How Monsanto protects crops with artificial intelligence

Monsanto, the leading producer of genetically modified crops (GMOs), has announced a partnership with Atomwise. The controversial corporation will use Atomwise's artificial intelligence expertise to discover molecules that could protect crops quicker. Atomwise uses deep learning algorithms to discover molecules that might have the desired effect, rather than look at every individual molecule. The program has not been active long, but already has partners at Stanford University and UC San Diego. It takes 11 years and $250 million for the typical crop protection to come to market, according to Monsanto.