Google released AlphaGenome Atlas on Tuesday, saying it evaluates the potential consequences of every single-base variant in the human genome. It is the company's first major update in genome analysis since its initial work on non-coding DNA.
Google reported the system processes 9 billion bases, measured on the human genome sequence. That compares with the previous work on non-coding DNA, which focused on smaller segments.
AlphaGenome Atlas is built on AI and targets the analysis of non-coding DNA, which makes up most of the human genome. Availability begins with research use, initially for biologists and geneticists.
"We’ve developed various software tools that identify individual sites of interest in non-coding DNA. But this is exactly the sort of problem that AI is good at solving," said John Timmer, Senior Science Editor. The system can provide insights into the significance of changes in non-coding regions.
The announcement follows years of research into non-coding DNA. Google said the system helps researchers quickly assess potential mutations and their effects, adding no judgment of its own.
Google did not say whether the system can analyze other genomes like Neanderthal or Denisovan, and the open question is whether it can handle new cell types without training data. The company said it is working to expand the system's capabilities.
Source: arstechnica
