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AI designs new virus not found in nature
Researchers have used generative AI to design a synthetic virus, a novel organism not found in nature. This advancement represents a significant step, raising concerns about the rapid creation of dangerous pathogens that could outpace surveillance systems. The AI model was used to engineer viruses capable of infecting and killing E. coli. While this technology holds promise for combating bacterial infections, it also carries the potential for developing more complex life forms and even biological weapons. This development complicates government efforts to regulate high-risk research, as it moves beyond manipulating existing viruses. Existing regulations, like those focusing on "gain of function" research, do not specifically address AI-driven biological creation. Experts highlight that the capability to compose viral genomes with generative AI now exists, but adequate governance to ensure safety is lacking. The researchers themselves acknowledged the untested nature of genome language models in generating entire functional genomes. This breakthrough underscores the rapid pace of biotechnology, which frequently outpaces regulatory frameworks. The creation of entirely new organisms via AI necessitates new oversight mechanisms for generative genomics.