Artificial Intelligence (AI) is opening a new era in computing biology as researchers at Stanford University and the Arc Institute announced a breakthrough achievement, creating the world's first completely AI-powered viral genome.
According to the website arcinstitute.org, the group used a genetic language model called Evo, which was trained on millions of viral genome data. The goal is to redesign the bacteriophage ΦX174 genome, a small virus that was fully decoded in 1977 and synthesized from the beginning in 2003. The virus is capable of infecting E. coli, with 5,386 DNA symbols and 11 complex overlapping genes.
AI has created thousands of candidate genes. After many rounds of screening, scientists synthesized hundreds of designs and tested them in the laboratory.
As a result, 16 new viruses have been successful, bringing hundreds of breakthroughs that have never existed in nature. Notably, some designs also borrowed DNA- packaged proteins from distant relatives, something that humans had previously tried many times but failed.
In 302 studies, AI has proven its superior ability when new viruses not only successfully replicate but also surpass the natural defense of bacteria, while traditional viruses are quickly resisted. The frozen electronic screens confirm the new proteins that perfectly match the viral structure, showing the feasibility of the AI-generated design.
This achievement marks the transition from DNA reading (reading the Sequence), to DNA writing (suggestion) and now DNA design. It opens up the potential for AI application in the development of medical therapy, biotechnology and environmental research.
Scientists admit that genetic design is a big challenge, as it requires complex coordination between multiple genes, regulating switches and the ability to continue to evolve. However, this result shows that AI can overcome the limitations that have plagued humans for decades.
In the context of AI reshaping education, creativity and productivity, this advance shows that technology can promote revolutionary scientific discoveries.
Despite the controversy over biosafety, Stanford and Arcs research has marked a historic milestone in the journey to unify artificial intelligence and biochemistry.
