An opinion article in Stanford Medicine News, by science writer Hanae Armitage, discussed the use of an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology in science, called agentic AI, that can support researchers in almost every stage of research, potentially optimising animal needs in research. 

The defining characteristics of agentic AI are its flexibility and independence. These tools can understand common language, decreasing the knowledge barrier for their use, and can independently search the web and use applications such as spreadsheets and word processors. Depending on the set parameters, they can work almost independently and make their own decisions, hence the name derived from having its own “agency”. These capabilities shift the paradigm of AI in science, since agentic AI can function as a research assistant.  

“In my lab, we use them in almost every stage of our research — everything from refining research project ideas to reviewing manuscripts before we submit to a journal…. We also have research projects that are almost entirely reliant on agent-driven science,” said Stanford researcher James Zou. 

The advancement and dissemination of these tools in laboratories can lead to more targeted animal use in research projects, including by improving experimental design and by providing more advanced computational data to support and inform experiments before animals are needed to answer a biological question. 

In a separate Q&A from Penn State University, researcher Dajiang Liu highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary work in the biomedical community as AI tools become more capable: “Communication and collaboration will also be essential. The most impactful work will often require teams that include clinicians, basic scientists, computational scientists, statisticians, ethicists and patients. Training programs should prepare students to work across disciplines and to use AI responsibly.” Nevertheless, he cautions that: “These AI tools do not automatically produce cures, and they should not be viewed as a substitute for rigorous science.”