AI Designs Virus: Breakthrough in Biology
- Sarah Ruivivar
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
Hold onto your lab coats because the world of synthetic biology just took a giant leap forward!
Biologists have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to craft the complete genetic code of a virus, dubbed Evo-Φ2147, designed to obliterate the notorious E. coli bacteria. Talk about a microscopic hero!
In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers watched in awe as Evo-Φ2147 created clear patches on petri dishes, signalling the destruction of the bacteria. This isn’t just another day in the lab; it’s a monumental moment that shifts the paradigm from merely editing genetic material to designing entire genomes from scratch. It’s like moving from doodling to painting the Sistine Chapel!
British molecular biologist Adrian Woolfson hailed this as a “massive, consequential moment,” marking our transition into a post-Darwinian era where life isn’t just inherited but authored. Imagine that—creating life forms as easily as writing a novel!
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The virus, a petite powerhouse with just 11 genes across 5,386 base pairs, pales in comparison to the human genome’s 20,000 genes. Yet, its creation is a testament to the extraordinary potential of AI in biology.
Adding to the excitement, researchers at Caltech have unveiled Sidewinder, a tool that assembles DNA sequences with unprecedented precision and speed. This tech marvel could revolutionise everything from medicine to materials.
With visionaries like Bob Langer of Moderna fame on board, the possibilities are endless. As Mr Wang from Caltech puts it, “The only thing limiting it is our imagination.” So, dream big, because the future of biology is here, and it’s powered by AI!
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