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AI Case Study

Monsanto plans to increase agriculture product research using Second Genome to predict outcomes of protein use

Monsanto announced a partnership with Second Genome in 2016 to investigate the efficacy of proteins for agricultural products, particurlaly with regards to pest protection. Second Genome uses machine learning to investigate and predict molecular interactions.

Industry

Basic Materials

Agriculture

Project Overview

In 2016, Monsanto and Second Genome "announced a research agreement to accelerate the discovery of new microbiome-based solutions to help farmers better manage environmental challenges on their farms. The collaboration will leverage Monsanto’s extensive genomic databases with Second Genome’s expertise in analyzing microbial function through big data metagenomics, protein discovery, machine learning, and predictive analytics. This research will immediately expand the sourcing and diversity of novel proteins for the development of next-generation insect-control solutions... Under the agreement, Second Genome will apply its novel bioinformatics platform to predict and analyze the efficacy of beneficial proteins from the microbiome for agricultural use. The companies anticipate that the research will increase the discovery of proteins that could provide an insect-control benefit in agriculture. The multi-year agreement provides Monsanto with the option to pursue commercial opportunities resulting from insect-control research in agriculture, and Second Genome retains the right to apply discoveries in healthcare and other industries."

Reported Results

Project was announced in 2016, no updated results available.

Technology

Function

R And D

Core Research And Development

Background

"Similar to its role in human health, microbial function has a significant influence in agricultural applications and new research in microbiome science is likely to unlock new solutions for the agriculture industry."

Benefits

Data

Microbial function data from Monsanto

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