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.
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