Biology as Consumer Technology

Arguments

Artificial intelligence is accelerating other critical technologies, specifically in biology

Supporting facts:

• New advances are unlocking unprecedented amounts of data

• AI allows for new tools to read, edit, and write DNA

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Data

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AI and biotechnology convergence will reshape business, consumers, and evolution

Supporting facts:

• Biotechnology is enabling the creation of products and services that are grown, not just made

• The convergence may need to be pursued responsibly due to potential risks

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Business Evolution

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The microbiome is an important factor in physical and mental health

Supporting facts:

• Microbiome lives in and on us

• Different parts of the body have different microbiomes

• DSM-Ferminich is working to modulate the microbiome for better health

Topics: Microbiome, Health, Mental health

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Amy Webb is skeptical about companies changing their focus to AI without proper understanding and subtle application

Supporting facts:

• Amy Webb observed that a lot of companies which weren’t doing well suddenly added .ai at the end of their names and got attention.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Business Strategy

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Amy Webb questions the sustainability of commercializing biology-based consumer products

Supporting facts:

• Amy mentioned the case of Amaris, a well-known company in the biological technology field, which struggled with sustainable commercialization.

Topics: Biotechnology, Commercialization

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Microbes can convert nitrogen to a form that is usable by plants, thereby reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen which has harmful effects on the environment

Supporting facts:

• Synthetic nitrogen is derived from natural gas

• Synthetic nitrogen when applied to a field can turn into nitrous oxide which is a harmful greenhouse gas

• Synthetic nitrogen can also leach and contaminate waterways

• The company’s technology produces nitrogen in a form that is usable by plants, with a better cost structure and performance than synthetic nitrogen

Topics: Microbes, Nitrogen, Environment, Synthetic Nitrogen, Fertilizer

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Synthetically cultured chicken has been approved in some countries

Supporting facts:

• Singapore has approved synthetically cultured chicken

• The United States has also recently approved synthetically cultured chicken

Topics: Food Administration, Synthetically Cultured Chicken

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Amy Webb is impressed by the advancements in bioconvergence in Israel

Supporting facts:

• There are 100 startups in Israel using bioconvergence in their products and services

• Innovation agency of the government is creating the right environment for startups

Topics: Bioconvergence, Innovation, Israel, Startups

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Amy wants to learn more about Hewlett-Packard Enterprise’s role in bioconvergence

Supporting facts:

• Hewlett-Packard Enterprise has been in this space for a while

Topics: Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Bioconvergence, Technology

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Amy Webb questions the slow progress in scaling and implementing beneficial AI technology

Supporting facts:

• Amy observed the benefits of AI technology in various fields

• Expressed concern about agriculture not changing significantly in approximately 14,000 years

Topics: AI Technology, Scaling, Market Adaptation

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People are more afraid of GMOs than GPS in agricultural technology.

Supporting facts:

• 96% of farmers in the United States use tractors that guide themselves through GPS

Topics: agricultural technology, GMO, GPS

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The real power of AI is its predictive and simulation capability, especially in projecting outcomes that can’t be tested.

Supporting facts:

• The potential of using AI to predict outcomes and provide guidance in the context of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women is mentioned.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Predictive Modeling, Simulation

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Amy Webb mentioned trust issues related to genetically modified and cultured food products

Supporting facts:

• Amy mentioned the reaction to Dolly the sheep – the first cloned sheep, and the potential public reaction to cultured beef.

• She referred to cultured beef as an amazing story and showed curiosity about public reaction if it goes on sale

Topics: Genetically Modified Food, Cultured Meat, Perception, Public Trust

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Amy discussed the unpredictable nature of biology evolution

Supporting facts:

• Amy stated that even with HP supercomputers, we can’t necessarily predict every permutation in advance and biology sometimes evolves in ways that we cannot predict

Topics: Biology, Genetic Modification, Evolution

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Report

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and biology is having a profound impact on the field of biology. New advances in AI are unlocking unprecedented amounts of data, revolutionising research in this domain. AI allows for new tools to read, edit, and write DNA, holding immense potential for advancements in biotechnology.

