somatic genomics
: the study of genetic variation found within each cell of a multicellular organism
Flashcards Listing
Network Medicines™
: a new class of therapeutics that reprogram diseased cells to release a defined array of signals that precisely coordinate multicellular networks to drive disease resolution
reinforcement learning
: an artificial intelligence (AI) training technique based on trial and error that uses positive and negative feedback to teach the AI to perform a desired task in accordance with maximizing positive feedback
transfer RNA (tRNA)
: an RNA molecule that decodes mRNA and transfers the appropriate amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain
carbon farming
: farming practices that leverage nature-based methods to increase atmospheric carbon sequestration in plant biomass and soil and decrease greenhouse gas emissions
generative biology
: the use of vast computational power to create biological designs with desired properties by inferring the principals of biology from large datasets
Polyintelligence
: the synthesis of machine, human, and nature’s intelligence to form a collaborative network that leverages the creativity and imagination of humans, the adaptive problem-solving capabilities of nature, and the speed and scale of machines
Syntein™
: a biologic synthesized entirely from nontraditional amino acids
agricultural carbon credit
: a permit representing one metric tonne of carbon dioxide that is generated by quantifying and verifying the impact of nature-based methods in either avoiding carbon emissions or increasing the amount of carbon stored in the land.
human microbiome
: the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, protozoa, and fungi, that are found within and on the human body
large language model
: a type of mathematical system, inspired by the network of neurons of the human brain, that finds statistical patterns in very large datasets to predict and generate the most probable content following an initial prompt
genetic chemistry
: the use of genetic code to discover the foundations of small molecule medicines
somatic genomics
: the study of genetic variation found within each cell of a multicellular organism
All cells accumulate random genetic changes in their DNA. As a result, an individual’s genome is not a single genome but trillions of unique genomes throughout the body. While variations may have no apparent impact, some impart disease resistance and others cause or increase vulnerability to disease. It is as if clinical trials for these mutations are being conducted at the cellular level. Tapping into this trove of information opens up new opportunities to cure, prevent, or reverse disease.
Learn how Flagship-founded Quotient Therapeutics is pioneering somatic genomics.
Network Medicines™
: a new class of therapeutics that reprogram diseased cells to release a defined array of signals that precisely coordinate multicellular networks to drive disease resolution
Diseased cells can send pathologic signals to other cell types in their network, perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction and disease progression. Yet drug development has traditionally focused on affecting only one cell type in the network. Network Medicines are designed to have both a direct effect by targeting the diseased cells themselves and a network effect by reprogramming diseased cells to release therapeutic signals that coordinate other key cells in the network to restore health.
Learn how Flagship-founded Sonata Therapeutics is designing Network Medicines™ that reprogram diseased cells to become the coordinators of cure.
reinforcement learning
: an artificial intelligence (AI) training technique based on trial and error that uses positive and negative feedback to teach the AI to perform a desired task in accordance with maximizing positive feedback
This machine learning paradigm has been used to famously train AI to beat the world’s foremost Go and chess champions but it can also be applied to teach machines to pursue other goals, such as optimizing biomolecular designs.
transfer RNA (tRNA)
: an RNA molecule that decodes mRNA and transfers the appropriate amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain
Beyond properly positioning amino acids in the final protein product, tRNA is involved in an entire biological framework for coordinating multicellular life.
Learn how Flagship-founded Alltrna is pioneering tRNA therapeutics to treat thousands of diseases that share the same genetic mutation.
carbon farming
: farming practices that leverage nature-based methods to increase atmospheric carbon sequestration in plant biomass and soil and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Plants convert carbon in the atmosphere to a form they can use via photosynthesis. When the plant biomass decomposes, microbes convert that material into soil organic carbon. Farmers can work with nature to prevent carbon from leaching into the atmosphere and increase the amount that is stored in their land.
Learn more about Flagship-founded Indigo Ag's carbon farming program.
generative biology
: the use of vast computational power to create biological designs with desired properties by inferring the principals of biology from large datasets
The future of drug development will be defined by the ability to generate, rather than discover, drugs with desired therapeutic effects, optimized costs, and reduced or eliminated off-target effects.
Polyintelligence
: the synthesis of machine, human, and nature’s intelligence to form a collaborative network that leverages the creativity and imagination of humans, the adaptive problem-solving capabilities of nature, and the speed and scale of machines
This reimagining of intelligence is sparking a modern technological renaissance, enabling us to think, create, and innovate at a depth and scale that can produce solutions to some of the world’s most intractable, contemporary challenges.
Learn more on how Flagship is leveraging polyintelligence to revolutionize biotechnology.
Syntein™
: a biologic synthesized entirely from nontraditional amino acids
Digitally designed and chemically synthesized, these protein medicines are engineered to exhibit supranatural properties that surpass the therapeutic reach of traditional biologics. Synteins™ medicines offer the possibility of less frequent dosing and oral delivery, access to parts of the human body that were previously impossible to treat, and longer lasting effects than conventional biologics.
Learn how Flagship-founded Abiologics is leveraging artificial intelligence and chemistry to create Synteins™.
agricultural carbon credit
: a permit representing one metric tonne of carbon dioxide that is generated by quantifying and verifying the impact of nature-based methods in either avoiding carbon emissions or increasing the amount of carbon stored in the land.
