The magic that is science! AI-designed virus to kill bacteria

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The genetic structure of a new virus was created for the first time in the world using artificial intelligence. Based on that, scientists developed the real virus in the laboratory. It was proven to be more effective than existing viruses in destroying bacteria. Scientists at Stanford University in the United States achieved this rare achievement.

With this, the path has been opened to create life particles and develop effective vaccines with the help of AI.

The genomic AI language called 'Evo', an AI similar to ChatGPT, was used for this purpose.

The experiment was conducted using the bacteriophage PhX-174 virus, which is used to destroy E. coli bacteria. This is a virus with a complex structure. The genetic structure of more than two million PhX-174 viruses was given to Evo. It was asked to create the structure of a new virus by giving precise instructions (prompts). Evo created a digital blueprint of a virus capable of destroying E. coli bacteria.

Due to the overuse of drugs, antibiotics are unable to kill bacteria or cure diseases (antibiotic resistance), and millions of patients are suffering from it.

In India, an average of 600,000 people die every year after facing the same trouble. Unlike antibiotics, bacteriophages can kill specific bacteria. Experts say that with the use of artificial intelligence, effective drugs can be found in a short time.