New AI-generated viruses spark biosafety fears

Published August 7, 2026 2:55pm ET | Updated August 7, 2026 2:55pm ET



New technology to create synthetic viruses that do not exist in nature with artificial intelligence is scaring biosafety experts, who worry that the process could spark the next global pandemic. 

Manipulating the genetic structure of naturally occurring viruses is not new, but using AI to create entirely new viruses poses new safety concerns and puts scientists and policymakers in uncharted territory. 

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