Stanford scientists use AI to create 16 new viruses

US researchers at Stanford University have used artificial intelligence to design 16 new functional viruses, marking the first time AI has created complete viral genomes. According to Peoples Gazette, the study, published in the journal Science, said the viruses, designed to infect bacteria, pose no threat to humans.

Assistant professor Brian Hie said the AI models, Evo1 and Evo2, predict genetic code rather than words. Experts hailed the breakthrough as significant for treating antibiotic-resistant infections, while researchers at Johns Hopkins University raised “urgent biosafety and biosecurity questions” about potential misuse of the technology.