MIT researchers use AI algorithm to turn the Coronavirus into music

An AI system that turns the Coronavirus‘ structure into melody could help scientists spot details about COVID-19 that any microscope would’t capture.

The project was led by MIT Professor Markus Buehler, who told MIT News that music offers unique insights into the coronavirus.

Markus Buehler: The musician and MIT professor develops artificial intelligence models to design new proteins, sometimes by translating them into sound.

The developed algorithm can converted the data into a piece of music that reflects how the proteins are arranged. You can give the surprisingly melodic tune a listen below.

Coronavirus translated into sound, SARS-CoV-2 tricks our ear in the same way the virus tricks our cells.

The AI-generated tune is an audible representation of the coronavirus’ “spike” proteins, which spread the infection by poking out of the virus and binding to human cells. These spikes make the surface of the virus look like a crown — or “corona” in Latin.

“We could search for a new protein that matches the melody and rhythm of an antibody capable of binding to the spike protein, interfering with its ability to infect,” said Professor Buehler.

Do you think that researchers could search for a new protein that matches the melody and rhythm of an antibody capable of binding to the spike protein, interfering with its ability to infect.

Researchers can use the AI-generated tune to better understand how the virus infects human bodies. In the future, this compositional method could also help scientists design drugs that fight the virus.