AI creates viruses not found in nature

Researchers have used artificial intelligence to create new types of viruses for the first time, Yle reports.

The researchers trained an AI model called Evo. They first developed Evo as a general DNA model and then created Evo 2, a specialised version for generating viruses.

In total, 16 AI generated viruses proved viable and were able to reproduce in bacteria.

The findings raise hopes for advances in medicine, but also highlight the possibility that the technology could eventually be misused. The researchers considered potential risks when training the AI model. They did not give it information about viruses harmful to humans or include similar viruses that infect animals or plants.

One hope is that some of the AI generated viruses could become useful tools in medicine and biotechnology.