Stanford researchers use AI to design new functional viruses

Researchers from Stanford University and the Arc Institute have used artificial intelligence to design entirely new, functional bacteriophages. Using genomic language models known as Evo 1 and Evo 2, the team analyzed millions of genetic sequences to propose new DNA patterns.

In laboratory testing, 16 of the nearly 300 synthesized AI-designed genomes successfully created functional viruses capable of infecting and destroying Escherichia coli bacteria. Some of these new phages proved more effective at combating resistant strains of E. coli than naturally occurring viruses.

The breakthrough, published in the journal Science, offers potential therapeutic applications for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. To mitigate biological risks, researchers specifically avoided training the AI on viruses capable of infecting humans or animals. However, the study has prompted calls from experts for enhanced oversight and updated regulations to manage the security implications of synthetic biology and AI-driven genetic design.