science π¦ AI designs viruses, testing biosecurity limits π§ͺ
Scientists recently used artificial intelligence to design complete genetic instructions for bacteriophages, which are viruses that attack bacteria. This research took place with bacteriophages targeting E. coli, utilizing an AI model named Evo 2. The study involved computer-generated viruses, raising concerns about whether current safeguards can keep up with AI advances. These tools could help treat infections but also present new biosecurity challenges moving forward. Therefore, researchers stress the need for safeguards to evolve alongside these powerful new biological design capabilities.