Researchers at Stanford University have, for the first time, used artificial intelligence to design entirely new viruses and successfully create them in the laboratory.
The newly developed viruses are bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria rather than humans. Scientists say the technology could eventually support the development of innovative treatments for infections that no longer respond to antibiotics.
During the study, an artificial intelligence system generated thousands of genetic designs for potential new viruses. After evaluating the proposed designs, researchers synthesized hundreds of candidates in the laboratory and ultimately produced 16 functional viruses capable of infecting bacteria and replicating successfully.
The achievement demonstrates how AI can accelerate biological research by creating viable genetic designs that have never previously been observed in nature.
Despite the scientific breakthrough, the research team also warned about the potential risks associated with the technology. They noted that the same capabilities used to develop beneficial medical applications could, if misused, be applied to the design of more dangerous disease-causing agents.
The researchers emphasized that advances in AI-driven biotechnology should be accompanied by rigorous scientific oversight, strong biosafety measures and internationally coordinated regulatory frameworks to ensure the technology is developed and applied responsibly.
The findings are expected to contribute to ongoing research into bacteriophage therapy, an emerging field aimed at treating bacterial infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.
