AI Breakthrough: Scientists Create First Fully Functional Viruses Using Artificial Intelligence Researchers in the United States have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by using artificial intelligence to design and create fully functional viruses capable of replicating in a laboratory setting. This marks the first time that entire genomes of viruses have been engineered by AI, according to a study published in the journal Science. The breakthrough involves the development of 16 novel viruses, specifically designed to target bacteria and pose no risk to humans. The study, led by scientists at Stanford University, highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize synthetic biology while raising critical questions about safety and ethical use. The AI models, named Evo1 and Evo2, were trained on vast datasets of genetic codes from viruses, bacteria, plants, and humans. These models predict the "language of life" by generating sequences of genetic material that can form functional viruses. The researchers focused on bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria—and optimized the AI to design phages capable of targeting specific bacterial species. After synthesizing 302 AI-generated designs in the lab, 16 proved effective at killing E. coli bacteria. The success was confirmed when the phages were placed on petri dishes with bacterial colonies, resulting in visible "clear spots" indicating infection. "We were starting to see these clear spots and it was just extremely exciting," said Samuel King, a PhD student in the lab. The team celebrated the breakthrough with spontaneous applause when the results were shared. The study’s implications extend beyond combating antibiotic-resistant infections.#stanford_university #johns_hopkins_university #samuel_king #pompeu_fabra_university #manchester_institute_of_biotechnology
