The Evo AI model was trained on over 9 trillion nucleotides, the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA|@BrianHie|X
Researchers at Stanford University and Arc Institute used a generative AI model called Evo to design several novel viruses not found in nature, according to a study published this week.
It marks the first time AI has successfully designed a complete genome.
While the breakthrough raises concerns about potential misuse, researchers say the technology could ultimately save lives.
The Evo model was trained on over 9 trillion nucleotides, the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA, and generated 700,000 potential genome combinations.
The scientists selected 302 AI-generated designs to synthesize in a laboratory, with 16 of them yielding viruses that had never been produced before.
AI is giving researchers a hand
Scientists have long created viruses in the lab to understand them better. Engineered viruses are already used to fight drug-resistant bacteria and treat genetic diseases. AI could help speed up that work.
But
Researchers worry the technology could also be misused to create bioweapons. They warned against applying the approach to dangerous pathogens that can infect humans, including malaria.