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A quantitative analysis of knowledge-learning preferences in large language models in molecular science
Abstract Deep learning has significantly advanced molecular modelling and design, enabling an efficient understanding and discovery of novel molecules. In particular, large language models introduce a fresh research paradigm to tackle scientific problems from a natural language processing perspective. Large language models significantly enhance our understanding and generation of molecules, often surpassing existing methods with…
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Trump’s science advisers: how they could influence his second presidency
Michael Kratsios (left) was chief technology officer during the first US presidency of Donald Trump (right).Credit: PBH Images/Alamy For almost half of Donald Trump’s first US presidency, which ran from 2017 to 2021, he did not have an official science adviser. His second term is shaping up to be different. As he prepares to take…
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AI-designed proteins tackle century-old problem
Snake venom can cause paralysis, tissue damage and death.Credit: Ingo Schulz/imageBROKER via Getty Proteins designed using artificial intelligence (AI) can block the lethal effects of toxins delivered in the venom of cobras, adders and other deadly snakes. The AI-designed proteins could form the basis of a new generation of therapies for snakebites — which kill…
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Making the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology happen
The UN has proclaimed 2025 an international year to celebrate quantum science. Yanne Chembo and Joe Niemela, two of the physicists involved in the proposal, share the story of the approval process for this initiative. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access options Access through your institution Change institution Buy…
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Making the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology happen
The UN has proclaimed 2025 an international year to celebrate quantum science. Yanne Chembo and Joe Niemela, two of the physicists involved in the proposal, share the story of the approval process for this initiative. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access options Access through your institution Change institution Buy…
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45 Strange Bits of Science That’ll Make You Wonder If Mother Nature Is Just Screwing With Us
Calling nature “unnatural” is a massive oxymoron, but we really don’t know what else to call its more peculiar happenings. It’s probably our own beefed-up egos telling us that the way we experience the world around us is “normal.” Things like the quantum realm, distant space, the deep sea and all those creepy, slimy little…
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Parachute science and collaboration in protected areas
Organizations that manage protected areas often lack scientists to conduct research and inform management. The resulting involvement of external scientists from international universities, nongovernmental organizations or other research organizations has raised concerns that some protected area research might not reflect local priorities or engage with local researchers — a phenomenon termed parachute science. Writing in the Journal…
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BioSCape combines local knowledge and remote-sensing technology for inclusive biodiversity science
The Biodiversity Survey of the Cape (BioSCape) in South Africa’s Greater Cape Floristic Region aims to test the limits and potential of remote sensing for biodiversity applications. Integrating field biodiversity measurements and local knowledge with advanced remote sensing, BioSCape brings us closer to measuring key biodiversity variables globally from space. Download PDF Addressing biodiversity loss,…
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What Trump 2.0 means for science: the likely winners and losers
As Donald Trump prepares for his second term as president of the United States, two starkly different outlooks are emerging among scientists and engineers. Some technology companies, space enthusiasts, artificial intelligence (AI) developers and others expect favourable policies for their fields in the coming years, and are hugely excited about the possibilities for exploration and…
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What Trump 2.0 means for science: the likely winners and losers
As Donald Trump prepares for his second term as president of the United States, two starkly different outlooks are emerging among scientists and engineers. Some technology companies, space enthusiasts, artificial intelligence (AI) developers and others expect favourable policies for their fields in the coming years, and are hugely excited about the possibilities for exploration and…