How Artificial Intelligence May Aid in the Quest for Immortality
Humanity has long been fascinated with the concept of immortality. Ancient Greek mythology told stories of gods achieving immortality through various means, while today’s physicists explore ways to manipulate time to our advantage. In the pursuit of immortality, a team of scientists from Integrated Biosciences, a California-based company, collaborated with researchers from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
The team’s groundbreaking research, titled “Discovering small-molecule senolytics with deep neural networks,” was published in the journal Nature Aging in May of this year. Despite its recent publication, the study has yet to gain much attention within the academic community. The researchers’ goals, as outlined in the text, were to train deep learning models using small molecules to combat aging-related illnesses such as fibrosis, tumors, inflammation, and osteoarthritis.
Lead author Felix Wong, an American physical chemist and mathematician, explained in an interview with BBC News Brasil that searching for a new drug is like searching for a needle in a haystack. The seemingly infinite number of chemical compounds that have already been created or could be developed poses a major challenge. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play.
Using AI, Wong and his team were able to test over 800,000 chemical compounds and their reactions to potential medicines that target and eliminate senescent cells, commonly referred to as “zombie cells,” in the body. These senescent cells are known to contribute to the aging process. Through their research, the team identified three potentially effective drugs that could combat aging.
Wong explained that without AI, searching through the vast number of chemical compounds would require significant effort. However, AI allows them to search the metaphorical haystack much more efficiently by predicting which drug candidates are most likely to work. This use of deep machine learning techniques in exploring molecular structures for new anti-aging drugs was commended by biophysicist Andrew Rutenberg.
The researchers also focused on educating AI to conduct their studies. They started by evaluating approximately 2,400 compounds in test tubes to determine their effectiveness in killing senescent cells. They then fed this data into the AI program. Through this training, the AI was able to identify the best candidates from the vast pool of over 800,000 potential anti-aging medications.
After a rigorous screening process, the team identified 216 compounds with potential senolytic activity, and further laboratory experiments narrowed down the selection to three potential drugs. To test the effectiveness of one of these drugs, an 80-year-old mouse was selected as the subject. Scientists observed a decline in aging biomarkers, indicating that the compound reduced the aging of cells in living animals.
At present, the three drugs in the testing phase are referred to as BRD-K20733377, BRD-K56819078, and BRD-K44839765. Although the names may seem complex, Wong believes that they may one day enable humans to live longer and healthier lives. However, the team acknowledges the importance of evaluating the potential side effects of these medications before conducting human trials.
Aline Martins, a Brazilian biologist who works as a researcher at The Scripps Research Institute in the United States, expressed enthusiasm for Wong’s work. Although not involved in the study, Martins commended the research for repurposing existing substances from the scientific literature to combat aging, something that would be impossible to do without the use of AI and a digital environment.
The team’s research highlights the fact that aging cells can lead to various illnesses, including osteoarthritis, inflammation, and cancer. The goal is to develop a balanced senolytic that can halt the aging process without causing harmful side effects. Wong believes that with continued research and testing, we may be on the cusp of achieving this goal and increasing our life expectancy by removing harmful aging cells.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of scientists from Integrated Biosciences, Harvard University, and MIT offer promising possibilities in the quest for immortality. Through the use of artificial intelligence, the team has identified potential drugs that could combat aging-related illnesses by targeting senescent cells. While the research is still in its early stages, it showcases the power of AI in accelerating scientific breakthroughs and ultimately extending human lifespan.
