Artificial intelligence and digital health technologies Archive

Many diseases occur because of defects in particular proteins—the workhorses of every cell. But developing a drug that targets a defective protein requires knowing that protein's shape. Protein shapes have always been difficult to predict. Then in July 2021, a company called DeepMind reported that its software predicted the structures for 98% of human proteins. By the end of 2021, DeepMind says it will publish the shape of 50% of the 280 million nonhuman proteins, up from 0.01%. These breakthroughs are expected to lead to new medicines.

Most sore throats are caused by non-life-threatening conditions or certain behaviors. But sometimes a sore throat may be an indication of COVID-19. One should call the doctor if experiencing difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, a high fever, or a cough that produces blood. Ways to relieve sore throat pain include staying hydrated, using over-the-counter painkillers, drinking warm liquids, using cough drops, using a spray or lozenge that contains an oral anesthetic to numb the throat, and treating an underlying condition causing sore throat pain.