Researchers from Stanford University and the Arc Institute in Palo Alto, California, have developed a method to create synthetic viruses capable of targeting and eliminating bacterial cells. Their recent study, which is pending peer review, employs an AI model trained on bacteriophage genomes—viruses that specifically attack bacteria. Sixteen out of the 302 bacteria-targeting viruses synthesized successfully eradicated E. coli in a controlled laboratory setting. This advancement may pave the way for new treatments for bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to current antibiotics.
The method’s unique gene configurations imply that these synthetic viruses could represent a new species. E. coli was selected for this research due to its association with various severe illnesses, affecting approximately 265,000 individuals annually in the U.S. alone.
Looking forward, the research team aims to create “phage cocktails” that can efficiently combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, ethical considerations are paramount, given concerns about the potential misuse of AI-generated biological entities.
- Why it matters: New synthetic viruses may offer alternatives to traditional antibiotics, crucial in combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
- AI-assisted design could revolutionize bioengineering, leading to the development of new biological systems.
- The latest: The study is currently awaiting peer review, with further developments expected as the team moves towards creating targeted phage cocktails.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a68825778/custom-viruses-fight-e-coli/
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a68825778/custom-viruses-fight-e-coli/