This intersection of AI and biology is accelerating critical technologies and opening up new possibilities for scientific breakthroughs. However, this convergence also brings both opportunities and risks that need careful consideration. AI provides powerful tools for reading, editing, and writing DNA, leading to significant advancements in biotechnology.

These advancements enable the creation of products and services grown through biotechnology, revolutionising industries and reshaping business models and consumer preferences. Yet, the convergence of AI and biology also raises concerns and potential risks. It is crucial to address risks such as potential misuse of genetic information, ethical concerns surrounding genetic modifications, and the impact on privacy and data security.

Panel discussions and expert opinions aim to responsibly pursue the convergence of AI and biology while addressing these risks. The microbiome, the microorganisms that live in and on our bodies, is another area impacted by the convergence of AI and biology.

Research shows the microbiome’s crucial role in physical and mental health. Companies like DSM-Ferminich work to modulate the microbiome for better health outcomes. Understanding the microbiome’s role and leveraging AI in this field can lead to significant advancements in healthcare and overall well-being.

The advancements in bioconvergence in Israel are noteworthy. With approximately 100 startups using bioconvergence in their products and services, Israel has become a hub for innovation in this field. The government’s support fosters the growth of these startups, further driving advancements in bioconvergence.

However, Amy Webb, a prominent analyst, raises concerns about the sustainable commercialization of biology-based consumer products. She highlights the struggles of Amaris, a well-known company in the biological technology field. These concerns indicate the need for careful consideration and planning when commercializing biology-based products.

In addition, public perception and trust play a vital role in the adoption of genetically modified and cultured food products. Amy Webb emphasizes the importance of addressing trust issues surrounding these products. She refers to public reactions to the first cloned sheep, Dolly, and raises curiosity about potential reactions to the sale of cultured beef.

Addressing these trust issues is crucial for the successful introduction and acceptance of genetically modified and cultured food products. In conclusion, the convergence of AI and biology accelerates critical technologies in the field. This intersection holds immense potential for advancements in biotechnology, healthcare, and various industries.

However, risks and ethical concerns must be addressed. Public perception and trust are crucial factors in the successful adoption of genetically modified and cultured food products. Continued research, responsible implementation, and open dialogue are necessary to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by the convergence of AI and biology.

Arguments

Chris Abbott suggests that the technology used in synthetic biology could eventually prove to be price deflationary

Supporting facts:

• The technology used in synthetic biology is potentially nimble compared to traditional fixed asset or synthetic businesses. This could lead to a reduction in the cost model.

Topics: synthetic biology, technology, price deflation

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Chris Abbott’s company develops biologics, specifically microbes or bacteria, that are used as a seed coating

Supporting facts:

• These biologics are more and more delivered as a seed coating.

• This approach could potentially reduce the amount of synthetic nitrogen applied to crops

Topics: Biologics, Agriculture, Seed Coating

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Synthetic nitrogen is code for fertilizer.

Supporting facts:

• Synthetic nitrogen is commonly found in fertilizers

Topics: Fertilizer, Synthetic Nitrogen

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Synthetic fertilizer is necessary to achieve current yields and feed the world

Supporting facts:

• Without synthetic fertilizer, current agricultural yield would not be attainable

Topics: Synthetic fertilizer, Agricultural yield, World hunger

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Microbes can convert nitrogen in the air into a form usable by plants akin to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.

Supporting facts:

• The nitrogen conversion process essentially creates a form of nitrogen fertilizer similar to synthetic.

• This process is potentially more sustainable compared to synthetic nitrogen production which is derived from natural gas.

Topics: Microbes, Nitrogen Conversion, Plant Growth

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Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer, derived from natural gas, can lead to environmental problems.

Supporting facts:

• Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is volatile and can turn into nitrous oxide, a harmful greenhouse gas.

• The leaching of synthetic fertilizer can impact water quality and lead to dead zones.

