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
Artificial Intelligence Creates Novel Viruses, Sparks Medical Hope and Safety Concerns Scientists have successfully used artificial intelligence to design and create entirely new viruses, marking a significant advancement in synthetic biology. The breakthrough, detailed in a study published in the journal Science, involves training AI models on extensive DNA libraries to generate synthetic viral genomes. Researchers at Stanford University and the Arc Institute in Palo Alto, California, utilized this approach to develop 16 novel viral strains, all of which were found to be viable and capable of infecting other bacteria. The study represents a departure from previous methods of viral genome synthesis, which primarily focused on replicating existing viral DNA for research purposes. Instead, the AI-driven process allowed scientists to engineer entirely new viral structures by analyzing natural DNA patterns and generating unique genetic sequences. These sequences were then used to create DNA molecules, which were inserted into bacterial hosts. The modified bacteria subsequently produced the newly designed viruses, which demonstrated functionality by infecting other bacterial cells. "This is an important milestone," remarked Patrick Cai, a synthetic biologist at the University of Manchester, who was not involved in the study. He highlighted the potential implications of the research, emphasizing its significance in advancing medical science. The newly created viruses, while not posing a threat to humans, are structurally similar to the Phi X-174 virus, a naturally occurring bacteriophage that exclusively targets bacterial cells. This similarity ensures that the engineered viruses remain confined to bacterial environments, minimizing risks to human health.#stanford_university #university_of_manchester #palo_alto #arc_institute #phi_x_174_virus
Arthur Fery: The Unlikely Wimbledon Star Carrying Britain's Hopes A week ago, Arthur Fery was an unknown figure in the tennis world. Now, the 23-year-old British wildcard has become a national hero after defying expectations to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals. Ranked 114th in the world, Fery stunned the tennis world by defeating former world No 3 Grigor Dimitrov on Monday night, securing his place in the tournament’s last eight. His victory has positioned him as the first British wildcard to reach the singles quarter-finals and only the fourth British man to achieve this feat in the 21st century. Fery’s journey to the quarter-finals has been marked by resilience and composure. After a challenging start to Wimbledon for British players, he emerged as the last British male competitor standing. His performance against Dimitrov, a player who had dominated the sport for much of the past decade, was described as “magical” by his former coaches. Paul Goldstein, who coached Fery at Stanford University, praised his “poised” and “composed” demeanor under pressure. Goldstein highlighted Fery’s ability to handle the immense responsibility of representing Britain on Centre Court, a feat that had never been accomplished before. “It’s so appropriate to use superlatives like extraordinary and exceptional for what he did,” Goldstein said. Fery’s success has been anticipated by those who have followed his career. His former coach, Alison Taylor, noted that while Fery was “amazingly athletic” from a young age, he wasn’t initially the standout player in his age group. However, his natural talent for performing in front of crowds and his innovative approach to the game set him apart. Taylor described him as a “real performer” who thrived on showcasing his skills.#stanford_university #grigor_dimitrov #arthur_fery #paul_goldstein #alison_taylor
Stanford Student's Low JEE Score Sparks Debate on Talent Measurement Justin Sato, a physics student at Stanford University, sparked widespread discussion after revealing on LinkedIn that he scored just 53 out of 360 in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)—equivalent to 15%—yet secured admission to Stanford, Princeton, and Caltech. His post, which quickly went viral, highlighted the stark contrast between India’s exam-centric education system and the holistic admissions practices of U.S. universities. Sato’s story resonated deeply in India, where the JEE is seen as the primary gateway to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), with acceptance rates below 1%. His experience challenged the notion that success in one system guarantees recognition in another, prompting reflection on how talent is evaluated across cultures. Sato’s admission to top-tier institutions despite his low JEE score underscored the differing priorities of Indian and American education systems. The JEE, a high-stakes exam emphasizing problem-solving speed and subject mastery, is the primary criterion for IIT admissions. In contrast, U.S. universities like Stanford, Princeton, and Caltech prioritize a broader assessment of applicants, including academic records, research potential, extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendation letters. Sato’s journey illustrated how a weakness in one metric—such as a low JEE score—can be offset by strengths in other areas, such as academic excellence, personal achievements, and extracurricular engagement. His post emphasized that global institutions often value a wider range of accomplishments, which may overlook talented students in exam-centric systems.#stanford_university #princeton_university #justin_sato #caltech #joint_entrance_examination
