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Sam's News — tech-research — 2026-08-06

TL;DR

Tech Research

AI Used to Create Viruses Not Found in Nature for First Time

US researchers at Stanford University and the Broad Institute used artificial intelligence to design novel viruses from a naturally occurring phage template, chemically synthesizing and testing nearly 300 genomes to create 16 viable viruses that proved more effective at killing E. coli bacteria than naturally occurring viruses. The breakthrough, published in Science, offers potential for targeted bacteriophage therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections but raises significant biosecurity concerns.

  • Researchers generated thousands of AI-designed phage genomes from a naturally occurring template
  • Nearly 300 genomes were chemically synthesized, resulting in 16 viable viruses
  • Synthetic viruses proved more effective at killing E. coli than naturally occurring viruses in tests
  • Study published in Science on August 7, 2026
  • Experts warn of dual-use risks requiring stronger biosecurity oversight despite benign nature of phages themselves

Sources: Al Jazeera Web Search

Virginia Tech Researchers Discover Mechanism of Vitamin B12 Release from Gut Bacteria

Biologist Bryan Hsu at Virginia Tech revealed how bacteria that produce vitamin B12 release this essential nutrient to the broader microbial community. Published in the ISME Journal, the research identifies bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) as the mechanism through which B12 becomes available, advancing understanding of nutrient cycling in the gut microbiome.

  • B12 is produced exclusively by certain bacteria and archaea
  • Bacteriophages 'lyse' or attack B12-producing bacteria, causing them to release the vitamin
  • Research published in ISME Journal in August 2026
  • Bryan Hsu is the Blackwood Junior Faculty Fellow in Virginia Tech's College of Science

Sources: Virginia Tech News Web Search