Scientists create new viruses using artificial intelligence for the first time

Scientists create new viruses using artificial intelligence for the first time

Scientists at Stanford University have used artificial intelligence to create new bacteriophages — viruses that can infect and destroy E. coli bacteria. The study was published in the journal Science on August 6.

The researchers used the Evo 2 AI model to design the viruses. Based on the genetic information of an existing bacteriophage, the model generated thousands of potential new genome variants. Around 300 variants were tested in the laboratory, and 16 were found to be active. Researchers also found that some combinations of the engineered bacteriophages were capable of destroying two different strains of E. coli. They differed significantly from known naturally occurring bacteriophages.

According to the scientists, the experiment demonstrated that AI can be used to design fully functional viral genomes. However, it remains unclear whether the technology could be applied to other viruses, including those that could potentially harm humans or animals.

The research could open new opportunities for developing medicines, while also raising important questions about biosafety and controlling potential biological threats associated with artificial intelligence.