Growers who adopt farming practices that reduce or avoid emissions can produce carbon credits for the voluntary market once the impact of these practices are quantified and verified. Companies or individuals can purchase credits to mitigate the impact of emissions from their operations that cannot be reduced, removed, or avoided.
Learn more about Flagship-founded Indigo Ag's carbon credit program.
human microbiome
: the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, protozoa, and fungi, that are found within and on the human body
These microbes play important roles in human health. Interventions can target imbalances in these communities to restore homeostasis and affect the progression of a wide variety of diseases.
Learn how Flagship-founded Seres Therapeutics is pioneering microbiome therapeutics.
large language model
: a type of mathematical system, inspired by the network of neurons of the human brain, that finds statistical patterns in very large datasets to predict and generate the most probable content following an initial prompt
Models can be trained using biological datasets to infer the complex and highly dynamic “language of biology.” For example, from a protein sequence, a model could predict protein structures, or from a genetic sequence, predict a relevant promoter region.
genetic chemistry
: the use of genetic code to discover the foundations of small molecule medicines
Enzymatic proteins encoded in genes make and modify bioactive small molecules. From human samples, we can pinpoint the biosynthetic gene clusters that give rise to these molecules, revealing the instructions for small molecule drug leads that can be matched to disease-relevant targets.
Learn how Flagship-founded Empress Therapeutics is leveraging genetic chemistry to source chemistry from within the human body.
programmable medicines
: therapeutic modalities based on biological building blocks that can be rationally designed and arranged to achieve a desired effect
The fusion of computation and biology is enabling the development of new medicines with predictable outcomes.
regenerative agriculture
: farm management practices that restore soil health, encourage biodiversity, safeguard water resources, and increase climate resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing productivity and profitability.
Soil health is a primary concern for farmers who adopt regenerative practices as healthy soils resist erosion, maximize water infiltration, and improve nutrient cycling. This increases profitability by producing higher yield with fewer inputs.
preemptive health and medicine
: protecting, maintaining, or improving people's health before they get sick by providing interventions targeted to pre-disease states for those that are seemingly healthy but at risk
Interventions protect health from external threats (i.e., health security) and prevent or delay the onset of diseases (i.e., preemptive medicine).
Learn more about Flagship's Preemptive Health & Medicine Initiative.
inverse protein folding problem
: the computational challenge of determining the amino acid sequence that produces a desired protein structure
The structure of a protein impacts how it functions and behaves in an environment, particularly how it binds with other molecules. If scientists could determine the amino acid sequence that would provide a desired structure, it would take much of the guesswork out of developing biologic medicines.
carbon insetting
: nature-based sustainability initiatives upstream or downstream of a company’s operations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage, enhancing the carbon emissions reduction capacity of a supply chain.
While offsets compensate for excessive emissions by funding external sustainability projects, insets proactively look for opportunities to reduce emissions within a company’s sphere of influence. The focus is on embedding practices with a positive environmental impact in the supply chain rather than removing practices with negative impacts.
scope 3 emissions
: greenhouse gas emissions from sources not owned or controlled by an organization, occurring upstream or downstream in its supply chain.
While organizations do not have direct control over these emissions sources, they can influence reduction by selecting suppliers with a low carbon footprint or lengthening the useful lifespan of a product.
Learn more about Flagship-founded Indigo Ag and CIBO Technologies' programs and solutions for scope 3 emissions
Gene Writers™
: a genome engineering technology based on mobile genetic elements that consists of a protein and an RNA or DNA template to effect a therapeutic change
By only nicking the DNA, rather than making a double-stranded break, Gene Writers can substitute a single base pair; delete or insert short DNA sequences; or write in entire genes into the human genome.
Learn how Flagship-founded Tessera Therapeutics’ Gene Writing™ technology has the potential to treat diseases at their source.
nature-positive agriculture
: growing practices that protect, maintain, and enhance ecosystems.
Instead of depleting natural resources, food production can be a vehicle for delivering positive outcomes for nature, people, and the climate.
Scientific Superintelligence
: a level of intelligence that surpasses the existing intellect of both humans and nature and leverages the full spectrum of human scientific knowledge and the adaptive intelligence derived from nature's evolutionary processes
By integrating machine intelligence into every step in the scientific method, we enable AI to move beyond the limits of known information. This allows the creation of scientific knowledge at a scale, speed, and precision that far surpasses current human capabilities, driving solutions to humankind’s greatest challenges.
To learn how Flagship is on a mission to achieve scientific superintelligence, visit Lila.
bioplatform
: biotechnologies that enable intentional and repeatable generation of medicines across many diseases or products for agriculture and sustainability
The power and value of a bioplatform relates to the degree with which it serves a diversity and breadth of applications and can be universally applied.
stop codon disease
: any genetically driven disease that stems from a premature termination codon mutation, which prevent the formation of a complete and functional protein
Reclassifying patients based on their shared mutation, rather than individual mutated gene or traditionally defined clinical presentation, could unify treatment for seemingly disparate diseases.
Learn how Flagship-founded Alltrna is pioneering tRNA therapeutics to treat thousands of diseases.