A new system has been launched in California that can revolutionize biological defense in the USA. The Pentagon, together with the National Nuclear Security Administration, created a unique complex that combines a powerful supercomputer and a modern rapid response laboratory (RRL).
The basis of the system is a supercomputer based on the El Capitan architecture. It uses advanced AMD MI300A APU accelerators that combine high-performance CPUs and GPUs. The new complex will strengthen both military and civilian protection against biothreats. It will conduct large-scale simulations and develop new drugs.
Not only the military, but also other US government agencies, international allies, scientists and industry will have access to the platform. The new system will allow the US Department of Defense and three national laboratories to accelerate the creation of vaccines and antibodies. Scientists will be able to quickly test numerous variants of drugs.
Researchers are now finding vulnerabilities in the structure of pathogens much faster. This makes it possible to more effectively develop means of combating them. Jim Brace, LLNL's deputy director of computing, emphasizes: "We are creating a broad national capability to rapidly assess and respond to any future threats".
The new complex will be a powerful tool in the fight against biological threats. . It will help protect not only the USA, but also other countries from potential epidemics and bioterrorism.