How do you digitize the physical world? In this episode, Nick talks with University of Glasgow chemistry professor Lee Cronin, founder of Chemify—a company that is using AI to turn molecules to code s—about his quest to create a programming language for chemistry, what it means to “print” molecules, and how his team is able to discover new drugs and materials through their “chemputer.” He also discusses how the work is offering new insights into the origins of life on Earth and how to identify it on other planets.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:45) From setting fires to studying life

(05:00) Creating a programming language for chemistry

(09:20) Designing and “printing” new molecules

(10:45) How hype has distorted AI’s promise

(14:17) From sand to cells: the origin of life

(16:01) Assembly theory and the bridge from nonlife to life

(19:15) What it would take for AI to come alive

(23:48) The most interesting way Lee has used AI

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