# AI just created a brand new virus. Should we be scared?

https://mins.news/en/video/16506

- BBC News, 2026-08-07 20:00 UTC
- Science
- Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9FXO6_0Nv0

> US researchers say artificial intelligence has been used to design entirely new viruses that function and replicate in laboratory conditions. They describe this as the first successful AI design of whole viral genomes. The 16 resulting viruses were made to infect bacteria and are not considered a threat to people. Experts nevertheless warn that AI-designed viruses create urgent safety and security concerns.

## Related coverage

- [AI designs viruses for the first time: should humans worry?](https://mins.news/en/video/17982) — BBC Chinese, 2026-08-10
- [AI has created viruses that never existed before: Should we worry?](https://mins.news/en/video/16198) — DW 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
