How AI trained to read scientific papers could predict future discoveries

Creativity isn't the only route to discovery – automated analysis of huge amounts of data works, too. "Can machines think?", asked the famous mathematician, code breaker and computer scientist Alan Turing almost 70 years ago. Today, some experts have no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be able to develop the kind of general intelligence that humans have. But others argue that machines will never measure up. Although AI can already outperform humans on certain tasks – just like calculators – they can't be taught human creativity.