AI designs new viral genomes
Scientists have used artificial intelligence to create 16 new viruses that do not exist in nature. The team trained a model on large libraries of DNA and then asked it to design viral genomes.
When the researchers built the designs in the lab, 16 of them produced working viruses. The results show that AI can generate biological agents that are fully functional. The viruses were grown in controlled laboratory conditions under strict safety rules.
The work was published alongside a detailed explanation of the methods. The researchers say their goal is to understand how viruses evolve and how to defend against them.
Preparing for future threats
The team argues that AI-designed viruses can help scientists prepare for outbreaks before they happen. By studying new viral shapes, researchers can test vaccines and drugs in advance.
They also say the approach could speed up the discovery of treatments for drug-resistant bacteria. Some of the viruses created in the study infect bacteria rather than human cells.
"We are learning the rules of viral design," one of the authors said. "That knowledge can be used for defense as well as discovery."
Biosecurity debate heats up
The study has reignited a long-running debate about AI and biosecurity. Some experts say the ability to design new pathogens in a lab carries risks that need strict oversight.
Others note that the viruses were made under controlled conditions and that similar work has been done for years with older tools. They argue the real risk lies in lowering the barrier for bad actors.
Governments are already writing rules for AI in biology. International bodies are debating new rules that would require oversight for this kind of work. The researchers say they followed existing guidelines and shared their work with safety reviewers before publication.