Scientists at Stanford University and the Arc Institute have successfully developed the world’s first genome created entirely with the help of artificial intelligence.
- AI models have been previously used to generate DNA sequences, single proteins and multi-component complexes.
About AI Designed Viral Genome
- Achievement: Scientists leveraged AI to write coherent viral genomes, producing bacteriophages that can effectively target/kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Method: They used the Evo AI genomic model to redesign a tiny bacteriophage (ΦX174) that infects Bacteria E. coli.
Potential uses of AI in Biosciences
- Biotechnology & Medicine: Could speed up drug and vaccine development, making treatments more effective.
- Bacterial Control: Custom viruses could be engineered to target drug-resistant bacteria.
- Research: Opens new frontiers for industrial, agricultural, and scientific applications.
- E.g. DeepMind’s AlphaFold solved the 50-year-old challenge of Protein Structure/shape Prediction
- Synthetic Biology: Enables development of biofuels, biodegradable materials, and engineered microbes.
- Insight: Provides deeper understanding of gene interactions, evolution, and regulation.
Issues with use of AI in Biosciences
- Dual-use Risks: Technology could be used to create dangerous pathogens or bio-weapons.
- Biosafety: Accidental release poses ecological and health risks.
- Bio Ethics and Regulation: Absence of global guidelines raises accountability concerns.
- AI Dependence: Heavy reliance on AI may reduce human supervision, increasing risk of errors.
