A groundbreaking £225 million ($276.7 million) supercomputer is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to advance the development of new vaccines and drugs. Scheduled to become fully functional by summertime, the Bristol-based Isambard-AI system will soon be recognized as the UK’s most potent supercomputer.
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK’s prime minister, announced last week that the nation would be integrating AI technology into a number of areas to boost economic growth. High-performance computing expert Simon McIntosh-Smith of Bristol University noted that the Isambard-AI system puts the UK in a position to compete internationally in technological developments.
Professor McIntosh-Smith said in an interview with BBC Radio Bristol that some components of the system are already in place, allowing researchers to investigate potential cures for a range of ailments. He mentioned the continuous efforts to develop medicines for emphysema, heart disease, and various cancers, as well as vaccinations for dementia and Alzheimer’s. The tech is also being used by researchers to improve melanoma detection in different skin tones.
The professor emphasized Isambard-AI’s immense computational power, capable of handling tasks beyond human capability. Researchers can mimic drug activity at a molecular level, including atom-to-molecule interactions, by using AI models. Traditionally, scientists relied on their expertise and educated guesses to understand how drugs might affect specific proteins in the body, often leading to time-intensive and costly experimental processes.
Supercomputers such as Isambard-AI revolutionize this approach by virtually testing millions of drug candidates in their early stages. The AI narrows down the possibilities, focusing on the most promising ones. This targeted approach not only saves time and resources but also accelerates the path to medical breakthroughs.
The professor expressed excitement about the life-saving potential of the technology, stating, “We could save millions of lives, and it’s thrilling to be part of this.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the broader potential of AI, from diagnosing diseases like cancer more efficiently to inspecting infrastructure such as roads for maintenance issues. Addressing concerns about the investment in Isambard-AI, Professor McIntosh-Smith emphasized its transformative impact, likening it to the invention of the internet or mobile phones. “Public funding ensures that the research remains accessible and benefits society at large,” he stated.
Housed at the National Composites Center, the Isambard-AI system is expected to be one of the top ten fastest supercomputers globally. Despite its energy demands, the system is designed for efficiency, and researchers are exploring innovative ways to repurpose waste energy to heat nearby businesses and homes.
AI is seeing diverse use-cases, and firms like Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) contributing to raising awareness of this technology by harnessing it on popular social media avenues like Facebook and WhatsApp.
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