Science · 2026-10-18 · Morning briefing
Stanford researcher designs novel viruses with AI
A bioengineering PhD candidate at Stanford University has used a generative artificial intelligence model to design the genetic blueprints for entirely new viruses. The research was conducted in 2025 by Samuel King, a student affiliated with both Stanford and the Arc Institute, who tasked the AI with proposing novel microscopic viral structures.
The work subsequently earned Mr. King a place on MIT Technology Review's 'Innovators Under 35' list for his contributions to synthetic biology. In a subscriber-only conversation recorded on Friday, October 16th, 2026, the publication's AI reporter, James O'Donnell, spoke with Mr. King about the methods behind his research, providing a platform to discuss the specifics of using generative AI to create biological blueprints.
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- Stanford scientists just used AI to build a virus to target E coli
- Stanford, Arc Institute scientists design first AI-generated viruses
- AI used to design never-before-seen viruses, sparking new fears
- Researchers Used AI to Design Working Viruses, Raising Both Medical Hopes and Biosecurity Concerns
- AI-made viruses could be the future of medicine
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