AI gene editing tools have power to modify human DNA, say researchers | BBC News

Summary

In this segment of 'AI Decoded,' the focus is on the impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly in cancer therapy. The show highlights AI's role in improving automation, efficiency, and treatment accuracy in radiotherapy. Despite significant advancements, the program discusses challenges like reduced government investment and regulatory hurdles. Experts, including Priya Lani and Joseph Connor, provide insights into the NHS's use of AI and the future potential of AI-driven healthcare innovations. Additionally, a San Francisco-based company is developing AI-enabled synthetic molecules to target and edit DNA sequences, promising breakthroughs in genetic disease treatments.

Takeaways

• 🧬 The script discusses the integration of AI in healthcare, focusing on medical advancements, particularly in cancer therapy and radiotherapy.
• 🏥 It highlights the potential of AI to improve automation, efficiency, and confidence in delivering higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions, which could reduce waiting lists in the UK's NHS.
• 💡 The report from Digital Health indicates that the UK government has halved its investment in the NHS AI Lab, raising questions about the country's commitment to leveraging AI in healthcare.
• 🤖 The former NHS director of AI Innovation is now using AI to streamline regulations, aiming to help public services make quicker use of AI technologies.
• 📊 The UK currently has 7.5 million people waiting for treatment, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions like AI to improve healthcare delivery.
• 🌟 Electa, a company in England, is showcased for its AI technology that uses live MRI scanning to track tumor movement in real-time during radiotherapy, potentially revolutionizing treatment precision.
• 🛡️ The script touches on the importance of safety mechanisms in AI-assisted treatments, ensuring that trained professionals are always involved to handle any issues that may arise.
• 📉 Despite the technological leaps, the NHS AI Lab's budget has been reduced, which could hinder the adoption and development of AI in healthcare.
• 🛂 The challenges of regulation in AI healthcare are addressed, with a call for better alignment of standards between the UK, the EU, and the US to encourage innovation and market access.
• 🧬 A San Francisco-based company, Profluent, is developing AI-designed synthetic molecules to target and edit specific DNA sequences, potentially preventing genetic diseases.
• 🔬 The script concludes by emphasizing the paradigm shift from discovering cures through natural processes to designing them using AI, exemplified by Profluent's work on synthetic molecules for gene editing.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the AI Decoded segment in the video?

The main focus of the AI Decoded segment is on the application of artificial intelligence in the field of health, particularly in cancer therapy and the advances it brings to medical science.

How does AI improve cancer therapy according to the video?

AI improves cancer therapy by enhancing automation, efficiency, and the confidence to deliver higher doses in fewer fractions, which can help reduce waiting lists in healthcare systems like the UK's NHS.

What is the significance of the investment report from Digital Health mentioned in the video?

The report from Digital Health signifies that the government has reduced its investment in the NHS AI lab by half, which could potentially impact the development and implementation of AI technologies in healthcare.

Who is the former NHS director of AI Innovation featured in the video, and what is he currently working on?

The former NHS director of AI Innovation featured is Joseph Connor, who is now using AI to streamline regulations so that public services can more quickly make use of AI technologies.

What is the current situation regarding the waiting list for treatment in the UK?

There are currently 7.5 million people waiting for treatment in England, which has decreased from a peak of nearly 7.8 million in September, indicating a need for better solutions to reduce waiting times.

How does Electa's AI technology aid in radiotherapy treatment?

Electa's AI technology uses live MRI scanning to track tumor movement in real time, allowing for precise radiation delivery and minimizing the treatment of healthy tissue.

What is the potential impact of AI on reducing the number of radiotherapy sessions for patients?

AI can potentially reduce the number of radiotherapy sessions from over 30 to as few as five or even two, by providing the confidence to deliver higher doses in fewer fractions.

What challenges does the NHS face in adopting new AI technologies according to Joseph Connor?

The challenges include a lack of understanding and awareness of AI's value, difficulty in finding the right resources and people to develop AI within the NHS, and the lengthy process of getting AI devices approved for clinical use.

What is the role of the AI agents developed by Joseph Connor's company, Careful AI Limited?

The AI agents developed by Careful AI Limited are designed to gather information and evidence to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of AI systems, which can help streamline the regulatory approval process.

What is the significance of the synthetic molecules developed by Profluent, as explained by CEO Ali Madani?

The synthetic molecules developed by Profluent, designed and controlled by AI, represent a paradigm shift in medicine. They can target specific DNA sequences to edit out potential diseases, offering a new approach to curing genetic disorders beyond what is possible with natural proteins.

How does the AI model used by Profluent contribute to the development of new medicines?

The AI model used by Profluent learns the underlying rules of biology by analyzing millions of molecules. It can then generate sequences and libraries of sequences that are synthesized and tested in human cells, potentially leading to the development of new, precise, and safe medicines.