AI used to design brand new viruses — but experts fear a lot could go wrong: ‘Urgent biosafety questions’

Developing new bacteriophages could lead to new ways of treating infections that have become resistant to antibiotics, the researchers said.

Scientists have used AI to design the first complete viral genomes, creating 16 working bacteriophages that kill E. coli. Published in Science, the study used genome language models Evo 1 and Evo 2 to write DNA from scratch. The AI-designed viruses beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but experts warn biosecurity govern

Researchers from Stanford University have synthesised brand-new, self-replicating viruses using genomes designed by artificial intelligence for the first time, raising the possibility of significant medical advancements but also prompting concerns the technology could be misused.

Artificial Intelligence has been used to design brand new viruses that are fully functional and can replicate in the laboratory, say US researchers. It is the first time whole genomes have been successfully designed by AI. The resulting 16 novel viruses were created to infect bacteria and pose no threat to people. The

Scientists hope work could lead to new treatments for infections resistant to antibiotics

Researchers at Stanford University carried out the research, and say that it raises hope for the development of new treatments.

The AI system makes genetically distant versions of a bacteria-killing virus.

Scientists made 16 successful viruses that had their genetic code designed by artificial intelligence.