# AI Genome Models Now Used to Design New Viruses

Researchers are adapting large language models, typically used for text, to design novel viral genomes capable of infecting cells. The technique demonstrates AI's growing power in synthetic biology, raising both hopes for faster vaccine and therapeutic development and concerns about biosecurity risks.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### Technology
- [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/08/large-genome-models-used-to-design-new-viruses/) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:04:57 +0000
- [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-used-ai-to-create-16-new-viruses/) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:13:57 +0000