DeepMind AI cracks half-century-old puzzle of “folding protein,” sheds light on mechanism of life

Artificial intelligence is breaking scientific barriers: AI group DeepMind’s new program AlphaFold has figured out how proteins fold into 3D forms, a complex problem that has eluded scientists for over 50 years. The program’s breakthrough offers a better understanding of the machinery of life, and could lead to advances in designer meds, healthier crops and “green enzymes” that can disintegrate plastics and prevent pollution, the Guardian reports.