Who is Demis Hassabis?
CEO and co-founder of DeepMind (a part of Google)
Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry (2024)
Known for using AI to solve complex problems in science and health
Helped develop an AI that mapped 200 million protein structures – the building blocks of life
AI's huge role in medicine
In a recent interview with CBS, Demis Hassabis shared how artificial intelligence (AI) could completely change the future of healthcare.
Faster drug development:
It usually takes 10 years and billions of dollars to create a new drug. Hassabis believes AI could shorten this to months or weeks.
Possibly curing all diseases:
With enough progress, AI could help cure every disease within the next 10 years.
AI is already working:
DeepMind's AI has solved protein structures that were once nearly impossible to decode — a huge step forward in understanding how the human body works.
How is this likely to come?
AI is evolving rapidly, and its impact on science and medicine is already showing up. Here's what's changing:
AI may soon be able to ask its own scientific questions and form new hypotheses. This means AI won't just follow instructions — it'll come up with ideas on its own.
Scientific creativity:
Hassabis imagines AI has a kind of "scientific imagination," helping humans solve problems we haven't even thought of yet.
He believes AI can help create a world where resources like medicine are no longer limited or expensive.
Staying Safe with AI
While the benefits are huge, Hassabis also warns about the risks.
AI being used to cause harm:
AI tools can be misused by people with bad intentions.
AI not following human values:
As AI systems become more advanced, it will be important to ensure they remain aligned with what’s best for people.
The Importance of Regulation:
Hassabis is also a government advisor and works to ensure that safe policies are in place for the use of AI.
Real-Life Examples of AI in Medicine
According to IBM, AI is already making a big difference in healthcare:
Improving Diagnosis:
AI helps doctors detect diseases like cancer and sepsis early by reading medical images.
Personalizing treatment:
AI tools help customize care for individual patients.
Accelerating drug discovery:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI helped monitor patients and check symptoms faster.
Virtual health assistants:
These tools allow doctors to care for patients even outside hospitals.