In a previous blog, I discussed my apprehension and acceptance with chemicals in my yard. My never-ending battle with weeds persists well into the summer, and I’m constantly seeking ways to keep my lawn and flower beds weed free.
Could artificial intelligence be the answer?
A Wall Street Journal article suggests agrochemical producers may look to AI for more effective herbicides.
The article notes that manufacturers like Bayer, Corteva and Syngenta are using AI systems to speed up the product-development process, including the identification of new fungicides and insecticides.
According to the article, Syngenta estimates that AI will cut average discovery to commercialization times by five years and decrease the number of lab and field tests by 30%.
We’ve discussed the potential of AI in a previous article, “Generative AI in the Chemical Industry,” which highlights several use cases, including molecule discovery.
The article recaps key points from a McKinsey & Company webinar, which included demonstrations of generative AI in molecule discovery. A webinar participant explained how AI could aid the chemical industry in discovering sustainable refrigerants by analyzing structure-property relationships relevant to refrigerant applications.
Similarly, Bayer employs an AI system called CropKey to rapidly identify chemical molecules that target specific weed protein structures, accelerating the herbicide discovery process, WSJ reports. The process has helped the company develop its first new herbicide in 30 years, according to the Journal.
AI also could help chemical companies develop products that are safer and more sustainable. In the world of crop production, this means pesticides that are less toxic to people, the article notes.
It’s an interesting read and worth a look if you have a WSJ subscription. The full article is available at https://www.wsj.com/science/environment/super-weed-killer-ai-8105de6a?mod=Searchresults_pos2&page=1.
Heading for the Mountains
On another note, in a few weeks I will be attending the American Chemical Society’s Fall 2024 conference in Denver. The conference kicks off on Aug. 18 with keynote addresses from Jennifer Heemstra, a professor in the chemistry department at Washington University in St. Louis and Temple Grandin, a noted academic whose innovations led to more humane ways of handling livestock.
Grandin, who was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2010, will give a presentation entitled "Discoveries About Cattle Behavior and Visual Thinking Can Help Elevate Chemistry."
Heemstra will discuss “Cultivating the Culture to Elevate Scientific Discovery.” Featured speakers also include Professor Athina Anastasaki from the department of materials at ETH Zurich in Switzerland and Zhenan Bao, a professor in the materials science and engineering department at Stanford University.
“Monomers from polymers” will be the focus of Anastasaki’s lecture, and Bao will discuss “skin-inspired organic electronics.”
Stay tuned for follow-up coverage from this event.
