The principle of uncertainty in biology: Will machine learning/artificial intelligence lead to the end of mechanistic studies?

by Victor de Lorenzo Molecular Biology has long tried to discover mechanisms, considering that unless we understand the principles, we cannot develop applications. Now machine learning and artificial intelligence enable direct leaps to application without understanding the principles. Will this herald a decline in mechanistic studies? Molecular Biology has long tried to discover mechanisms, considering that unless we understand the principles, we cannot develop applications. Now machine learning and artificial intelligence enable direct leaps to application without understanding the principles. Will this herald a decline in mechanistic studies?
Source: PLoS Biology: Archived Table of Contents - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: research