How we’re helping preserve the genetic information of endangered species with AI
TL;DR
The Earth BioGenome Project uses AI to sequence genomes of endangered species and preserve genetic information. So far, 1,000 genomes have been sequenced, with a goal of cataloging 1.3 million species by 2030. The genetic data helps scientists better understand the biology of endangered species and develop protection strategies.
Nauti's Take
A ‚genomic zoo' sounds like science fiction, but it's desperately needed: we're losing species faster than we can even catalog them. Google presents this project as a noble mission – which it certainly is – but glosses over who ultimately owns this data and who gets to profit from it.
AI makes sequencing faster and cheaper, but without political will for species protection, it remains a digital ark with no landing place. Still: better to secure the DNA than do nothing at all.
Summary
The Earth BioGenome Project uses AI to sequence genomes of endangered species and preserve genetic information. So far, 1,000 genomes have been sequenced, with a goal of cataloging 1.3 million species by 2030. The genetic data helps scientists better understand the biology of endangered species and develop protection strategies.
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