Scientists are using AI to design new viruses. Scientists have crossed a threshold in artificial intelligence: using the technology, researchers have created real viruses that are entirely new to science. Future AI agents might also be able to coach nonexperts on the finer points of biological design—enabling a suite of possible bad actors to create novel bioweapons. AI models could also reveal new information about how the genome organizes itself, Bloomfield says. “If we see indications of the beginnings of a viral design capability, does that mean we will get full 100 percent viral design capabilities in a year, in six months?”