Latest AI wizardry unravels genetics in aquaculture

Chinese scientists on Thursday unveiled BlueOmniBreed 1.0, a new-generation artificial intelligence platform designed specifically for aquaculture in Qingdao, Shandong province.

Experts said the platform will provide intelligent support for innovation in aquatic breeding, helping accelerate the development of superior aquatic species and modernize China's marine seed industry.

The platform was developed by the Qingdao Institute of Blue Seed Industry, Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding (Ocean University of China), the Ministry of Education and the Sanya Oceanographic Institution at Ocean University of China.

According to Xu Yan, a professor at Ocean University, BlueOmniBreed 1.0 is powered by OmniG, a biological foundation model focused on gene relationships and pleiotropy, where a single gene or mutation influences many seemingly unrelated traits of an organism.

By integrating protein language models, multi-omics analysis, evolutionary biology data and statistical genetics, the platform establishes an end-to-end technological framework spanning gene function analysis, including prediction of complex traits and intelligent breeding decision-making.

The platform has also developed species-specific models for major marine economic species, including fish, shrimp, shellfish, sea cucumbers and algae, Xu said.

Bao Zhenmin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering who is president of the Qingdao Institute of Blue Seed Industry and a professor at Ocean University of China, said the platform, by integrating AI into the breeding process, helps connect laboratory research with the needs of industry.

The technology will allow breeding enterprises to have their own "AI breeders", accelerating the development of high-quality, resilient and high-yield aquatic varieties, Bao said.