AI-designed viruses test biosecurity limits

Scientists used artificial intelligence to design complete genetic instructions for bacteriophages, and some of the computer-generated designs produced working viruses when built and tested in the lab, marking a significant milestone in biological engineering. The viruses were designed to infect E. coli bacteria, not humans, and the AI model Evo 2 was trained with safety restrictions that excluded viruses infecting animals, plants, and humans. Despite this, the experiment raises concerns about whether biosecurity safeguards can keep pace with AI's growing ability to design biological systems. Bacteriophages could potentially treat antibiotic-resistant infections, but the technology also poses biosecurity challenges. Safeguards include screening DNA orders, laboratory oversight, and international preparedness, though countries vary significantly in their capabilities to detect and respond to biological threats.