Large genome models used to design new viruses

Researchers at Stanford University have used artificial intelligence models to design viral genomes—specifically, variants of bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria. Per Ars Technica, while the generated viruses are closely related to existing bacteriophages, they include distinct features that would be challenging to evolve through natural processes. The work shows that large AI models, previously used mainly for protein design, can now engineer complete viral genomes. The Stanford team warns that while these models only target bacteria, similar AI could theoretically be adapted to design viruses that infect vertebrates—a possibility they're urging society to prepare for now.

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