OpenAI has introduced a new artificial intelligence model aimed at transforming scientific work in biology and medicine, as the company expands its focus on healthcare innovation.

The model, called GPT-Rosalind, is designed to assist researchers in areas such as drug discovery, translational medicine and broader life sciences. It is named after Rosalind Franklin, whose work was key to understanding the structure of DNA.

According to OpenAI, the new system is built to handle complex scientific workflows, including analysing biological data, reviewing research literature and planning experiments. The company said the model performs particularly well in tasks that require reasoning across molecules, proteins, genes and disease-related processes.

Artificial intelligence is already playing a growing role in the pharmaceutical industry, helping scientists identify promising compounds more quickly and reduce the time needed to bring treatments from early research to clinical use. OpenAI said GPT-Rosalind aims to go further by helping researchers uncover patterns and connections that might otherwise go unnoticed.

“Advanced AI systems can help scientists move through complex workflows faster and explore more possibilities,” the company said in its announcement, adding that the tool is intended to improve both efficiency and the quality of scientific insights.

The model is also designed to integrate with scientific tools and databases, allowing it to support multi-step processes such as data analysis, sequence interpretation and experimental design. This capability is expected to make it useful for teams handling large volumes of biological information.

OpenAI is already working with several major organisations to apply the technology in real-world research settings. These include Moderna, Amgen, Allen Institute and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Stéphane Bancel said the model is already helping scientific teams process complex data and translate findings into experimental workflows. He noted that the technology could accelerate research and development efforts within the company.

The launch follows a broader push by OpenAI to deepen its involvement in life sciences. Earlier this month, the company announced a partnership with Novo Nordisk to support the development of new treatments using AI tools.

Sam Altman said artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape the healthcare sector by enabling faster innovation and improving patient outcomes. Pilot programmes using GPT-Rosalind are expected to roll out across research, manufacturing and commercial operations, with wider integration planned by the end of the year.

The release signals growing competition among technology firms to apply AI in scientific discovery, an area seen as one of the most promising frontiers for the technology.

Moderate coffee consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of mental health disorders, according to new research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

The study found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day was linked to a lower likelihood of developing conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, higher intake — particularly five or more cups daily — was associated with an increased risk, suggesting that balance is key.

Researchers analysed data from more than 460,000 participants enrolled in the UK Biobank, a large long-term study tracking individuals aged between 40 and 69. Participants provided detailed information about their coffee habits, including the type of coffee consumed, such as instant, ground, or decaffeinated. They were followed for an average of 13.4 years.

The findings revealed what scientists described as a “J-shaped” relationship. People who consumed moderate amounts of coffee appeared to benefit the most, while those who drank little or excessive amounts did not experience the same protective effect. The association between coffee intake and reduced risk of mood disorders was found to be more pronounced in men.

The researchers noted that growing attention is being paid to the role of diet in mental health. With mental disorders affecting more than one billion people globally, the World Health Organization has identified conditions such as depression and anxiety as leading causes of long-term disability.

The study suggests that certain compounds found in coffee may help explain the observed link. Coffee contains a wide range of bioactive substances, including caffeine, polyphenols, melanoidins and diterpenes. These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

According to the authors, caffeine may influence brain function through multiple pathways. It can activate receptors associated with improved mood while blocking others linked to stress-related neural dysfunction. These mechanisms may contribute to a lower risk of mental health conditions among moderate coffee drinkers.

Previous research has also connected coffee consumption with slower cognitive decline and a reduced risk of neurological disorders, adding to interest in its potential health benefits.

Despite the findings, researchers caution that coffee consumption alone should not be seen as a solution to mental health challenges. They stress the importance of broader lifestyle and medical approaches, while highlighting the need for further studies to better understand how dietary habits influence mental well-being.

The results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that everyday dietary choices may play a role in long-term mental health outcomes.

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has announced a new partnership with OpenAI aimed at integrating artificial intelligence across its drug development and business operations.

The collaboration, revealed on Tuesday, is expected to help the company identify new treatments more quickly and improve how medicines are developed, produced and delivered to patients. Novo Nordisk said the use of advanced AI tools will allow it to analyse vast and complex datasets, uncover patterns that were previously difficult to detect, and shorten the timeline from research to patient access.

Chief executive Mike Doustdar said the agreement marks an important step in positioning the company for the future of healthcare. He noted that millions of people living with chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes still require better treatment options, adding that new therapies remain to be discovered.

Novo Nordisk is widely known for its leading treatments in these areas, including Ozempic and Wegovy, which have seen strong global demand in recent years. The company said integrating AI into daily workflows will allow its teams to test ideas more rapidly and bring innovations to market at a faster pace.

The partnership will not be limited to research and development. Both companies plan to apply AI tools to manufacturing processes, supply chains and commercial operations, with pilot programmes already set to begin. Full integration is expected by the end of the year.

Sam Altman said artificial intelligence is transforming industries and has the potential to significantly improve outcomes in life sciences. He added that the collaboration would support faster scientific discovery and more efficient global operations, helping to shape the future of patient care.

The move comes as pharmaceutical companies increasingly turn to AI to gain an edge in drug discovery. Novo Nordisk has already invested in innovation through initiatives such as the Danish Centre for AI Innovation, developed in partnership with Nvidia and Denmark’s export and investment fund.

Competition in the sector is intensifying. US-based Eli Lilly, a key rival in the weight-loss drug market, recently announced its own AI-focused collaboration with Insilico Medicine to develop new treatments. The agreement, valued at up to $2.75 billion, highlights the growing role of AI in reshaping pharmaceutical research.

Industry analysts say such partnerships reflect a broader shift toward data-driven innovation in healthcare, where the ability to process and interpret large volumes of information is becoming increasingly important.

For Novo Nordisk, the partnership with OpenAI signals a commitment to staying at the forefront of this transformation, as companies race to harness technology in the search for new and more effective treatments.