Leila Pirhaji: The medical potential of AI and metabolites

The video discusses the challenges in treating diseases, emphasizing that DNA sequencing alone is insufficient. It highlights the role of metabolites, small molecules involved in metabolism, which carry information from both genes and lifestyle. The speaker shares their journey from medical school to using mathematics in medicine, developing algorithms to analyze biological data. They describe the creation of an AI platform to identify metabolites and their roles in diseases, leading to the discovery of effective therapeutics. A startup was formed to bring this technology to market, aiming to tackle diseases like fatty liver disease by understanding metabolite changes. The goal is to develop smarter algorithms to discover the right therapeutics for patients, ultimately saving lives.

What factors, besides genetics, are mentioned as influencing the development of diseases?

• Diet and exercise

• Environment and lifestyle

• Medication and therapy

• Age and gender

What percentage of the global population is affected by fatty liver disease?

• 25%

• 20%

• 15%

• 10%

What are metabolites primarily involved in?

• Immune response

• Cell division

• Metabolism

• Genetic mutations

Why is it challenging to identify metabolites using mass spectrometry?

• They are too large to measure

• They are not present in the body

• They have the same molecular mass

• They are unstable

What technology did the speaker develop to analyze metabolites?

• A new type of mass spectrometer

• A genetic sequencing tool

• A chemical synthesis method

• An artificial intelligence platform

What is the primary goal of the startup company mentioned?

• To sequence human genomes

• To develop new mass spectrometry techniques

• To bring AI technology to market for disease treatment

• To create a new type of medication

How does the AI platform help in understanding diseases?

• By simulating immune responses

• By analyzing dietary habits

• By predicting genetic mutations

• By mapping metabolite interactions