[While many people are understandably skeptical of AI's potential, it has some very specific strengths that could be of great benefit to humanity, not only now but in the future [One of these is the detection of new viruses A new machine learning model at the University of Sydney, Australia, has discovered 161,979 new RNA (ribonucleic) viruses by analyzing vast amounts of data, analyzing genetic data, and cross-referencing with unrecognized ones

That sounds like something only Batman could do For those who want to know more, the full results are available in the research paper

Called LucaProt, the algorithm computes a huge amount of data, including the viral genome It then matched it to the protein structures used by RNA viruses for replication

Such an output would have taken much longer in the past; some RNA viruses exist in extreme conditions on Earth and form an important part of ecosystems This research has shown that they are present in hot springs, hydrothermal vents, and even in the Earth's atmosphere [Edwards Holmes, a senior researcher at the University of Sydney's School of Medicine, told Cell magazine We have been able to open a window into a hidden part of life on Earth and reveal an astonishing biodiversity”

“This is the largest number of new viruses discovered in a single study and greatly expands our knowledge of the viruses that live among us,” Prof Holmes added [The discovery of so many new viruses all at once is astounding There are still millions of viruses to be discovered, and this same approach can be applied to the identification of bacteria and parasites

This is the latest in a series of examples showing how AI is helping and shaping the world beyond making pretty pictures and writing jokes for wedding speeches