Artificial intelligence has created new viable viruses that do not exist in nature for the first time

August 6 2026, 10:16 PM • 3030 views

Researchers used the Evo 2 AI model to create new viruses, 16 of which proved capable of reproducing in bacteria. The technology could open up new possibilities for medicine and biotechnology.

Researchers have used artificial intelligence for the first time to create new types of viruses that do not exist in nature, and 16 of them proved capable of reproducing in bacteria. Yle reports this, citing The New York Times, according to UNN.

For the study, the scientists used the Evo artificial intelligence model. It was initially created as a universal model for working with DNA, and later a specialized version, Evo 2, was developed to design new viruses.

At the same time, the researchers took into account the potential risks of using the technology. During the model’s training, it was not provided with information about viruses dangerous to humans, or about similar viruses that infect animals or plants.

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Despite concerns about the possible misuse of such developments in the future, the scientists believe that the technology could open up new opportunities for medicine and biotechnology. In particular, the viruses created by artificial intelligence could potentially become useful tools for scientific research and the development of new treatments.

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