Is AI leading to a reproducibility crisis in science?

Dec 6, 2023 ·

The article "Seeing the molecular structure of a virus" by A. M. Belmonte et al. focuses on the use of cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) as a tool for visualizing the three-dimensional structures of viruses at the molecular level. By using this imaging technique, scientists can better understand how viruses work and design treatments to combat them. The authors describe the process of obtaining an image of a virus using Cryo-EM, beginning with the preparation of a sample containing the virus. This is then put into a microscope, where electrons are frozen in place and images of the particles are taken. The data from these images is used to reconstruct a 3D model of the virus, which can then be analyzed in detail. The authors discuss several advantages of using Cryo-EM over other techniques, such as X-ray crystallography, and introduce some potential applications of the technology. These include vaccine design, drug target identification, and establishing evolutionary relationships between different viruses. In conclusion, Cryo-EM is an important tool for understanding the molecular structure of viruses and could lead to the development of new treatments.