Protein AI models used to make predictions without explaining themselves. A new method lets them show exactly which parts of a protein's structure drive their predictions, making the models more trustworthy for drug design.
Why it matters
Protein AI models could predict a protein's function, but not explain how they got there. This new method means scientists can now see the specific structural features an AI uses to make its predictions. This is critical for designing new drugs or engineering proteins, as it reduces the guesswork and builds trust in AI-driven designs.
The signal
Watch for this method to be integrated into commercial protein design software or adopted by major pharmaceutical companies for drug discovery.