Alex Omenye
Tech giant Google has developed an artificial intelligence tool designed to act as a virtual collaborator for biomedical scientists, the company announced on Wednesday.
The AI system, tested by researchers at Stanford University and Imperial College London, employs advanced reasoning to help scientists analyze vast amounts of literature and generate new hypotheses. According to Google, the tool has the potential to accelerate scientific discovery by improving solutions over time.
AI technology is increasingly being integrated into various industries, from customer service to legal research, following the rise of models like ChatGPT. Google’s AI division, DeepMind, has prioritized scientific advancements, with its chief, Demis Hassabis, earning a Nobel Prize in Chemistry last year for AI-driven innovations.
In a recent experiment on liver fibrosis, Google reported that all approaches suggested by its AI co-scientist showed promise in inhibiting disease progression. While further validation is required, the company stated that the findings highlight AI’s potential to enhance and speed up expert research.
Scientists involved in the project emphasized that the tool is meant to complement human researchers rather than replace them. “We expect that it will increase, rather than decrease, scientific collaboration,” said Google scientist Vivek Natarajan.
Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly considering structural changes to prevent hostile takeovers, signaling ongoing shifts in the AI industry.
