Generative AI Designed 16 Working Viral Genomes From Scratch, Published in Science — and Biosecurity Rules Haven't Caught Up
Science / Hacker News·high signal
A Science paper released August 6, 2026 reports the Evo/Evo2 genome models, trained on millions of genomes, produced 16 novel bacteriophages that replicate and function in the lab — the first complete genomes designed end-to-end by generative AI. The viruses target bacteria and are not human pathogens, and the near-term application is custom phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections. Biosecurity researchers used the result to press for a legal requirement that DNA-synthesis providers screen both the ordered sequence and the identity of the orderer, noting the capability now exists while the governance does not.