Scientists use AI to create viruses not found in nature, simultaneously raising alarms, enthusiasm
The viruses created in the Stanford Lab are bacteriophages, which exclusively target bacteria and may pose a solution to the rising global problem of antibiotic-resistant infections.
At Stanford University, scientists have employed artificial intelligence to generate 16 entirely new viruses never observed in nature, sparking both alarm and excitement. While the prospect of creating potentially deadly viruses might seem dystopian, the team, led by chemical engineer Brian Hie and researcher Samuel King, believes these synthetic bacteriophages could ultimately save lives.
Bacteriophages, viruses that exclusively attack bacteria, are gaining attention as antibiotic resistance grows worldwide. In 2021, a study published by Israel's Health Ministry and Tel Aviv University found that infections from antibiotic-resistant E. Coli posed a severe burden on the nation's public health system. The researchers sought to develop phages to combat these resistant strains.
Using an AI model named EVO 2, Hie generated thousands of new DNA sequences to create novel bacteriophages. Out of nearly 300 synthesized, 16 were viable and effective, marking the first successful creation of completely new viruses. The team believes a combination of these designed phages could lead to more potent antibiotic medications—should individual bacteria develop resistance to a single phage, the cocktail would still provide a formidable defense.
However, the potential dangers of such technology have not gone unnoticed. Some scientists argue for stricter oversight and a new legal framework. While current regulations cover known pathogens, they fall short when it comes to AI-generated viruses. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Health Security, Thomas Inglesby and Moritz Hanke, advocate for national and global oversight to prevent the misuse of this technology.
They urge providers of synthetic nucleic acids to screen customer orders, but the scientists emphasize that such measures should be legally mandated. The article highlights the need for a balance between harnessing the potential benefits of AI-generated viruses and preventing serious harm to humanity.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
