Stanford and Arc Institute scientists used AI to design new viruses that killed bacteria in the lab

Researchers have utilized large genome models to generate 16 novel bacteriophages, viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria. By learning the underlying structure of viral genomes, the AI can design functional viruses that differ significantly from those found in nature. This development offers a potential new tool for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, as these synthetic agents could be tailored to address medical needs. However, the study also highlights security concerns, as the technology could theoretically be repurposed to engineer harmful biological agents.