Topics: Synthetic Fertilizer, Greenhouse Gas, Pollution

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Improving yield by utilizing less water and less reliance on natural gas

Supporting facts:

• We use one one thousandth the water

• No reliance on brutal natural gas

Topics: Sustainable Agriculture, Water Conservation, Natural Gas

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Managing variability in biological systems

Supporting facts:

• Biologics have a lot of variability and you have to manage those things

• Communicate with the plant using soil microbiome

Topics: Biological Systems, Soil Microbiome

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Integrating synthetic and biological solutions

Supporting facts:

• Work with the synthetic fertilizer sources and players

• It can be synthetic, it can be biological

Topics: Synthetic Fertilizer, Biological Fertilizer

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Focus on nitrogen fixation

Supporting facts:

• Use our genetic tools to teach them that their sole job in life is nitrogen fixation

Topics: Nitrogen Fixation, Genetic Tools

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Agriculture is a very tech-enabled industry

Supporting facts:

• 96% of farmers in the US have a tractor that guides itself through GPS

Topics: Agriculture, Technology

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GMOs are not as harmful as perceived and can actually contribute positively to agriculture

Supporting facts:

• GMOs can reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture

• They promote plant safety, health, and higher yields

Topics: Genetically Modified Organisms, Agricultural Technology, Food Production

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Biologics in agriculture are tricky due to the unpredictable nature of biological organisms and their environment

Supporting facts:

• Biological organisms have their own variability and can be fickle

• Unpredictable weather patterns make it difficult to predict outcome of biologics

Topics: Biologics, Agricultural Technology, Weather Impact

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Working together is important for scaling solutions quickly

Supporting facts:

• Solutions are ready to roll and are scaling

• Working in isolation is not an effective way to bring something to market quickly and at scale

Topics: Collaboration, Innovation Scaling, Partnerships

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Seek partners to avoid incumbency risk and facilitate adoption

Topics: Incumbency Risk, Partnerships

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Report

The analysis examines Chris Abbott’s support for synthetic biology and biologics in agriculture. Abbott believes that the technology used in synthetic biology has the potential to be more nimble and cost-effective compared to traditional fixed asset or synthetic businesses, ultimately leading to a reduction in the cost model.

He argues that these technologies should eventually stand on their own, without subsidies or artificial support, and be able to compete with traditional offerings in the market. In the agricultural sector, Abbott’s company, PivotBio, specializes in developing biologics, specifically microbes or bacteria, that are used as a seed coating.

This approach aims to reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen in crop production. Abbott advocates for the use of biologics as a means of achieving sustainable agriculture practices and reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers. It is acknowledged that synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are crucial for food production, as they play a significant role in achieving high agricultural yields and ensuring food security.

However, Abbott supports the continued use of synthetic fertilizers while also advocating for the integration of synthetic and biological solutions in the industry. He believes that collaboration and partnerships are essential for addressing challenges in the fertilizer sector. Abbott also emphasizes the importance of reducing waste in the agricultural system, highlighting the use of biologics to minimize waste as microbes live on the plant’s root system without any associated waste.

Additionally, the analysis underscores the significance of technology and partnerships in agriculture. Abbott notes that the industry is highly technology-driven, with a significant percentage of US farmers using GPS-guided tractors. He emphasizes the need for technology that provides value, reduces costs, and outperforms previous solutions.

Abbott promotes collaboration and partnerships as essential for scaling solutions effectively in the agricultural sector, underlining the importance of proper government frameworks and risk appetite. In conclusion, the analysis presents a range of perspectives on the use of synthetic biology and biologics in agriculture.

Chris Abbott supports the adoption of these technologies to reduce costs, dependency on synthetic nitrogen, and waste in the agricultural system. He advocates for collaboration, technology integration, and partnerships to address challenges in the industry. While acknowledging the necessity of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers for food production, there is also a growing need for sustainable alternatives to ensure the long-term viability of the fertilizer industry.

Arguments

AI and biology are two different revolutions

Supporting facts:

• AI will accelerate biology but they are distinct revolutions

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Biology

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Bioconvergence is more than just biology and AI, it includes various fields like computer science, nanotechnology etc.

Supporting facts:

• Mentioned real-life examples of companies implementing this

• Explained that bioconvergence includes many other sectors like health tech, food, agri-tech etc.

