Artificial Intelligence used to design new viruses
Researchers at Stanford University have used generative AI to design 16 fully functional, novel viruses that infect bacteria. While this breakthrough could lead to new medical treatments, experts warn of the significant safety and security risks associated with AI-designed biological agents.
Why it matters
The ability to design synthetic genomes using AI represents a major scientific advancement with dual-use potential for both medicine and biosecurity.
Image source, Stanford University Image caption, Assistant professor Brian Hie, pictured on the left with a colleague, said of the work "this was new territory for us"
Health and science correspondent Published 6 August 2026 Artificial Intelligence has been used to design brand new viruses that are fully functional and can replicate in the laboratory, say US researchers.
It is the first time whole genomes have been successfully designed by AI.
The resulting 16 novel viruses were created to infect bacteria and pose no threat to people.
The breakthrough has been labelled a "very significant turning point" in science that could unlock a new era for treating disease. But experts have also warned AI-designed viruses raise "urgent" safety and security concerns.
AI tools are rapidly advancing and have already been used to design new antibiotics.
But that is relatively simple compared with designing a new viable virus from scratch.
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