AI Offers Hope in Fight Against Plant Extinction, Says Kew Report
Artificial intelligence and digitization may be crucial tools in identifying and preserving endangered plant species, according to a report from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The technology aids in tracking climate-driven shifts in flowering times and analyzing genetic data from old specimens, potentially uncovering new medicines and crops before they are lost.
Key points
- A report from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, suggests AI and digitization could be vital in combating plant extinction.
- These technologies can help scientists track shifts in flowering times and rapidly identify new plant and fungal specimens.
- AI enables analysis of genetic data from ancient samples, like 180-year-old fungi, potentially unlocking genomic information.
- Digitization provides online access to millions of specimens, offering new insights, particularly for the global South.
- Approximately 40% of assessed plant species are at risk of extinction, with many more yet to be cataloged or studied.
- The advancement could help discover potential new medicines and sustainable crops before they disappear.
A new report from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, highlights the potential of artificial intelligence and digitization to aid in the urgent task of identifying and saving plant species facing extinction. Researchers suggest these technologies represent a turning point in a "race against extinction" for vital flora.
The technologies can accelerate scientific discovery by enabling the rapid identification of new plant and fungal specimens. Furthermore, AI is proving instrumental in analyzing genetic material from centuries-old specimens, such as 180-year-old fungi, offering access to valuable genomic data. Digitization of Kew's extensive collection is also making millions of specimens accessible online, fostering new research and insights, especially in regions like the global South.
This innovation comes as a significant portion of the world's plant life is under threat. The report indicates that about 40% of the 70,000 assessed plant species are at risk of extinction. With an estimated 100,000 species yet to be formally named by science, and many more unassessed, the potential loss of undiscovered medicines and sustainable crops is a growing global concern.
Sources
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