Topics: Bioconvergence, Biology, Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, Computer Science

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Israel has companies that implement bioconvergence in innovative ways.

Supporting facts:

• Mentioned a company that is developing nanorobots for targeted therapy

• Another company is 3D printing human organs for implantation

Topics: Israel, Startups, Health Tech

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Bioconvergence is when biologists sit next to engineers or computer scientists

Supporting facts:

• Bioconvergence involves biology, electronics, and fermentation

Topics: Bioconvergence, Research and development

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Culturing beef is technically challenging

Supporting facts:

• Culturing beef requires a combination of biology and technology

Topics: Synthetic Meat, Biotechnology

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Bioconvergence and digital transformation are not the same and face their own sets of challenges

Topics: Bioconvergence, Digital Transformation, Challenges

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Needs to overcome major challenges for successful bioconvergence

Supporting facts:

• Challenges include science, commercialization process, funding, scaling, regulation, consumer adaptation

Topics: Challenges, Bioconvergence

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AI has seen significant growth and attention recently and the same could happen for biotechnology.

Supporting facts:

• AI has been talked about for 50 years, but has seen significant advancements and attention even within the past year, and this could similarly occur for biotechnology

Topics: AI, Biotechnology

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Innovation in deep technology is not the same as developing an app or enterprise software.

Supporting facts:

Topics: Deep technology, Innovation

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Consumer education and acceptance is a major obstacle to biotech innovations such as lab-created meat.

Supporting facts:

• Consumers have been educated that processed food is not good, and now need reeducation that lab-created meat can be healthier and better for the planet.

Topics: Consumer education, Biotech innovation, Lab-created meat

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Cultured meat is healthier and less costly

Supporting facts:

• Cultured meat production is like the process of producing a pharmaceutical pill, which is very clean and regulated

• It results in a product with fewer antibiotics and other substances currently fed to livestock

• It is less costly than traditional farming

Topics: Cultured Meat, Health

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Early engagement with consumers is important in promoting cultured meat.

Supporting facts:

• Engaging with consumers is crucial in understanding their concerns and preferences and maturing the products

• The approval from the Food Administration in Israel allows companies to begin this engagement

Topics: Cultured Meat, Consumer Behaviour

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Investors should take more risks

Supporting facts:

• Investors should innovate

• Venture funds in Hebrew are called risk funds

• Risk funds do not like risk

Topics: Venture Capital, Innovation

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Report

The analysis examines various arguments and stances surrounding the concepts of bioconvergence, AI, and biotechnology. One argument posits that AI and biology are distinct revolutions, with each field having its own unique advancements and impacts. On the other hand, there is a view that digital transformation is shifting towards biological transformation, highlighting the increasing importance of biology in driving technological advancements.

Bioconvergence is shown to encompass a wide range of fields, including computer science, nanotechnology, and health tech. This interdisciplinary approach is seen as having the potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, food, and agriculture. Israel is highlighted as a country with innovative companies that are implementing bioconvergence in creative and impactful ways.

For instance, there are companies developing nanorobots for targeted therapy and 3D printing human organs for implantation. However, there are significant challenges to overcome in the field of bioconvergence. These challenges include scientific complexities, the commercialization process, securing funding, scaling up operations, navigating regulations, and ensuring consumer adaptation.

Successful bioconvergence requires addressing these challenges effectively. The commercialization of bioconvergence is strongly supported, with the innovation agency of the Israeli government creating an environment conducive to startup innovation in this space. Additionally, there is a call for more investment in biotechnology, as it is seen as the new frontier of innovation.

Some investors are warned against avoiding investments in biotech, as this is considered a mistake. Consumer education and acceptance play a crucial role in the adoption of biotech innovations such as lab-created meat. While processed food has been widely acknowledged as unhealthy, there is a need for re-education to highlight the potential health and environmental benefits of lab-created meat.

Early engagement with consumers is seen as vital in promoting acceptance and understanding consumer concerns and preferences. Cultured meat is presented as a healthier and more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional livestock farming. The production process of cultured meat is compared to that of producing pharmaceutical pills, emphasizing the cleanliness and regulation involved.

