Google's deep-learning program for predicting the 3D shapes of proteins is poised to revolutionize the field of biology, according to scientists. The complexity of biological systems makes them challenging for human understanding, and AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of experimental data allows it to identify patterns that may elude human researchers. While the program primarily relies on inductive reasoning from experimental results rather than deductive reasoning from fundamental principles, it does incorporate some physical principles to eliminate structurally impossible configurations. This hybrid approach, combining inductive predictions with physical calculations, is expected to enhance the accuracy and power of protein structure prediction, significantly impacting protein folding, biology, and bioinformatics.
