Computer AI system solves genetics mystery that stumped scientists

For years, biologists have sought to understand how the genes of planarians, a group of free-living flatworms, direct growth in specific body parts. An artificial intelligence tasked with the problem appears to have cracked the code, a breakthrough that demonstrates the incredible potential for “robot science.”

An artificial intelligence system devised by Daniel Lobo and Michael Levin from Tufts University has reverse-engineered the regeneration mechanism of planaria. It’s the first time a nonhuman intelligence has been set with the challenge of investigating the complex regulatory networks required for this extraordinary and mysterious biological feat. The results of the study, which can now be found at PLOS Computational Biology, represents the most comprehensive model of planarian regeneration found to date.

“Most regenerative models today derived from genetic experiments are arrow diagrams, showing which gene regulates which other gene,” noted lead author Michael Levin in a statement. “That’s fine, but it doesn’t tell you what the ultimate shape will be. You cannot tell if the outcome of many genetic pathway models will look like a tree, an octopus or a human.”

Levin says that most models show some requirements for the process to happen, but not the sufficient dynamics required to produce the precise shape of body parts in a coherent step-by-step manner.

“What we need are algorithmic or constructive models, which you could follow precisely and there would be no mystery or uncertainty,” says Levin. “You follow the recipe and out comes the shape.”

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Scientists Use AI To Solve A Long-standing Genetics Mystery

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.