The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to a trio of scientists who have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock the secrets of proteins, the fundamental building blocks of life, CNN reports.
The Nobel Committee recognized David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper for their groundbreaking work in understanding and manipulating these complex molecules.
Unveiling Protein Structures: A 50-Year Challenge Conquered
Hassabis, a British computer scientist and co-founder of Google’s AI research lab DeepMind, and Jumper, an American researcher also at DeepMind, were lauded for developing an AI model capable of predicting the intricate three-dimensional structures of proteins. This feat, previously considered an insurmountable challenge for over half a century, has revolutionized the field of protein research.
Their AI program, known as AlphaFold, has become a vital tool for scientists worldwide, providing rapid and accurate predictions for the structures of millions of proteins. This “Google search” for protein structures has accelerated progress in fundamental biology, drug discovery, and other related fields.
“The potential of their discoveries is enormous,” the Nobel Committee said.
Engineering New Proteins: A Leap Forward in Design
The other half of the prize was awarded to Baker, an American biochemist at the University of Washington, for his groundbreaking work in designing proteins with novel functions. Using computer-based methods, he has created entirely new proteins that never existed in nature, opening up exciting possibilities for developing new pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other groundbreaking technologies.
A Legacy of Innovation
The trio’s work builds upon the foundations laid by the recipients of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, who were recognized for their pioneering work in artificial neural networks.
Hassabis and Jumper previously made headlines for creating a computer program that defeated the world’s top Go players, showcasing the transformative power of AI.
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million).