Additionally, cultured meat production results in products with fewer antibiotics and other substances associated with traditional livestock farming. It is also noted that cultured meat is less costly than traditional farming methods, making it an economically attractive option. Notably, the analysis highlights the importance of investors taking more risks, as venture funds often shy away from risk.

It is suggested that increased risk-taking by investors can lead to more innovations and advancements in various industries. Furthermore, it is advocated that governments should de-risk the business environment to attract investment and foster economic growth. In conclusion, the analysis reveals a range of arguments and stances related to bioconvergence, AI, and biotechnology.

While AI and biology are viewed as distinct revolutions, there is a shift towards biological transformation within the realm of digital transformation. The potential of bioconvergence is acknowledged, but significant challenges must be overcome for successful implementation. The commercialization of bioconvergence is encouraged, alongside increased investment in biotechnology.

Consumer education and acceptance, particularly in relation to lab-created meat, are identified as critical factors. Notably, greater risk-taking by investors and supportive government policies are seen as necessary for further innovation and economic growth.

Arguments

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise has been in this space for a long time

Supporting facts:

• Six of the ten world’s fastest supercomputers are Hewlett-Packard Enterprise

• Most of the AI models are powered through HPE platform

• HPE builds software to help models train faster and more reliably

Topics: AI, supercomputing, technology

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There are risks and downsides associated with AI

Topics: AI, risks

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The scarcity of underlying technology chips is leading to increased costs and potentially unaligned decision-making

Supporting facts:

• There’s a battle for chips due to higher demand than supply

• Access to models and technology raises cost

• Choices are being made about how technology is availabile, which may not line up with desired choices

Topics: Chip shortage, Life sciences, Decision-making, Economics

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High energy consumption in data centers is exacerbating environmental issues

Supporting facts:

• Data centers are huge consumers of electrical power

• AI and size of machines are added to the problem

Topics: Energy consumption, Environment, Data centers

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Geopolitical instability may cause significant disruptions to the supply chains of technology

Supporting facts:

• Interconnected supply chains require materials from around the world

• Destabilization and discussions of decoupling supply chains could impact the ability to access technologies

Topics: Geopolitics, Supply chains, Technology

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Keeping humanity at the center of artificial intelligence systems is crucial

Supporting facts:

• The tendency when we think about AI is to think about it’s the robots taking over the world

• We really ought to be thinking about most of this as augmentation of human intelligence

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Human Centric

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Report

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) is a prominent player in the supercomputing and artificial intelligence (AI) industry. With six of the world’s top ten fastest supercomputers, HPE has established itself as a leader in this field. They have powered the majority of AI models through their platform, contributing to the development and advancement of AI technology.

In addition, HPE is actively engaged in creating software that enhances the training of AI models, enabling them to train faster and more reliably. The application of AI has the potential to bring notable benefits across various sectors. By leveraging AI, businesses and industries can achieve greater efficiency, resulting in improved outcomes.

This technology can optimize processes, automate tasks, and enhance decision-making, leading to increased productivity and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, AI advancements have the potential to significantly improve individuals’ quality of life. From healthcare to infrastructure development, AI can enhance services, improve accessibility, and create opportunities for economic growth.

However, it is important to acknowledge that there are risks and downsides associated with AI. The scarcity of technology chips is a notable challenge, leading to increased costs and potentially unaligned decision-making. The demand for these chips far exceeds the supply, creating a battle for resources.

Access to AI models and technology can be limited, raising concerns about equity and fairness. Choices made about the availability of technology may not align with desired choices, potentially creating imbalances in access and opportunity. Furthermore, the high energy consumption of data centers that support AI infrastructure poses environmental challenges.

Data centers are significant consumers of electrical power, and the growing use of AI and larger computing machines exacerbates this issue. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, addressing the environmental impact of AI infrastructure is crucial. The geopolitical landscape also plays a role in the future of AI and technology.

The interconnected nature of supply chains requires materials and components from around the world. Geopolitical instability and discussions of decoupling these supply chains can have a significant impact on the availability and accessibility of technologies. Disruptions in the supply chains can impede technological advancements and hinder innovation.

