If only genetic sequences were so finite. And what happens when researchers are developing a new protein that never existed before? Protein folding is NP-hard—even if P=NP is solved, protein folding may still be a challenge. It is likely that there will always be a need for software like this, and that the software will need periodic updates as new sequence behaviors come to light.

That said, as another comment points out, Google is merely stepping back from the AlphaFold project, which will continue without their funding or oversight.

The cURL creator cares more about his code than most companies do, I would conjecture; while this is a good reality check, I expect that it will be far more useful in the programming sweatshops responsible for the Domino’s website et al.

It’s still the wrong tool for the job. The sheer number of things generative AI is used for is embarrassing.