World’s first vaccine made by AI, what does this mean for our world?

Last week, the world’s first vaccine designed by Artificial intelligence was developed in the University of Cambridge. The overall aim of this vaccine is to prevent future virus threats by using a “super antigen”, this means that vaccine recipients would be protected against many existing or possible viruses including coronaviruses.

Researchers made this all-in-one vaccine whilst heavily relying on AI , it was used to analyse the genetic codes of many viruses. A genetic code is essentially the instruction manual of life. The scientists in Cambridge used these codes and created the “super antigen” while also scanning for any future emerging threats. Once the “super antigen” was made, it studied to help make the vaccine. This new advancement, even provides safety against mutating viruses, theoretically making it the most monumental vaccine currently.

When the vaccine is injected then body reacts as if infected, so the immune system attacks triggering the immune response. Once this happens, the body is now equipped to fight such viruses upon encountering. Now, the defence mechanism is faster, better and more efficient ensuring symptoms are reduced.

The vaccine itself is not given is a traditional method either, it uses a needle- free delivery system. Its uses high pressure and a thin stream of liquid to inject the vaccine straight into the body cells. This new method is pain free, better for those with needle phobia and reduced risk factor associated with normal needles.

Across two trials on healthy individuals a total 239 people were tested and the results from trial 1 proved to be promising but nevertheless not perfect. People’s immune systems were producing specific antibodies needed to protect the body against many members of the coronavirus family tree. However, modest amounts of such antibodies were being produced meaning that this vaccine is still far from being ready for widespread use. Equally, the tested population faced no issues with tolerance or rejection, proving to be safe but not effective enough just yet.

In all this new vaccine is proving to be a very promising option, suggesting that AI may not be negative as people suggest it to be. This breakthrough could save hundreds of lives thanks to the help of artificial intelligence