Machine Learning, Big Data, and Drug Discovery - DZone AI

The University of Toronto has form when it comes to using machine learning in drug discovery. In a recent paper, they describe the use of machine learning to generate 3D structures of protein molecules to assist with drug development. They're putting such thoughts into practice via a spin-out company called Deep Genomics, which was founded by Professor Brendan Frey. The company uses deep learning to trawl through genetic data to try and identify the genes responsible for specific diseases so that medicines can be created. To date, the company has primarily focused on exploring the genome for mutations, which whilst difficult to detect can play a key role in particular diseases.