Safety fears as scientists make first viruses designed by AI
Researchers say breakthrough offers hope for new medicines but also raises urgent biosecurity questions Scientists have made the first viruses designed by artificial intelligence in a milestone that raises hopes for new medicines but also concerns over how to ensure the technology remains safe. The viruses are specific kinds known as bacteriophages, which only infect bacteria and are used around…
Scientists have created the first viruses designed by artificial intelligence (AI), marking a milestone that could potentially revolutionize medicine but also raises significant biosecurity concerns. These viruses, known as bacteriophages, target bacteria and are employed to treat infections unresponsive to natural bacteriophages.
Dr. Brian Hie, a chemical engineer at Stanford University, utilized genome language models to generate functioning bacteriophage genomes. These AI-designed bacteriophages were then synthesized and tested against antibiotic-resistant E. coli in laboratory settings, where they proved effective. The breakthrough could transform phage therapy and expand biotechnological tools, but it also prompts critical questions about biosafety and biosecurity.
Researchers emphasized the need for stringent safety protocols, advising that safety and security professionals should be consulted throughout the genome design process to mitigate potential risks.
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