Despite these challenges, John Schultz remains optimistic about the long-term future of the life science industry. While there are obstacles to overcome, he remains confident that the industry will flourish. Maintaining a human-centric approach to AI systems is emphasized as vital.

The focus should not be on machines taking over, but rather on the augmentation of human intelligence through AI. By ensuring that humanity remains at the core of AI systems, we can leverage technology to improve the way people live and work while avoiding potential ethical concerns.

In conclusion, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise is a significant player in the supercomputing and AI industry, with their powerful supercomputers and AI platform. AI has immense potential to bring efficiency, advancements in the quality of life, and better outcomes across various sectors.

However, risks such as the scarcity of technology chips, high energy consumption, and geopolitical instability need to be addressed. Despite these challenges, optimism remains for the long-term future of the life science industry. It is crucial to keep humanity at the center of AI systems and use AI to enhance how people live and work responsibly.

Arguments

Scientific understanding, particularly in biology, is largely infinitesimal

Supporting facts:

• Most of what we refer to as mechanism is what we are certain about, which is a small part of the overall scenario

Topics: science, biology, understanding

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AI tool is an enabler for augmented imagination in science

Supporting facts:

• AI allows for bigger leaps in science

• Experiments are necessary to determine the value of these leaps

Topics: AI, science

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Predicting the market for these scientific advancements is difficult due to the long timelines

Supporting facts:

• In drugs, the timeline can be up to 10 years, in agriculture, up to 5 years

Topics: market prediction, scientific advancements

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Failures in the biological industry can be seen as cautionary tales for surviving companies

Supporting facts:

• Amaris, a well-known company in the biological industry failed to commercialize in a feasible way

• Success does not guarantee survival

Topics: Biology, Industry Failures, Evolution

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The market has limited the application of new tools outside of therapeutic uses

Supporting facts:

• Biological products have to compete with commodities that have been around for a long time, thus making them uneconomical

• Innovations in the field of synthetic biology can only be lucrative if there is a premium for them

Topics: Market Limitations, Therapeutic Applications, New Tools

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The survival and thriving of a company in the biotech space depends on whether it can finance itself long enough to reduce its cost model and become deflationary

Supporting facts:

• Amaris was a company that successfully financed itself long enough to reduce its cost model and thrive in the biotech space

Topics: Biotech, Finance, Cost Reduction

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Large companies in the biotech space should let R&D play out and allow failures fail and success make their way to them

Supporting facts:

• The more this strategy is used in the industrial biotech space, the more the industry will thrive

Topics: Biotech, R&D, Large Companies

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Noubar Afeyan believes in the value of innovation and breakthroughs in biotechnology.

Supporting facts:

• Moderna is one of the company they founded 13 years ago.

• Moderna had 40 programs that were in the lab, 20 of them were in the clinic before COVID-19.

• By the time of COVID-19, Moderna had already tested nine human vaccines.

• The pandemic gave Moderna an opportunity to prove that they could go from zero to a billion people, and then all of a sudden, everybody thinks it’s an incumbent technology.

Topics: Biotechnology, Innovation

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Noubar Afeyan highlights the struggle between incumbents and insurgents in the biotech industry.

Supporting facts:

• He describes the biotech industry, like other areas of innovation, as an existential fight between incumbents and insurgents.

• Incumbents fix the ecosystem in their favor to discourage disruption.

• There is a higher chance for startups to make impacts when there’s uncertainty and incumbents are at a loss.

Topics: Biotechnology, Competition

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We need uncertainty to get to the future

Supporting facts:

• People, humans, run away from uncertainty

• We are afraid of the unknown

Topics: Innovation, Uncertainty

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Running towards uncertainty can create a unique position and value

Supporting facts:

• Noubar Afeyan believes that creating value in uncertainty and things that people believe cannot work, can lead to a unique position

Topics: Success, Venture capitalism, Innovation

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Important to seize the right opportunities when they come

Supporting facts:

• Afeyan mentioned that it’s crucial for businesses to be present when the right moment comes

Topics: Opportunity, Timing, Business strategy

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AI development is seen as an exponential growth opportunity

Supporting facts:

• Noubar Afeyan highlighted how adding enough content can lead to exponential growth in the realm of AI

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Exponential Growth

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The next few years with AI in biology may give us more ability to demonstrate how things are working.