Sundar Pichai Encourages Stanford Graduates to Embrace Uncertainty and Pursue Ambition Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, delivered a commencement speech to the Class of 2026 at Stanford University on June 14, 2026, reflecting on his own journey from Chennai, India, to Silicon Valley. Drawing on personal experiences, Pichai urged graduates to reframe challenges, embrace uncertainty, and pursue ambitious goals. His remarks, delivered during the 135th Commencement ceremony, emphasized the importance of optimism, the insignificance of minor life decisions, and the value of reframing perspectives to navigate a rapidly changing world. Pichai began by acknowledging the unique circumstances of the event, noting that this was only his second commencement speech. His first, delivered in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a virtual address for students unable to attend in person. He humorously recounted the chaotic filming of that event, including a self-inflicted haircut and the absence of an audience, contrasting it with the celebratory atmosphere of the current ceremony. He praised the graduates for their achievements and thanked their families, friends, and mentors for their support. Addressing the graduates, Pichai acknowledged the pressure they faced to excel academically and extracurricularly, noting that many had sacrificed extensively to reach this milestone. However, he challenged them to recognize that while academic and professional milestones matter, they are far less consequential than they appear. He shared a personal anecdote about a classmate named Pat, who invited him to skip class and take a road trip to Las Vegas.#chennai #sundar_pichai #stanford_university #class_of_2026 #135th_commencement
Diving Robots Help Unravel Mystery Behind Antarctica's Vanishing Sea Ice Something unusual has been happening in the waters surrounding Antarctica. From the 1970s until a decade ago, the floating sea ice radiating from the continent expanded despite the ongoing effects of climate change. However, in 2016, this trend abruptly reversed, with sea ice levels dropping dramatically and failing to recover. Scientists have now identified the cause of this shift, thanks to data collected by deep-diving robots. The findings reveal that salinity, wind patterns, and oceanic churn play critical roles in the variability of Antarctic sea ice. The study, led by polar oceanographer Earle Wilson of Stanford University, highlights the ocean’s significant influence on seasonal and long-term changes in sea ice. Using a network of Argo floats—torpedo-shaped instruments that descend thousands of feet to measure temperature, salinity, and other conditions—researchers uncovered key insights. These robots, which float passively and transmit data to satellites, provided detailed observations of how ocean dynamics interact with atmospheric forces. The research explains that the Southern Ocean’s unique structure creates a stark contrast to other bodies of water. Unlike lakes or most seas, where surface waters are warmed by the sun while deeper layers remain cool, Antarctica’s waters are cooled by the air, leaving warmer layers beneath. This setup allows for the formation of sea ice, as the cold surface water freezes while the warmer, saltier water remains below. For decades before 2016, increased precipitation made surface waters fresher, creating a stratified layer that trapped heat in the depths. This stratification allowed the ocean to accumulate warmth, which was later released when atmospheric conditions changed.#stanford_university #climate_central #earle_wilson #argo_floats #zachary_labe
Kara Swisher's CNN Series Explores Science, Tech, and Business of Longevity Kara Swisher, a veteran journalist known for her coverage of Silicon Valley, launches a six-part CNN docuseries titled “Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever,” delving into the science, technology, and business of extending human life. The series opens with Swisher visiting a cemetery, the final resting place of her father, who died in 1968 at age 34. His sudden death, when Swisher was just 5, left a lasting impact on her perspective of mortality. “My father’s death has created an awareness of death that is very profound,” she says. “I’m very aware of my death and I don’t mean I’m going to die tomorrow. I just know the time is limited.” The series examines the intersection of health, technology, and longevity, featuring topics ranging from wellness influencers like Gwyneth Paltrow to AI-powered robotic companions for the elderly. Swisher, who has spent decades reporting on the tech industry, approaches the subject with a critical yet open mind. “I come to it pretty neutral and willing to listen to some stuff and willing to blow up other stuff,” she explains. She highlights the lack of a “magic bullet” in health trends, dismissing fads like collagen supplements and vibration plates as unproven. Instead, she critiques the wellness industry for exploiting gaps in the U.S. healthcare system, which often intervenes only after illnesses become severe and costly. “We live in a sick care society, not a health care society,” she tells the AP. “What we should be investing in is to make all of us healthier for a longer period of time rather than participate in what is a sick care industry here in this country.” Swisher’s exploration includes firsthand experiences with experimental treatments.#stanford_university #cnn #kara_swisher #bryan_johnson #gwyneth_paltrow
Stanford Selected for WBIT Stanford will compete in the postseason as part of the 32-team Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament, according to the WBIT selection committee. The Cardinal will host Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in the first round on Thursday, March 19, at Maples Pavilion, with the game scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets for the matchup are available through tickets.gostanford.com. The tournament’s first round will take place on March 19, followed by second-round games on March 22. Quarterfinals are set for March 26, with four teams advancing to Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, for the semifinals on March 30. The championship game will be held on April 1. The winner of the Stanford/LMU matchup will face the winner of George Mason/Quinnipiac in the second round, with Stanford hosting the game on March 22 if they advance. Preliminary rounds of the WBIT will be broadcast on ESPN+, while the semifinals will air on ESPNU and the finals on ESPN2. This marks Stanford’s second consecutive season in the tournament. The Cardinal has a strong historical record against LMU, with a 2-0 all-time series. Their first meeting occurred in a tournament in Honolulu, Hawai’i, on December 4, 1987, where Stanford won 83-38. The teams also faced off in the Preseason WNIT on November 9, 2006, with Stanford prevailing 88-61.#charles_koch_arena #stanford_university #wbit #maples_pavilion #loyola_marymount_university
