Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than ever, and scientists at Stanford and the Arc Institute have just pushed the limits of what’s possible. Using the Evo AI genome model, researchers have created the world’s first fully AI-designed viral genome. This is not just another lab experiment — this virus can actually infect and kill bacteria, marking a milestone in computational biology.

Previously, AI was used to design single proteins or small multi-gene systems, but creating an entire genome is far more complex. A functional genome must have interacting genes and regulatory switches to ensure growth, replication, and survival. Until now, getting all these components to work together was a major challenge.

Experts say this breakthrough could open new avenues for research, medicine, and biotechnology. From developing targeted therapies to understanding genetic processes, AI-designed genomes could accelerate innovation like never before.

While the scientific community celebrates, ethical debates are also emerging. The achievement demonstrates AI’s incredible potential in biology, but it also raises questions about safety, regulation, and the future of life sciences in an AI-driven world.