AI-Engineered Phages Defeat Bacterial Resistance, Raise Biosafety Concerns
Researchers at Stanford and the Arc Institute used an AI called Evo to design entirely new bacteriophages. From 302 AI-made genomes, 16 proved functional in labs and carried up to 392 previously unseen mutations; several overcame bacterial resistance that stymied natural viruses. The work showcases AI-driven genome engineering but raises biosafety and misuse concerns — the team avoided human-infecting viruses and calls for cautious oversight.