Scientists are using AI to design new viruses. Should they be?

Researchers have successfully used artificial intelligence to design and create entirely new viruses that infect bacteria, sparking serious concerns about biosecurity. While these specific bacteriophages are harmless to humans and animals, they demonstrate that AI-enabled biotechnology is advancing much faster than existing regulations. Experts warn that future models could potentially design pathogens dangerous to complex life or assist malicious actors in creating bioweapons. Balancing the immense medical benefits of this technology—such as targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria and delivering gene therapies—with severe risks requires urgent governance, improved DNA synthesis screening, and tiered access to training data.

(Source：Scientific American)