Health: Accelerating innovation in new drugs
A truly amazing example in the fight against cancer is the use of AI for the creation of new drugs in record time. An impressive case is that of the company Insilico Medicine, which uses artificial intelligence to discover drugs capable of fighting various types of cancer.
In 2020, its AI platform managed to identify and develop a new drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in just 46 days, a process that in the traditional pharmaceutical industry could take years. This breakthrough has been a “wow” in the field of medicine, as it opens the door to the possibility of identifying and developing personalized cancer treatments much more quickly and accurately.
In addition, AI is being used in precision medicine, where it analyzes large volumes of genetic and clinical data to identify the best therapies for each patient based on their unique genetic profile. For example, IBM Watson for Oncology is already helping doctors determine personalized treatments for cancer patients, recommending options that might not be evident in conventional tests.
This use of AI to accelerate drug discovery and personalized treatments is radically transforming the fight against cancer, with the potential to save millions of lives and dramatically reduce research and therapy development times.
Energy: Cheap, clean, secure and unlimited energy
Nuclear fusion is one of the most promising developments in the field of clean, cheap and practically unlimited energy. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits atoms and generates radioactive waste, nuclear fusion unites hydrogen nuclei to release large amounts of energy, similar to the process that occurs in the sun.
A striking example of progress in this field is the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project, a global collaboration aimed at demonstrating that nuclear fusion can be a viable source of energy. AI plays a key role in this process: from real-time control of reactions in plasma at over 100 million degrees, to the simulation of new materials that can withstand these extreme temperatures.
With the help of AI, advances have been made in stabilizing the plasma, optimizing magnetic confinement systems and better predicting the results of experiments. These AI systems are accelerating the development of viable fusion reactors, which could open the door to a clean, safe and virtually limitless source of energy with no carbon emissions and minimal environmental impact.
The end result could change the global energy landscape, eliminating dependence on fossil fuels and providing cheap energy for millions of people.
Health: Early detection of diseases
In healthcare, AI has made revolutionary advances. A striking example is Google Health’s software, which uses AI to detect eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy with greater accuracy than human specialists. This technology makes it possible to detect diseases at early stages, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Access to Finance: Inclusive Credit Scoring
In financing, companies like Upstart are using AI to analyze data beyond traditional credit history. Its AI evaluates thousands of variables, such as education, employment and utility payments, to provide access to credit to people who historically would not have had it. This has increased access to loans, especially for those who do not have a solid financial history.
Agriculture: optimizing chemical use, crop monitoring and precision farming
A striking example of the use of AI in agriculture is the development of intelligent agricultural robots and predictive systems to optimize harvests, reduce resource use and improve sustainability.
One company that is causing a “wow effect” in this area is Blue River Technology, which uses AI in its system called “See & Spray.” This system uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to identify weeds in fields and accurately apply herbicides only where needed. The result is a savings of up to 90% in the use of chemicals, which not only reduces costs for farmers, but also minimizes environmental impact.
In addition, AI applied to drones and sensors allows farmers to monitor crop status in real time, from nutrient levels to pest detection. This allows more informed decisions on water and fertilizer use, optimizing crop yields and reducing waste.
These advances in precision agriculture, powered by AI, are revolutionizing the way crops are managed, driving greater efficiency and sustainability in food production, and enabling farmers to better adapt to the challenges of climate change and growing global demand for food.
