DeepMind releases database with AI predictions for every human protein shape

DeepMind released a free, open-source, big-deal database last week containing AI predictions for the shapes of every protein in the human body. Not only is it the most complete picture of the human proteome (full set of proteins) to date, according to the London-based AI lab--it's also "doubling humanity's accumulated knowledge of high-accuracy human protein structures." Deepening our understanding of protein structures can lead to major leaps forward in understanding diseases, as well as in drug and vaccine development. That could help allay anything from neglected diseases to the next pandemic. Recap: In December 2020, AlphaFold, DeepMind's neural network, made a breakthrough in protein folding--a biological mystery that's puzzled scientists for 50 years.