AIAI Designs First Novel Bacteriophage Genomes
Arc Institute researchers used genome language models to create viable bacteriophages absent from nature.
TLDR
Researchers at the Arc Institute trained AI models on DNA libraries to generate complete bacteriophage genomes. The resulting synthetic viruses proved viable upon synthesis, with sixteen yielding functional phages that have no natural counterparts. The study, published in Science, marks the first generative design of entire bacteriophage genomes. Commentary in the journal notes urgent biosafety implications while public discussion highlights possible uses against antimicrobial resistance.
AI Designs First Novel Bacteriophage Genomes
Arc Institute researchers used genome language models to create viable bacteriophages absent from nature.
