AI Is now creating viruses (Credits: AI)
\n\nArtificial intelligence has taken another unexpected step into biology, with scientists using AI to design viruses that do not exist in nature. While the development could open new possibilities in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections, it has also raised questions about the safety of giving AI a greater role in creating biological organisms.
\n\nA report published by Futura-Sciences on October 18 highlights research demonstrating how AI-designed viruses could potentially help medicine tackle one of its biggest challenges: bacteria that no longer respond to existing treatments.
\n\nThe research, conducted by scientists at Stanford University and the Arc Institute, used specialised AI models called Evo 1 and Evo 2 to generate genetic sequences for bacteriophages. These are viruses that infect bacteria rather than human cells.
\n\nThe researchers based their work on a well-studied bacteriophage that targets certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Using this virus as a starting point, the AI models generated thousands of possible viral genomes. Scientists then selected 285 candidates for laboratory testing. Of these, 16 produced functional bacteriophages capable of multiplying and killing their targeted bacteria. The resulting viruses contained genetic changes that differed from those documented in naturally occurring…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle
