You’ve probably heard of artificial intelligence writing college admissions essays or producing strikingly authentic-looking “deep fake” images. Less discussed is AI’s potential to help us address challenging health crises.

Indeed, if deployed properly, AI could equip scientists with tools to fight the rise of drug-resistant “superbugs.”

Scientists predict that superbugs — bacteria and fungi that have developed resistance to existing medicines — could kill 10 million people per year by 2050. That would make drug resistance an even bigger killer than cancer.

Fortunately, AI has the potential to usher in a new era of rapid treatment discovery to give humans a leg up on superbugs. But it’ll take the best efforts of the public and private sectors to ensure these new drugs are developed, approved, and accessible to patients — before it’s too late.

Read more on RealClearHealth