09/08/2026
Scientists at Stanford University in California have created the first AI-designed viruses, using artificial intelligence to generate new bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria rather than humans.
The AI models Evo1 and Evo2, trained on genetic data from 2 million bacteriophages, produced thousands of viral genomes; researchers built nearly 300 in the lab, of which 16 proved functional.
The AI-designed viruses successfully killed antibiotic-resistant E. coli, raising hopes for faster and more effective phage therapy.
Researchers excluded human, animal, and plant viruses from the AI’s training but warned the technology still raises biosafety and biosecurity concerns.
Experts say AI-designed viruses could transform medicine, but stronger oversight and safety measures are needed to prevent future misuse.