Drosophila that represents one of the models of neurodegeneration used in the lab to screen for things (both chemically and genetically) that regulate mitophagy. A new study, published in the journal PLOS Biology, suggests that the language used by researchers in describing their results can be utilized to uncover new treatments for Parkinson's disease. The study, led by Angus McQuibban of the University of Toronto in Canada, utilized AI to find an existing anti-cholesterol medication that has the capability to enhance the disposal of mitochondria, which are cellular components responsible for energy production and are affected in Parkinson's disease. The full pathogenic pathway leading to Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown, but one clear contributor is mitochondrial dysfunction and the inability to dispose of defective mitochondria, a process called mitophagy. At least five genes implicated in PD are linked to impaired mitophagy, either directly or indirectly, and so the authors sought compounds that could enhance the mitophagy process.

AZoRobotics speaks with Alice Ruixue Ai from the University of Oslo about her efforts to create an artificial intelligence (AI)-based virtual screening algorithm and a cross-species Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug verification system. This system could help provide a fast, cost-effective and highly accurate method for the identification of potent mitophagy inducers to maintain brain health. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, seen mainly in the elderly. Around 50 million people in the world suffer from dementia, and about 70% of those people have AD, so this is a huge problem for society. It is estimated that managing the health and social costs for people with AD will cost about 2 trillion dollars by the year 2030.

Artificial intelligence and the cell's self-cleansing system are the keys behind the novel medication. The treatment may strengthen other organs as well. One in six Norwegians over 80 is affected by Alzheimer's disease. Numbers are even higher worldwide, and there is still no cure available. Researchers at the faculty have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) method to help them identify potential new medicines for Alzheimer's.