MIT-led team receives funding to develop next-generation alternatives to modern weed killers
With up to $53 million from ARPA-H, the researchers will use AI to generate safer herbicides that reduce dependence on imports and improve the security of the U.S. food supply.
An MIT-led research team has been awarded a $53 million grant by the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop innovative weed control solutions that prioritize human health. The project, named Precision Learning for On-target Weed control (PLOW), aims to create next-generation herbicides that can effectively combat resistant weeds while minimizing environmental and health risks.
With over 1 billion pounds of herbicides used annually in the United States, the need for alternative weed control methods is critical as some weeds develop resistance to current herbicides like glyphosate. The team, comprising researchers from MIT, the Broad Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, the University of Tennessee, the University of Illinois, and Robigo, will employ generative AI models to predict molecules that disrupt plant enzymes targeted by herbicides.
These models will also optimize for factors such as cost, resistance potential, and human safety. The findings will be tested through high-throughput screening and subsequent greenhouse studies to evaluate the efficacy of the selected molecules under various agricultural conditions. Additionally, the project will develop microbial systems to degrade agrochemicals before they reach the environment, reducing exposure risks.
Written by urgent.news from MIT News Research's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