Topics: AI, Biology

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mRNA is just the beginning of programmable medicines

Topics: mRNA, medicine

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we can use AI or language models to better describe what it is we’re doing so that humans can understand it

Topics: AI, Language Models, Communication

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Report

Scientific understanding, particularly in the field of biology, is largely limited, with most of our knowledge representing only a small fraction of the overall scenario. However, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers unique capabilities in the field of biology. Unlike humans, AI does not attempt to simplify complex topics, allowing it to present vast amounts of data and train models, which can be used to make predictions.

AI is seen as an enabler for augmented imagination in science, as it allows for bigger leaps and experiments that may not have been possible otherwise. Creating economic value from advancements in biology can be challenging. However, businesses involved in the field can provide solutions for important issues such as disease cures or advancements in agriculture.

These solutions are often complex and novel, which allow for protection against competitors. Nonetheless, predicting the market for scientific advancements proves to be difficult due to the long timelines involved. In some cases, the timeline for the development of drugs can span up to 10 years, while in agriculture, it can take up to 5 years.

The uncertainties surrounding these timelines make it challenging to accurately forecast market demand. Failures in the biological industry serve as cautionary tales for companies striving to survive. An example is the failure of Amaris, a well-known company in the industry, to commercialize its products effectively.

This highlights the fact that success does not guarantee survival, and companies must remain vigilant and adaptable to changes in the market. Survival in the market may require diversification rather than solely relying on innovation. Although being innovative and finding clever ways to secure funding is important, it does not guarantee a company’s market status.

Moreover, in commodity markets, innovation may not yield the desired results due to established competition. The market often limits the application of new tools in biology outside of therapeutic uses. Biological products face competition from commodities that have been in the market for a long time, making them uneconomical.

Innovations in the field of synthetic biology can only be lucrative if there is a premium value associated with them. Uncertainty is a major aspect of the bio industry, driven by evolving technology and shifting market demands. The future of the industry is always uncertain, and companies must continuously adapt to stay relevant.

Financing and reducing cost models are crucial for the survival and success of companies in the biotech space. For instance, Amaris was able to finance itself long enough to reduce its cost model and thrive in the biotech sector. In the biotech space, large companies should allow research and development (R&D) to play out and let failures fail while allowing successful innovations to drive the industry’s growth.

Startups, on the other hand, have the potential to disrupt during times of uncertainty when incumbents are at a loss. Though even companies that appear to be thriving in the biotech space must always watch out for survival, as continual investment in growth can unknowingly push them to the brink of loss.

Noubar Afeyan, an expert in the field, believes in the value of innovation and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Moderna, a company that Afeyan co-founded, demonstrated this value by testing and developing various human vaccines even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Afeyan highlights the complexity of the biotech sector, which often prevents generalist investors from fully understanding and investing in the field.

The biotech industry is marked by a struggle between incumbents and insurgents. Incumbents, in an effort to maintain their position, tend to fix the ecosystem in their favor, making it difficult for startups to compete. However, uncertainty provides an opportunity for startups to make an impact.

Overall, uncertainty plays a crucial role in driving innovation and progress. While humans tend to avoid uncertainty, embracing it can lead to unique positions and value creation. Additionally, it is important for businesses to seize the right opportunities, as timing can greatly impact their success.

AI development in biology holds great potential for advancing our understanding of how things work in the field. It is believed that the next few years will provide further insights and demonstrate the capabilities of AI in biology. mRNA represents just the beginning of programmable medicines, indicating a shift towards more tailored and precise treatments.

Furthermore, AI and language models can contribute to better communication by describing scientific breakthroughs in a way that is more easily understood by humans. In conclusion, scientific understanding, particularly in biology, remains limited. However, AI offers unique capabilities that can augment scientific imagination and enable predictions based on vast amounts of data.

Creating economic value from biology requires businesses to provide solutions for important issues and navigate the challenges of market unpredictability. Failures in the industry serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing the need for companies to diversify and adapt. Uncertainty, financing, and reducing cost models are crucial considerations for survival and success in the biotech sector.

