AI Is Learning to Write Genetic Code

Researchers have used AI models to design complete genomes for viable bacteriophages, marking the first time AI has generated viruses not found in nature. The models produced about 700,000 potential designs, from which 285 were selected and synthesized, successfully creating functional phages that infect E. coli bacteria.

This sort of research https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-07/ai-models-design-viruses-not-found-in-nature-for-first-time/107007854 is both exciting and terrifying: The two models in question were told to generate complete genomes for a viable bacteriophage—a type of virus able to infect and replicate itself inside bacteria, destroying them from the inside. Using an existing bacteriophage as an example—ΦX174 pronounced “fie-ex-1-7-4” , known for its ability to infect and destroy E. coli bacteria—the models generated about 700,000 potential designs, of which the researchers picked 285 that looked most promising. The researchers then synthesised new DNA molecules using those designs and inserted them into E. coli bacteria, before waiting to see if viable bacteriophages would emerge...