Lessons from Sudoku: Insights for Drug Discovery

Sudoku is my favorite casual game. The goal is to fill in all the empty spaces on the left grid to match the completed grid on the right. Through playing, I’ve realized several valuable lessons that can apply to many areas of life, including drug discovery.

Learning the Rules is Crucial

When learning something new, systematically understanding the rules is crucial. While investing a lot of time can help you internalize these rules, this method is often inefficient. In drug discovery, understanding the fundamental principles—such as molecular interactions, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology—is essential. Skipping this foundational knowledge can lead to costly mistakes down the line.

Frequent Application Leads to Internalization

As you continue to apply the rules you’ve learned, they become second nature. You start to use them instinctively rather than consciously thinking about them. In drug discovery, repeated application of techniques and methodologies leads to a more intuitive understanding, streamlining the research process. The idea of creating fully automated DMTA cycles stems from here.

Combining Constraints to Find Solutions

To solve any problem, you need to understand the given constraints. If a solution isn’t apparent, it means some hidden constraints have yet to be discovered. Similarly, in drug discovery and development, understanding biological constraints and regulatory requirements can reveal the most viable pathways for success.

The Role of Hints

While it’s preferable to solve problems independently, there are times when external input is necessary. In Sudoku, hints can be useful when you hit a dead end. Similarly, in drug discovery, seeking expert advice or consulting additional resources can provide new perspectives and solutions that were previously overlooked.

Parallels Between Sudoku and Drug Discovery

To excel in any field, you need to learn the rules. In Good Sudoku by Zach Gage, there are thirty techniques to master even the most challenging levels. Similarly, mastering various techniques in drug discovery can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness. As these techniques become internalized, they transform into second nature, allowing for more intuitive problem-solving.

Understanding constraints is also crucial. In drug discovery, these might include biological limitations, financial budgets, or regulatory guidelines. Once these constraints are acknowledged, finding viable solutions becomes more straightforward. However, if extensive thinking yields no answers, seeking external input or using “hints” is advisable. The time spent pondering the problem will make you appreciate the value of that external input.

The Complexities of Real-World Applications

Not all aspects of life are as straightforward as Sudoku. The rules in drug discovery are numerous and context-dependent. Some techniques require initial learning and subsequent execution, while others become effective only through extensive practice. Deciding whether to invest time in learning a particular technique is another challenge.

The rules evolve with advancements in science and technology. Techniques that were once state-of-the-art may become outdated, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation. Understanding task constraints is essential, but discernment is required to know which constraints to accept and which to challenge. Often, discovering all hidden constraints does not lead to solutions but rather highlights the complexity of the problem.

The Unpredictability of Challenges

While Sudoku allows for unlimited attempts, life’s challenges do not offer this luxury. In drug discovery, some problems may be solved quickly while others persist despite repeated efforts. Moreover, experts capable of providing valuable hints often focus on more significant issues and may not have the bandwidth to assist with simpler problems. Timing is also critical; hints provided too early or too late lose their effectiveness.