Using AI to unlock the genetic secrets of food

A startup is employing machine learning to identify what it calls the "dark matter of nutrition." Why it matters: More than 99% of phytonutrients -- the natural chemicals produced by plants -- are unknown to science. If we can illuminate that dark matter, we can identify and cultivate compounds in foods for specific health value. How it works: The startup Brightseed uses a proprietary AI platform called Forager to predict the likelihood that plants will have useful natural compounds and the likelihood that those phytonutrients will have specific health benefits. Details: The Forager system can screen by specific chemical compound, or by health benefit, searching for ingredients that might affect cholesterol or cognitive function.