{
  "id": 11278828,
  "title": "Google DeepMind develops invisible watermarks for AI-designed proteins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/google-deepmind-develops-invisible-watermarks-for-ai-designed-proteins",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-01T20:40:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-google-deepmind-invisible-watermarks-ai.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Watermarking technology is being used to protect AI-designed proteins from misuse and scientific data falsification. Google DeepMind has developed SynthIDBio, a system that embeds invisible signatures into both the sequence of amino acids and the 3D structure of proteins. These watermarks do not interfere with the proteins' function or accuracy. The technology was tested on proteins targeting specific molecules, such as parts of the coronavirus spike protein, and proved effective in both identification and preserving functionality. However, the 3D structure watermark can be removed during standard structural adjustments, known as relaxation. Despite this limitation, the research demonstrates the feasibility of preserving function and quality in bioengineered proteins through watermarks. The full findings are published in the journal Nature.",
  "summary": "Watermarks have long protected everything from bank notes and fine art to digital photographs and software, helping prove authenticity and trace an object's origin. Their main function is to protect copyright and verify authenticity.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Google DeepMind watermarks AI proteins as Demis Hassabis warns of biosecurity risks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/google-deepmind-watermarks-ai-proteins-as-demis-hassabis-warns-of",
        "published": "2026-10-01T12:20:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechRepublic",
        "title": "Google DeepMind Adds Watermarks to AI-Designed Proteins Without Breaking Them",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/google-deepmind-adds-watermarks-to-ai-designed-proteins-without",
        "published": "2026-10-01T14:25:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}