BY Fast Company 4 MINUTE READ

The intersection of AI and life sciences is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s happening now, in the R&D labs, quietly revolutionizing the way we discover and develop new drugs. A central element of this transformation is the “Lab-in-a-Loop” concept, an iterative cycle where AI models, trained on R&D and clinical data, predict and refine experiments, creating a more efficient interplay between the wet lab where experiments are physically performed and a “dry lab” where AI predicts which experiments will be most successful. The result is a drug discovery process that is faster and more efficient.

The traditional drug discovery process is notoriously expensive and time-consuming. Bringing a new drug to market can take over a decade and cost billions of dollars. This is due in part to the siloed nature of scientific data, which hinders researchers’ ability to gain comprehensive insights. AI, coupled with the Lab-in-a-Loop model, promises to change this.

At the forefront of this effort to help pharmaceutical companies adopt a new Lab-in-a-Loop process is the R&D software provider Dotmatics and its scientific intelligence platform Luma. Dotmatics centralizes data from disparate sources — applications, databases, and lab instruments — enabling AI algorithms to analyze this information at an unprecedented scale. This data-driven approach allows scientists to simulate and model experiments in silico, accelerating the “Make-Test-Decide” cycle.

But AI’s impact on drug discovery isn’t singular in its ability to create change. To use AI appropriately in the discovery of new therapeutics, Dotmatics views AI in a multifaceted way. It begins with “Assistive AI,” automating routine tasks. It then evolves into “Domain-focused AI,” predicting scientific outcomes with remarkable accuracy. The pinnacle is “Integrated Multimodal AI,” where scientists leverage all their data across disciplines to drive simulations and predictions. This is where the true potential of AI for drug discovery is realized.

The Lab-in-a-Loop model, powered by AI, is poised to transform the drug discovery landscape. By unifying data, accelerating research, and enabling more accurate predictions, it promises to reduce the time and cost of bringing new drugs to market. This not only benefits pharmaceutical companies but, more importantly, brings hope to patients waiting for life-saving treatments. As AI continues to mature, its impact on drug discovery will only grow, ushering in a new era of scientific innovation.

Leading the Way in Generative AI for Education

Instructure, a prominent player in the educational technology sector, is making significant strides in integrating generative AI into its platform. With a focus on ethical AI use and transparency, the company is poised for substantial growth in the burgeoning $142 billion edtech industry. Instructure’s commitment to innovation, coupled with its dedication to responsible AI implementation, positions it as a leader in shaping the future of education.

Instructure recognizes the transformative potential of generative AI in education. The company is actively exploring and implementing AI-powered tools to enhance the learning experience for both students and educators. These advancements include AI-assisted content generation, personalized learning pathways, and intelligent tutoring systems. By leveraging generative AI, Instructure aims to create more engaging, effective, and accessible educational experiences.For instance, the integration of Khan Academy Teacher Tools within the Canvas LMS empowers educators to create interactive lessons, generate practice exercises, and provide tailored feedback to students. This AI-driven approach fosters a more dynamic and personalized learning environment.

Instructure’s strategic focus on generative AI aligns with the rapid growth of the edtech industry, currently valued at $142 billion. The company’s commitment to innovation and its established presence in the market position it for significant growth. By continuously developing and integrating AI-powered solutions, Instructure is meeting the evolving needs of learners and institutions. Furthermore, Instructure’s strategic acquisitions, such as Parchment, expand its capabilities and reach within the industry. These moves solidify Instructure’s position as a key player in the global education market, driving its continued expansion and influence.

AI Nutrition Facts: Ensuring Ethical and Transparent AI Use

Instructure is committed to the ethical and transparent use of AI in education. The company has introduced "AI Nutrition Facts" labels for its AI-powered features. These labels provide detailed information about the AI models used, data privacy practices, and potential risks and biases. This transparency empowers educators and institutions to make informed decisions about AI adoption and ensures that AI is used responsibly and ethically within the educational context. Instructure’s commitment to ethical AI use fosters trust and confidence among its users, further strengthening its position as a responsible leader in the edtech industry.

Instructure’s advancements in generative AI, coupled with its commitment to ethical AI use and transparency, position the company for continued growth and success in the rapidly expanding edtech market. By harnessing the power of AI in a responsible and innovative manner, Instructure is shaping the future of education and empowering learners around the world.

Built by the field for the field

Fulcrum, a leading platform for geospatial field data collection and process management, has launched a new AI-powered field platform designed to address the shortcomings of existing solutions. The platform offers seamless integration between field operations and office systems, leveraging AI-driven automation to enhance productivity and adaptability. This results in streamlined workflows, reduced errors, and improved responsiveness to changing conditions.

“Today’;s launch is more than just an upgrade; it’ a response to the real frustrations faced by the industry,” said Jim Grady, CEO of Fulcrum. “We believe it’s just plain wrong that fieldwork relies on bolt-on or homegrown tools that overpromise and underdeliver. Our platform not only streamlines operations but also empowers field teams to excel in their roles and drive betterbusiness outcomes.”

The new platform solidifies Fulcrum’s position as an industry-leading no-code SaaS offering for streamlining mobile data collection, automating workflows, and providing data-driven insights that drive digital transformation for mobile workforces. The company is trusted by over 2,500 companies globally, including industry leaders like Pike Engineering and Arcadis.

It aims to overcome the challenges posed by the fragmented software landscape, which often includes multiple disjointed apps or homegrown solutions with high maintenance costs and limited scalability. By providing a cohesive solution with integrations to leading GIS, EAM, and ERP solutions, Fulcrum enables efficient data collection, analysis, and decision-making across various industries, including energy, water, and environmental sectors.

With its user-friendly interface and advanced AI capabilities, the Fulcrum platform empowers field teams to adapt to evolving requirements, take on new projects, and comply with changing regulations. The platform offers significant benefits, including streamlined workflows, reduced operational costs, and improved compliance, ultimately driving digital transformation for mobile workforces.

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