Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work in protein structure prediction and design. Their contributions leverage machine learning, revolutionizing protein research by enabling faster predictions and novel protein design. This pivotal advancement has significant implications for drug development and synthetic biology.
Before Darwin’s groundbreaking work, biologists struggled to understand what drove organism change. Mendel’s research on peas provided a testable hypothesis of progressive change through genes. However, environmental factors also impact traits, challenging the sole importance of genes. This calls for a holistic approach to evolution, considering both genetic and environmental influences.
In 1942, Robert Merton outlined four ethical values for scientific research, which are now often violated, as seen in cases like data manipulation by Jan Henrik Schon and Andrew Wakefield. Issues like publication bias and p-hacking undermine trust and validity, highlighting the need for systemic reform in scientific practices and transparency.
The article highlights the urgent need for laboratories to adopt sustainable practices due to their significant environmental impact, including waste generation and high resource consumption. Initiatives like UCL’s Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework promote sustainability, while labs innovate by reducing single-use plastics and energy usage, demonstrating that research quality can coexist with environmental responsibility.
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