How AI is Unlocking the Secret Life of Plants

How AI is Unlocking the Secret Life of Plants
AI reveals the secret life of plants, aiding conservation, climate resilience, and medicinal discoveries with advanced predictive models and genetic analysis.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making remarkable strides in understanding the complex and hidden aspects of plant life. Recent advancements have demonstrated how AI can uncover the secret lives of plants, providing insights that have significant implications for conservation, climate change mitigation, and medicinal discoveries.

AI in Plant Conservation

Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have developed AI models to predict the extinction risks of the world’s flowering plants. Using data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants and the IUCN Red List, these models assess the vulnerability of various species. The AI system evaluates factors such as human impact and How AI is Unlocking the Secret Life of Plants to determine which species are most at risk. This predictive capability is crucial for prioritizing conservation efforts, especially for species categorized as Endangered or Critically Endangered​.

Enhancing Climate Resilience

AI is also being used to engineer plants that can combat climate change. Researchers at the Salk Institute have utilized AI to modify plant traits, making them more efficient at capturing carbon dioxide and converting it into biomass. This process not only helps in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels but also enhances the growth and resilience of crops. Such advancements could lead to larger, more calorie-rich crops and accelerated reforestation projects​​​​.

Discovering Medicinal Properties

The potential for discovering new medicinal compounds in plants has been significantly boosted by AI. By analyzing genetic data from thousands of plant species, AI can predict which plants might possess useful medicinal properties. This approach, dubbed the “plant tree of life,” allows scientists to cross-reference genetic sequences with known medicinal traits, potentially leading to the discovery of novel treatments for various diseases. This vast genetic dataset also aids in identifying new species and refining plant classifications, supporting broader conservation efforts​​.

Implications for Food Production

AI’s role in understanding plant biology extends to improving food security. By blocking certain pathways in plant metabolism, scientists hope to redirect energy within plants to prioritize growth and carbon storage. This could result in faster-growing crops with higher yields, contributing to global food security and sustainable agricultural practices​​.

The integration of AI in plant science is unveiling the intricate and often hidden mechanisms of plant life. From conservation and climate resilience to medicinal discoveries and food production, AI is proving to be an invaluable tool in our quest to understand and protect the natural world. As research continues, the applications of AI in plant science are expected to expand, offering new solutions to some of the most pressing environmental and health challenges.

Tags

About the author

Avatar photo

Gauri

Gauri, a graduate in Computer Applications from MDU, Rohtak, and a tech journalist for 4 years, excels in covering diverse tech topics. Her contributions have been integral in earning PC-Tablet a spot in the top tech news sources list last year. Gauri is known for her clear, informative writing style and her ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner.

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment

Follow Us on Social Media

Web Stories

Best Mobile Phones under Rs 25,000 in December 2024: Nothing Phone 2(a), OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite & More! Xiaomi launched Redmi Note 14 series in India with Redmi Buds 6, a new outdoor speaker. Top Smartphone Picks Under ₹15,000 in December 2024: Samsung Galaxy F15 5G, Vivo T3x and More! 6 Best Smartphones Under Rs 40,000 in December 2024: OnePlus 12R, Samsung A55 & More! Flagship Android Smartphones Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite: realme GT 7 Pro, iQOO 13 & More! Best phones under ₹20,000 in December 2024: realme P1 Speed, OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite& More!