top of page
Writer's pictureFOFA

Analysis and Application of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry


Early results from studies of the asymmetric Hopfield Model

The initial behavior of the asymmetric Hopfield model during training is investigated. It is shown that the distribution of the eigenvalues of the system in the complex plane initially falls within the unit circle that characterizes a completely random state. This finding suggests that the system is still in a highly uncertain state during the initial stages.


As the training progresses, some eigenvalues begin to separate from the unit circle, indicating that the system gradually stores information and forms a non-equilibrium structure. This phenomenon means that the system deviates from the thermodynamically stable state and exhibits more complex behavior. It can be seen that the in-depth development of neural networks and artificial intelligence may require the intersection of multiple disciplines, including equilibrium statistical physics, non-equilibrium statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics, and information theory.


Interdisciplinary and complex systems research

Current machine learning techniques, especially large language models, still operate within the framework of classical physics, reflecting the classic phenomenon of "more is different". This classic phenomenon refers to the difference between overall behavior and individual behavior when the scale of the system increases. Therefore, researchers need to consider how to introduce the principles of quantum physics into this field to promote deeper development.

Potential Impacts of Quantum Physics

The actual introduction of quantum physics may change our understanding of information processing and storage. The properties of quantum computing, such as superposition and entanglement, can provide new perspectives and methods for the efficiency and power of neural networks and artificial intelligence. This transformation may lead to the birth of new algorithms and models, further improving the processing power of complex systems.


By integrating knowledge from these disciplines, we may be able to more fully understand the dynamic behavior of complex systems and achieve greater breakthroughs in the research of artificial intelligence and machine learning. It is expected that future research will place greater emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive exploration within the framework of complex systems.


2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

On October 9, 2024, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry in recognition of groundbreaking advances in protein science. This year's awards are divided into two parts:


The three winners are:

David Baker

Washington University

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Award reason: Computational protein design


Demis Hassabis

Google Deep Mind London, UK


John M. Jumper

Google Deep Mind London, UK

Reason for the award: Protein structure prediction


Scientific background

This year's Chemistry Prize focuses on proteins, the chemical tools of life that play a vital role in living organisms. David Baker succeeded in designing an entirely new type of protein, an unprecedented feat, while Demis Hassabis and Johann Gamper developed an artificial intelligence model that solved a 50-year-old problem: predicting the complex structures of proteins.


Proteins are the basis of life; they control and drive all chemical reactions and serve as the building blocks of hormones, signaling substances, antibodies, and different tissues. These award-winning discoveries not only demonstrate the diversity of proteins, but also reveal their amazing capabilities as chemical tools.

Importance of discovery

David Baker's research achievements include designing new proteins using 20 different amino acids. His research group has created many novel proteins since 2003, including proteins used as drugs, vaccines, nanomaterials and microsensors.


On the other hand, Demis Hassabis and John Gamper's AI model AlphaFold2 marks a major breakthrough in protein structure prediction. Since 2020, this model has helped researchers predict the structures of almost all 200 million known proteins. AlphaFold2 has a wide range of applications, helping scientists better understand antibiotic resistance and create images of enzymes that can break down plastic.


Proteins are the basis of life, and now we can predict the structure of proteins and design our own proteins, which is of great benefit to humanity. These award-winning discoveries not only have far-reaching significance in scientific research, but also open new doors for future biomedical and biotechnology applications.


The scientific and technological applications of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winning research may have the following impacts on society :

A. Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

1. New drug development:

- Use computational protein design to develop more effective drugs and accelerate the drug discovery process.

- Predicting protein structure helps us understand disease mechanisms and design targeted treatments.


2. Vaccine development:

- Designing specific proteins to enhance the immune response of vaccines and improve their effectiveness.


3. Diagnostic tools:

- Develop more sensitive biosensors for early disease detection.


B. Environmental Science

1. Pollution control:

- Design enzymes to break down pollutants such as plastics and promote a cleaner environment.


2. Biodegradable Materials:

- Create biodegradable materials and reduce plastic pollution.


C. Industrial Applications

1. Nanomaterials:

- Design new nanomaterials for specific industrial uses, such as stronger or lighter materials.


2. Biomanufacturing:

- Use protein engineering for bioproduction to improve production efficiency and product quality.


D. Artificial Intelligence and Computing

1. Computational Biology:

- Promote the application of AI in bioinformatics and enhance biological data analysis capabilities.


2. Cross-disciplinary research:

- Enhance the application of quantum computing and AI in complex systems to solve more complex scientific problems.


These research breakthroughs have brought new opportunities and challenges to multiple fields and may lead to future technological innovations and applications.


17 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page