Scientists Create World’s First AI-Designed Virus to Kill Harmful Bacteria

Researchers from Stanford University and the Arc Institute have, for the first time, designed a virus using Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can target and kill harmful bacteria. The team used AI to design the genome of the small bacteriophage ΦX174, generating thousands of genomic designs. Out of these, 16 viruses successfully infected and destroyed bacteria in the lab. This breakthrough could open new avenues to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Scientists noted that the next step involves AI-generated life, but more experiments and stringent safety protocols are required. The ability to design genomes quickly and precisely through AI has the potential to revolutionize medicine and biotechnology.