploring the use of existing substances to combat aging.
Martins emphasized the significance of using AI in this process, as it allows for the testing of numerous compounds that would otherwise be impossible to evaluate in humans or in a laboratory setting. AI enables scientists to conduct experiments on a scale that was previously unattainable.
It is important to note that senescent cells play a role in both aging and disease prevention. By preventing damaged cells from dividing, the natural anti-cancer mechanism is activated, reducing the risk of cells becoming cancerous. The challenge lies in finding a balanced senolytic that can halt the aging process without causing harmful side effects.
Felix Wong acknowledges that the journey toward achieving immortality is ongoing. The research conducted thus far follows the scientific method, and the ultimate goal is to test these compounds on humans. If successful, these drugs could potentially remove harmful aging cells and increase life expectancy.
While the quest for immortality may seem like a lofty ambition, the integration of AI into scientific research provides hope that we may be one step closer to unlocking the secrets of eternal life. As technology advances and our understanding of the aging process deepens, the possibilities for extending human life and improving health become more tangible. With AI as our ally, the pursuit of immortality moves from the realm of myth to the realm of scientific possibility.
