Biotechnology and IT — How Computing Power Is Revolutionizing DNA Sequencing and Medicine 

Introduction  

Biotechnology involves utilizing living things — cells, bacteria, and even DNA — for innovative products, including medicines, vaccines, and improved crops.  

Information technology, or IT, involves computers, software, and data.  

When integrated, these two fields form Bioinformatics, a new scientific field using computing technology to assist biologists in analyzing genes, proteins, and other biological systems. This integration is altering the overlap of understanding diseases, developing treatments, and even genetically modified food.  

1. The Power of DNA Sequencing  

DNA sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of the DNA letters A, T, G, and C that comprise all living things.  

Initially, sequencing an entire human DNA sample, or genome, could take several years and cost an exorbitant amount.  

Because of AI technology, genome sequencing is now less than $100 and can be completed in a matter of hours.  

In machine learning, computers can evaluate an enormous volume of DNA data fragmented into billions of pieces.  

Genetic data cloud computing technology captures, stores, and processes enormous amounts of data to enable sequencing.  

Companies, including Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and Roche, produce new generation sequencing machines that incorporate IT systems and technologies to enhance speed and precision.  

*NOTE: The second section has not been modified, but should be completed when the above section is properly completed.*

DNA sequencing generates a lot of data, and is often referred to as big data.  

A single genome contains more than 3 billion letters.  

Supercomputers and AI technologies help scientists process complex data.  

Here is what IT systems perform:  

Identifying disease-causing mutations through DNA comparison between people.  

Using AI to foresee gene behavior and interactions with certain drugs.  

Safely cloud storage of genome data and its research sharing among research centers.  

For instance:  

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, IT systems allowed scientists to rapidly determine the virus’s genetic sequence, monitor its mutations, and develop mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna).  

Personalized Medicine  

The ability to analyze vast amounts of data enables the formulation of personalized medicine: treatment tailored to an individual's DNA.  

For instance:  

While two people may have cancer, the mutations in their tumors may differ.  

With DNA sequencing and AI, it is possible to:  

Diagnose the cancer-causing mutation.  

Identify the most effective drug for the treatment, improving cancer treatment outcomes.  

This approach is termed 'precision medicine'.  

AI in Drug Discovery  

Using AI in drug discovery is more efficient than the traditional way of taking 10-15 years to develop a new medicine.  

AI can now evaluate numerous drug candidates in a matter of weeks.  

Recent advancements:

AI models determine a drug's interaction with human proteins.  

DeepMind (part of Google) and Roche use AI for drug discovery and design for Alzheimer's and cancer.  

Simulations safely test drugs on computers instead of risking human lives.  

5. Global Impact  

Biotechnology and IT convergence produces global benefits:  

 Rapid disease spotting (e.g. early cancer and virus testing).  

 Gene editing improves agriculture (e.g. CRISPR).  

 Avoiding certain diseases is possible since people can analyze their DNA.  

 Data sharing enables real time international collaborative research.  

6. Challenges  

 This field's power comes with certain challenges:  

 The privacy of sensitive and personal information must be protected.  

 Supercomputers and advanced DNA machinery drive research costs.  

 Gene editing must be used responsibly to avoid unethical applications.  

 Conclusion  

 The integration of biotechnology and IT is the base for the future of medicine and health.  

 Scientists can rapidly decode and analyze DNA thanks to computers.  

 In the coming years, people will have custom medicine, disease prevention will be possible, and medicine will extend healthy life.