Scientists at Stanford University have created what are described as the first functional viruses whose genomes were designed by artificial intelligence. Researchers used genome language models called Evo1 and Evo2, trained on genetic information from about 2 million bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, to generate thousands of candidate viral genomes. Nearly 300 were synthesised in the laboratory, producing 16 viable bacteriophages. A mixture of these AI-designed viruses successfully attacked strains of E. coli that had developed resistance to naturally occurring phages, demonstrating potential for developing more adaptable phage therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
The breakthrough also raises significant biosafety and biosecurity concerns because it demonstrates that generative AI can design complete, biologically functional viral genomes. The researchers deliberately excluded genetic data from viruses that infect humans, animals and plants, but experts warn that similar approaches applied to pathogenic organisms could create novel biological threats. Biosecurity specialists therefore argue that governance needs to develop alongside the technology, combining controls on AI-model development and access with responsible research oversight, DNA-synthesis screening, laboratory biosafety and restrictions on potentially dangerous genome production.
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