Researchers use AI genome models to design 16 novel viruses

Researchers used large language models trained on genomic data to design 16 novel viruses, a capability they say could help combat bacterial resistance but which raises biosecurity and governance concerns about dual-use AI, according to Ars Technica and Wired.

Researchers use AI genome models to design 16 novel viruses According to Ars Technica and Wired, researchers used large language models trained on genomic data to design 16 new viruses. Researchers claim the capability demonstrates potential applications for combating bacterial resistance, though the work raises biosecurity and governance concerns about dual-use AI capabilities. Topics Sources - Press Read article https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/08/large-genome-models-used-to-design-new-viruses/ - Press Read article https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-used-ai-to-create-16-new-viruses/ Go deeper This intelligence is sourced automatically from public sources across the web and synthesised by the Prefactor AI pipeline. Stories are reviewed before publication.