IT expert turns to AI in bid to help scientists fight COVID-19

Using technology he mapped out a structure for potential antibodies produced by vaccines

KARACHI: As Sindh went into a lockdown while the coronavirus scare loomed large over the province, one of the many who found themselves confined to their homes was 23-year-old tech expert Muhammad Ali Shah.

He took the opportunity to put his passion for artificial intelligence and everything digital and tech-based to use, as he set about trying to seeking a panacea for the fast-spreading virus.

Carrying out comprehensive research to develop an understanding of the molecular structure of the coronavirus, he tried to identify antibodies that could help develop immunity against it in the human respiratory through deep learning - a methodology employed under artificial intelligence.

Using this technique, he analysed around four million molecules and compounds using this technique for the purpose. After thorough research and extensive long nights and days of work, Shah reached the conclusion that the vaccine for the virus was to be developed so that it would prevent it from clinging to cells in the human body, neutralising its ability to cause damage.

Using technology and conceiving of it as a ‘puzzle’, he mapped out a structure for potential antibodies produced by vaccines that could bind with the virus molecules instead of allowing it to stick to cells in the body.

Shah readily admits that he has no experience or expertise in the area of medical science. For him, he is just trying to use his time to come up with a way to help experts, by mapping a possible antibody structure that can be used as a foundation by them. His extensive work on artificial intelligence makes him confident about his findings and solutions.

According to Shah, artificial intelligence employs a logical approach to working around data and finding the best possible solution to a problem. “But all my research and findings are just the stepping stone and more work is definitely required to devise a vaccine for the virus,” he said with optimism.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2020.