U.S. military tested device that may be tied to Havana Syndrome on rats, sheep, confidential sources say Since at least 2016, U.S. diplomats, spies and military officers have reported suffering from severe brain injuries. They described being hit by an overwhelming force that damaged their vision, hearing, sense of balance and cognition. However, the government has doubted their stories, calling them delusional. Now, 60 Minutes has learned that a weapon capable of causing these injuries was obtained overseas and secretly tested on animals at a U.S. military base. The investigation into this mystery has spanned nine years, with this being the fourth story in a series called "Targeting Americans." Despite official government skepticism, the reporting has continued due to the disturbing accounts from victims. Chris, a retired lieutenant colonel who worked on highly classified spy satellites, described experiencing an unseen force striking him five times in five months. The attacks occurred in his home in Northern Virginia, with his wife Heidi present for the last two incidents. Heidi reported severe joint pain and osteolysis, a condition where bones dissolve, requiring surgery. Chris now relies on neurological drugs to manage his symptoms, which include damage to multiple organ systems. Other victims, including an FBI agent, a Commerce Department official in China, and the wife of a Justice Department official stationed in Europe, described similar experiences. They reported intense ear pain, pressure in the head, and disorientation. Many have undergone multiple surgeries and suffer from lifelong disabilities. What is striking about these accounts is the consistency in how different individuals describe their experiences. Despite never meeting, they all report similar symptoms.#stanford_university #havana_syndrome #us_military #cnn #fbi
Former CIA Officer Criticizes Agency's Handling of Havana Syndrome Investigation A former CIA officer has publicly criticized the agency’s investigation into Havana Syndrome, a mysterious illness affecting U.S. intelligence personnel. Marc Polymeropoulos, who served the agency for nearly three decades, alleges that the CIA failed to provide adequate medical care after he was struck in 2017 during a mission in Moscow. He claims the agency dismissed his symptoms as psychosomatic and refused to acknowledge the severity of his condition, leaving him with long-term health issues and a sense of betrayal. Polymeropoulos described the incident as a “terrifying” experience, noting he woke up with vertigo, a severe headache, and tinnitus. He emphasized that the symptoms were unlike any physical trauma he had endured in combat zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite his medical needs, he says the CIA did not offer proper treatment, leading to his eventual retirement due to disability. “I did some very interesting things for the U.S. government, always with the idea that they would have my back if I got jammed up,” he said. “I just needed to get medical care when I came back, and they wouldn’t even do that.” The former officer is among a group of victims who have long sought vindication for their conditions, which they attribute to a previously unknown weapon linked to Havana Syndrome. Polymeropoulos claims the CIA’s investigation into the incidents essentially ended in 2022, with officials pushing a conclusion that the illnesses were psychosomatic or caused by environmental factors. He alleges that some superiors mocked the victims, which he found deeply troubling after witnessing the personal impact of the syndrome on fellow officers during a posting in Central Asia. Dr.#white_house #cia #marc_polymeropoulos #stanford_university #david_relmann
Bay Area Events Calendar for March 6-12 Weekly Editions The Bay Area offers a diverse array of events for the week of March 6-12, featuring cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities. In Los Gatos, the NUMU New Museum will host a Celtic Knots workshop, where participants can learn to create three types of traditional knots—triquesta, heart, and dara—while exploring the history of Irish and Irish-American heritage. The session will take place at 10 a.m. on March 6. Stanford University’s Institute for International Studies will partner with the NUMU New Museum for a special event on March 6, featuring a discussion on global issues and cultural exchange. The event will be held at the museum’s location, 106 E. Main St., Los Gatos. On March 6, the Village Theatre in Danville will present “The 39 Steps, Abridged,” a comedic stage adaptation of Hitchcock’s classic thriller. The production, performed by four actors playing dozens of roles, will run from 7 p.m. and is priced at $32. The annual Niles Troop 269 Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser will take place on March 6 at the Veterans Memorial Building in Fremont. The event supports scouting activities and includes a pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m. In Berkeley, a film screening of “After the Long Rains” will occur on March 6 at 6:30 p.m. The film, directed by Swiss Kenyan filmmaker Damien Hauser, follows a young girl’s journey to pursue her dreams in Europe. The screening will be held at 2155 Center St., with an introduction by Ida Na-Tei, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. Fremont’s Lake Elizabeth Visitor Center will host the UMA Holi Milan 2026 festival on March 6, celebrating the vibrant Holi Milan festival of colors. Entry fees are $15 for UMA members, $20 for nonmembers, and free for children under five.#stanford_university #numu_new_museum #village_theatre #niles_troop_269 #berkeley_film_screening
