Safety fears as scientists make first viruses designed by AI
Scientists have successfully used AI to design functional bacteriophages capable of killing antibiotic-resistant E. coli. While the breakthrough offers potential for new medical treatments, researchers warn of significant biosecurity risks associated with AI-generated viruses.
Why it matters
This development highlights the dual-use nature of AI in biotechnology, balancing medical innovation against the risk of creating dangerous pathogens.
A scientist holds an agar plate containing a bacteriophage, which can be used to treat patients with persistent infections./Getty Images A scientist holds an agar plate containing a bacteriophage, which can be used to treat patients with persistent infections./Getty Images Science Safety fears as scientists make first viruses designed by AI Researchers say breakthrough offers hope for new medicines but also raises urgent biosecurity questions
Prefer the Guardian on Google 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 the world to treat patients with persistent infections. In lab tests, a cocktail of the AI-designed viruses killed E coli bugs that were resistant to natural bacteriophages.
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