Science · November 2026Kudos level: Bravo
Scientists Can Now Design Proteins by Describing What They Want in Plain English
A Chinese team built Pinal, an AI that turns written descriptions into protein designs. It produced a working plastic-degrading enzyme and a molecular courier that helped make 70% more glycine than its natural counterpart in a lab system turning CO2 into useful chemicals. Most designs still fail, with only 1 of 29 glowing-protein candidates lighting up.
Source: ZME Science
Google AI Falsely Links Auckland Anaesthetic Technician to Drink-Driving Convictions
Google's AI Overview accused Tracey Melsom-Page, an Auckland anaesthetic technician with 39 years in public hospitals and no criminal history, of drink-driving convictions and lying about them, based on a 2023 Herald article that never named her. When the Herald questioned it, the AI doubled down, claiming tribunal records identified her, before admitting a 'logical error.' Google says it is investigating.
Source: NZ Herald