Discovery of Drug Compound Against Malaria Ushers In Age of Robot Scientists

Eve, the robot scientist based in the University of Manchester, has discovered a compound that can help in fighting malaria.

Eve found that the drug compound inhibits a key molecule known as DHFR in the malaria parasite.

The undisclosed compound was previously known for its anti-cancer properties.

The development of robot scientists is the next step towards automation in science. With the proper artificial intelligence, robot scientists like Eve can explain observations, develop and test hypothesis, run experiments and interpret results.

They can also record scientific knowledge as they can directly interface with computer based lab equipment.

As stated in the paper, The Automation of Science, science is based on the hypothetico-deductive method and the recording of experiments in sufficient detail to enable reproducibility. With the advent of robot scientists like Eve and its predecessor, Adam, scientific discovery is evolving with the automation of both.

The Importance of Maintaining an Unbiased and Accurate View In Online Science and Technology Reporting

Two researchers published a paper on how the Internet is a big factor in announcing scientific discoveries but also can mislead the public due to bias and inaccurate reporting.

One thing that is important in reporting discoveries and disseminating information based on science is that it has to be accurate and unbiased. Science is based on experiments that should be both observable, measurable, and repeatable.

When CERN announced the discovery of the possible Higgs particle, they reported it as a 5 sigma discovery. This means that the discovery has a probability of 0.00003% that the result is accidental or due to chance.

Science reporting must be based on facts. Theories, although not yet proven to be science fact, still undergo scrutiny and has a fundamental principle behind it. The Higgs particle was a theory before, and it took the construction of the Large Hadron Collider for it to be discovered.

And even then, the discovery of the Higgs helps establish another theory which is the Standard Model.

There will be dissenting arguments when it comes to scientific research. Some are even on opposite sides such as Loop Quantum Gravity vs. String Theory. But regardless, it will ultimately fall on research being observable, measurable, and repeatable.

Personal beliefs has no room when it comes to science reporting. A recent article touched on how a Wikipedia editor kept deleting references to Global Warming on the Hurricane Sandy page because he personally does not believe in Global Warming.

Even now, there are still clamors on taking out evolution from science books because it clashes with their religious beliefs.