Drug Discovery
02/25/25 • 28 min
For centuries, drug discovery was a slow, trial-and-error process—sometimes taking decades to develop life-saving treatments. But what if we could speed up that timeline? At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, scientists are using supercomputing, machine learning, and AI to revolutionize how new medicines are found, tested, and developed.
In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge technology behind faster drug discovery, how researchers are using high-performance computing to target diseases more precisely, and the potential to bring new treatments—from cancer drugs to viral countermeasures—to patients in record time.
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Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series.
Executive Produced by Lacey Peace and Levi Hanusch.
Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle.
Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle.
Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell.
Narrated by Matthew Powell.
Video Production by Levi Hanusch.
Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance):
- Jim Brase, Deputy Associate Director for Computing, Lead of the Bio Resilience Initiative, LLNL
- Felice Lightstone, Leader, Biochemical and Biophysical Systems Group, LLNL
- Jonathan Allen, Informatics Scientist, LLNL
Brought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
For centuries, drug discovery was a slow, trial-and-error process—sometimes taking decades to develop life-saving treatments. But what if we could speed up that timeline? At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, scientists are using supercomputing, machine learning, and AI to revolutionize how new medicines are found, tested, and developed.
In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge technology behind faster drug discovery, how researchers are using high-performance computing to target diseases more precisely, and the potential to bring new treatments—from cancer drugs to viral countermeasures—to patients in record time.
--
Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series.
Executive Produced by Lacey Peace and Levi Hanusch.
Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle.
Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle.
Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell.
Narrated by Matthew Powell.
Video Production by Levi Hanusch.
Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance):
- Jim Brase, Deputy Associate Director for Computing, Lead of the Bio Resilience Initiative, LLNL
- Felice Lightstone, Leader, Biochemical and Biophysical Systems Group, LLNL
- Jonathan Allen, Informatics Scientist, LLNL
Brought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Previous Episode
Optics Recycle Loop
Inside the National Ignition Facility, 192 laser beams push the limits of science and technology, supporting critical national security and scientific research. But the extreme energy takes a toll, leaving tiny cracks and damage on the system’s delicate optics.
Instead of replacing these costly components, scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a high-tech repair process: the Optics Recycle Loop. Like a Formula 1 pit stop for lasers, this system inspects, restores, and reintegrates damaged optics with precision—keeping NIF firing at peak performance.
In this episode, we explore how researchers extend the life of these vital components, the cutting-edge science behind laser damage repair, and why maintaining NIF’s optics is key to its success.
--
Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series.
Executive Produced by Lacey Peace and Levi Hanusch.
Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle.
Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle.
Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell.
Narrated by Matthew Powell.
Video Production by Levi Hanusch.
Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance):
- Tayyab Suratwala, Program Director for Optics and Materials Science, LLNL
- Laura Mascio Kegelmeyer, Former NIF Team Leader for Optics Inspection and Data Management, LLNL
- Wren Carr, Science and Technology Leader for the Optical and Material Science and Technology Group, LLNL
Brought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Next Episode
Community Giving
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is celebrated for its groundbreaking science - from Fusion Ignition to safeguarding the nuclear stockpile. But there’s another story - grounded in community, connection, and a deep culture of giving.
In this episode, we’ll explore how the same passion that drives scientific discovery fuels the Lab’s commitment to making a difference beyond its walls.
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Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series.
Executive Produced by Lacey Peace and Levi Hanusch.
Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle.
Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle.
Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell.
Narrated by Matthew Powell.
Video Production by Levi Hanusch.
Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance):
- Trey Johnston, Director, Lawrence Livermore National Security Corporate Office
- Kellie Glaser, Program Manager, HOME, LLNL
Brought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
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