AI Designed Complete Bacteriophage Genomes With Novel Emergent Properties

Researchers (King et al.) published work in Science demonstrating generative AI can design complete bacteriophage genomes from scratch, not merely assemble individual genes. One AI-designed phage, Evo-Φ36, contained a functional truncated protein that could not be produced through conventional engineering, with surrounding sequences co-adapting to enable the new functionality. Commentators on the research called for societal oversight to allow benefits while preventing harm. Industry observers had already described the broader shift: Eric Nguyen of Radical Numerics said genomic AI has crossed from reading to writing biology, including producing complete viral genomes, and noted multimodal biological models integrating DNA, RNA, and protein signals are in development. The Washington Post editorial board acknowledged AI can now assist in creating viruses, called the resulting risks 'reasonable fears,' and endorsed gene synthesis facilities as a physical chokepoint, noting synthesis currently costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.