The talk describes using AI language models to decipher the hidden “languages” within millions of natural protein sequences. By learning protein vocabulary, syntax, and grammar, researchers can design new molecules that fight cancer, degrade plastics, capture carbon, and expand biology beyond nature’s rules—advancing medicine, sustainability, and molecular engineering.

This project uses virtual reality to turn drug design into a spatial puzzle game. By fitting molecular “drug” shapes into protein grooves—much like Tetris—players can exploit human spatial intuition to explore new treatments. Using Nano Simbox software, VR proved over ten times more effective than other platforms for complex molecular tasks.

The researcher rebuilds how cells sort materials to understand Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Using proteins and lipids like Lego pieces, they study how a key protein, retromer, malfunctions and disrupts cell transport. With cryogenic electron tomography, they aim to model this process and guide new treatments that restore healthy cellular function.