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AI designs novel viruses with unique genetic features · 2 sources tracked

By PulseAugur Editorial · [3 sources] ·

Researchers have successfully used large genome models, similar to large language models but trained on DNA sequences, to design novel bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). These AI-generated viruses exhibit significant evolutionary novelty while remaining closely related to existing strains. The models, named Evo 1 and Evo 2, were prompted to create genomes with realistic structures and specific host targeting capabilities, with 16 viable phages being experimentally confirmed. This advancement raises concerns about the potential for similar AI to design viruses targeting vertebrates in the future. AI

IMPACT Demonstrates AI's capability to design novel biological entities, raising potential dual-use concerns for biosecurity.

RANK_REASON Research paper detailing the generative design of novel bacteriophages using genome language models.

Read on Ars Technica — AI →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 3 sources. How we write summaries →

AI designs novel viruses with unique genetic features · 2 sources tracked

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Research paper detailing the generative design of novel bacteriophages using genome language models.
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COVERAGE [3]

  1. Ars Technica — AI TIER_1 Dansk(DA) · John Timmer ·

    Large genome models used to design new viruses

    The AI system makes genetically distant versions of a bacteria-killing virus.

  2. Mastodon — fosstodon.org TIER_1 English(EN) · [email protected] ·

    "Generative design of bacteriophages with genome language models" produced 16 viable AI-designed phages; a cocktail overcame resistant E. coli. # AI # Synthetic

    "Generative design of bacteriophages with genome language models" produced 16 viable AI-designed phages; a cocktail overcame resistant E. coli. # AI # SyntheticBiology # Bacteriophages # Genomics https://www. science.org/doi/10.1126/scienc e.aec2657

  3. r/MachineLearning TIER_1 English(EN) · /u/moschles ·

    [R] Generative design of novel bacteriophages with genome language models [R]

    <!-- SC_OFF --><div class="md"><p>Genome language models have emerged as a promising strategy for designing biological systems, but their ability to generate functional sequences at the scale of whole genomes has remained untested. Here, we report the first generative design of v…

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