AI can now design viruses, raising new biosecurity risks
Earth.com••health
Key Points:
- Scientists have used AI to design complete viral genomes from scratch, specifically bacteriophages that infect bacteria, demonstrating both promising medical applications and biosecurity concerns.
- A Microsoft-led study revealed that AI can redesign known toxins to evade standard DNA synthesis safety screenings, raising fears about the potential misuse of AI in creating harmful biological agents.
- DNA synthesis companies are enhancing screening algorithms to detect AI-modified sequences by focusing on protein structure and function, improving defenses against disguised dangerous genetic material.
- International and federal efforts are underway to establish biosecurity standards, linking research funding and DNA synthesis purchases to rigorous screening and monitoring protocols to prevent misuse.
- Despite concerns, practical barriers remain for creating contagious human viruses from AI-designed genomes, but ongoing advances
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