US researchers have demonstrated that artificial intelligence can be used to design entirely new viruses capable of functioning and replicating in laboratory conditions.
The study produced 16 novel viruses designed to infect bacteria rather than humans, meaning they pose no direct threat to people.
Researchers say the breakthrough highlights the growing ability of AI to assist scientists in creating biological systems that do not exist naturally.
The viruses were developed as part of research into bacteriophages—viruses that target bacteria—and could potentially help scientists better understand infections and develop new approaches to controlling harmful bacteria.
However, the findings are also likely to fuel debate over the responsible use of AI in biology, as increasingly powerful systems make it easier to design novel biological entities.