The complexity of the biotech industry often leads to misunderstanding and oversight. Embracing uncertainty and seizing the right opportunities can lead to unique positions and value creation. Lastly, AI development, mRNA, and improved communication through language models all hold potential for further advancements and breakthroughs in the field of biology.

Arguments

Understanding the function and information carried by DNA and cells can help create better products and improve overall health.

Supporting facts:

• Cells play a vital role in the functioning of the body and plants.

• Data derived from cells can inform health and nutrition.

Topics: DNA, Cells, Health, Nutrition

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The microbiome is a complex community that lives in and on us, and it varies depending on the part of the body

Supporting facts:

• Different parts of the skin have different microbiomes

• There are microbiomes in the gut and lungs

Topics: Biology, Microbiome, Health

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Understanding and modulating the microbiome is crucial for both physical and mental health

Supporting facts:

• Gut health affects both physical and mental health

• There are networks of communication between bacteria that can influence the body

Topics: Biology, Microbiome, Mental health, Physical health

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DSM-Ferminich is researching ways to combat scarcity of natural flavors due to climate change.

Supporting facts:

• Climate change is making it challenging to cultivate and grow vanilla

• DSM-Ferminich is creating products through biology to replace or augment natural products

Topics: Climate Change, Agriculture, Biotechnology

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The intersection of AI and biology is important

Supporting facts:

• 30% of the core elements required to create life are of unknown function

Topics: AI, Biology

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Failure is part of research and exploration

Supporting facts:

• If every idea succeeds, then it’s not research but application

Topics: Research, Failure

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Consumers should understand the importance and potential of biology in bringing sustainable products.

Topics: Consumers, Sustainability, Biology

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Report

Understanding the function and information carried by DNA and cells is crucial to create superior products and improve overall health. Sarah Reisinger shares this belief and aims to enhance consumers’ health and understanding by analyzing DNA and cells. This emphasizes the importance of studying genetics and cellular biology, which has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of health and well-being.

The microbiome, consisting of a complex community of microorganisms residing in and on our bodies, varies across different body parts. It plays a vital role in physical and mental health, emphasizing the need to understand and regulate the microbiome. DSM-Ferminich is actively researching the modulation of the skin microbiome to enhance skin health.

Such research could lead to the development of effective skincare treatments and products. Climate change presents challenges for agriculture, including the cultivation of natural flavors like vanilla. DSM-Ferminich is conducting research to counter the scarcity of natural flavors caused by climate change.

By leveraging biology, the organization aims to develop sustainable alternative products and solutions to meet the growing demand for flavors. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that can create innovative and sustainable flavor profiles. AI expands the solution space, identifying new alternatives to traditional flavors.

By analyzing receptor biology data and utilizing millions of data points, AI can understand taste and smell, enabling the discovery of new possibilities in the realm of flavors. The intersection of AI and biology is gaining significance. With AI’s ability to process and analyze vast amounts of biological data, it can unlock new insights and advancements in the field of biology.

The discovery and understanding of unknown functions in the core elements required for creating life exemplify the significance of AI in unraveling biological mysteries. Failure is an integral part of research and exploration. It is through failure that researchers learn and make progress.

Research is not solely focused on immediate success but involves trial and error, leading to new discoveries and innovations. The urgency exhibited towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for similar urgency in addressing other global issues such as hunger, malnutrition, and sustainability.

By prioritizing these issues and taking immediate action, significant progress can be made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and creating a better future for all. Consumers should understand the importance and potential of biology in producing sustainable products. Biology holds key solutions for developing eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to conventional products.

Embracing biology in product development can help reduce environmental impact and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future. In conclusion, comprehending DNA, cells, and the microbiome can lead to the creation of superior products and improvements in overall health. The intersection of AI and biology has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including flavor profiles and the study of unknown biological functions.

Failure is an intrinsic part of research, and addressing urgent global issues requires the same level of urgency demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. By embracing biology, consumers can contribute to the production of sustainable products and pave the way for a more promising future.