focus -WSS

focus

author：comprehensive 2025-09-28 21:58:59 - browse：938

On Tuesday, Google DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs announced a significant progress update on the next iteration of AlphaFold, the deep learning model that in 2020 cracked the problem of predicting a protein’s structure from its amino acid sequence, leapfrogging other approaches in computational biology.

Now, the companies say they have developed the model to predict not just standalone protein structures, but what proteins look like in combination with several classes of molecules, including small molecules and nucleic acids — capabilities that are key for drug development.

“We really needed to make progress on protein-ligand binding and co-folding of ligands with proteins in order to help us design more effective drugs,” said Demis Hassabis, CEO of both DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs, which spun out in 2021 with the goal of applying deep learning approaches to drug discovery. The updated model can also predict protein structures after they’ve been modified. “Basically the new AlphaFold can cope with all of these different things, which is pretty amazing.”

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe Log In

Previous article： How one medical school became remarkably diverse
Next article： STAT Executive Editor Rick Berke on STAT's 8th birthday

hotspot

WSS

Ambulance rides for just $100? Advisers want major billing fixes

The Sacklers, horror, and ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’

Surgeons perform first xenotransplant using CRISPR'd pig kidney

Extreme heat events are a public health emergency

Ambulance rides for just $100? Advisers want major billing fixes

Removing probiotics from the NICU could threaten preemies' health

leisure time

focus

leisure time

New air purifier tech could be key to improving indoor air quality

HPV cancer vaccine study demonstrates efficacy

The Supreme Court will review a ruling striking down a domestic violence federal gun ban

Erich Jarvis studies song birds to learn about human stuttering

United colonoscopy coverage change 'may cost lives,' doctors say

Abortion clinic in Cancun will cater to Americans

What does generative AI mean for health care? We asked experts

Yancopoulos of Regeneron works to expand Dupixent success

Alkermes shareholders re

Removing probiotics from the NICU could threaten preemies' health

leisure time

Excited delirium, Elijah McClain, and emergency physicians

Will General Catalyst be the first of many hospital takeovers?

Readout LOUD podcast, live from the STAT Breakthrough Summit East

Medicare solvency divides Republicans at the presidential debate

Medicare solvency divides Republicans at the presidential debate

Yancopoulos of Regeneron works to expand Dupixent success

hotspot

hotspot

hotspot

explore