# AI has created viruses that never existed before: Should we worry?

https://mins.news/en/video/16198

- DW News, 2026-08-07 13:00 UTC
- Science
- Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inH6kVBs7u0

> Scientists in California used an artificial intelligence model to design viruses that had never existed in nature. Some of these newly created viruses were shown to function in laboratory tests. The report considers the considerable promise of the breakthrough while focusing on difficult questions about safety and regulation. It also examines what the development could mean for the future of biotechnology, with science reporter Zulfikar Abbany discussing the issue.

## Related coverage

- [AI designs viruses for the first time: should humans worry?](https://mins.news/en/video/17982) — BBC Chinese, 2026-08-10
- [AI just created a brand new virus. Should we be scared?](https://mins.news/en/video/16506) — BBC News, 2026-08-07
- [Artificial intelligence used to design entirely new viruses](https://mins.news/en/item/16007) — BBC Chinese, 2026-08-07
- [Scientists use AI to create novel viral genomes targeting specific hosts](https://mins.news/en/item/15787) — CNN, 2026-08-07
- [AI used to create viruses not found in nature for the first time](https://mins.news/en/item/15781) — Al Jazeera, 2026-08-07
- [Artificial intelligence used to design brand-new viruses](https://mins.news/en/item/15460) — BBC News, 2026-08-06