Google launches AI co-scientist to enhance scientific research ideas

Google has launched a new AI system called "AI co-scientist," designed to help researchers generate and refine scientific hypotheses. This system uses multiple AI agents to debate and improve ideas before presenting them to human scientists. Unlike existing AI models that summarize information, the AI co-scientist creates new research ideas. It can be applied across various fields, although initial tests focused on biomedicine. The system is powered by Gemini 2.0 but can work with any large language model. In a recent test, the AI co-scientist successfully proposed a hypothesis about antibiotic resistance that matched findings from an unpublished study. Researchers believe this tool could enhance scientific discovery, although it is intended to support rather than replace human scientists.