Reviving Extinct Molecules: Unveiling the Genetic Secrets of Immunity

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have used artificial intelligence and advanced experimental methods to bring extinct molecules back to life in a field called "molecular de-extinction." By studying the proteomic expressions of Neanderthals and Denisovans, they discovered dozens of small protein sequences with antibiotic qualities. These molecules, naturally produced and selected through evolution, offer promising advantages over AI-based molecular discovery alone. The team synthesized these molecules and tested their efficacy against pathogens, finding that some were comparable or even better than existing antibiotics. This research not only opens new avenues for drug discovery but also provides unexpected insights into the immune system. However, the ethical implications of resurrecting genetic material and patenting recreated peptides from extinct organisms are being carefully considered.