AlphaFold has already produced a quantum leap in biochemistry, revealing the structures of 200 million proteins. This opens the gateway of understanding that will result in treatments, cures, and scientific advances equivalent to roughly a billion person-years of PhD research.
For context: In the previous 50 years of protein research, scientists mapped the structures of 150,000 proteins. AlphaFold revealed 1,300 times that amount in just a few years.
Even if nothing else of benefit to humanity comes from AI, this is already a monumental achievement. It's an early-stage gigantic breakthrough.
Highly recommended Veritasium video about it here.
