A bipartisan proposal in Congress could expand scientific research at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead and help accelerate the search for new treatments for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds and New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich have introduced the Homestake AI Act, which would create a Department of Energy pilot program focused on collecting and sequencing genetic material from organisms found in extreme environments.
Supporters say the research could uncover biological traits useful in developing future medicines. Lawmakers point to the Gila monster, whose unique biology helped lead to the development of diabetes drugs such as Ozempic, as an example of the potential benefits.
The legislation is the first proposal stemming from the senators’ American Science Acceleration Project, aimed at dramatically increasing the pace of scientific discovery through artificial intelligence and advanced research.
Leaders from the Sanford Underground Research Facility, Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, and South Dakota Mines have voiced support for the measure, saying it could strengthen America’s leadership in science, biotechnology, and AI-driven medical research.
