AI-Designed Viruses Evolve to Wreak Havoc on Bacteria, Hydrogen Industry's Future Uncertain

AI-Designed Viruses Pose New Threats, Hydrogen Industry Faces Reality Check A research team in California has successfully used artificial intelligence to propose new genetic codes for viruses, which have been able to replicate and kill bacteria. This breakthrough, described in a preprint paper, has the potential to accelerate research into artificially engineered cells and create new treatments. However, experts warn that it also marks an impressive first step toward AI-designed life forms. The team, led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), used machine learning algorithms to generate novel genetic sequences for viruses. The proposed codes were then tested in a laboratory setting, where several of them successfully replicated and demonstrated virulence against bacterial targets. "This is a significant achievement that demonstrates the power of AI in designing new biological systems," said Dr. David Baker, a professor at the University of Washington who was not involved in the study. "However, it also raises important questions about the potential risks and consequences of creating life forms using artificial intelligence." The development of AI-designed viruses has sparked concerns among experts, who warn that it could potentially lead to the creation of new pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics or even designed to target specific populations. Meanwhile, the hydrogen industry is facing a reality check as a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that several major projects face cancellations and delays. Hydrogen has been touted as a clean energy solution for industries such as agriculture, aviation, and shipping, but the IEA's report suggests that the sector is struggling to meet expectations. "The hydrogen industry is facing significant challenges in terms of scalability, cost, and infrastructure," said Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA. "While there are still opportunities for growth, it's clear that the sector needs to address these issues if it's going to live up to its promise." The report highlights the need for greater investment in hydrogen production, transportation, and storage infrastructure, as well as more efficient and cost-effective methods for producing clean hydrogen. As the world grapples with the implications of AI-designed viruses and the challenges facing the hydrogen industry, experts are calling for increased scrutiny and regulation to ensure that these emerging technologies are developed responsibly. "We need to be careful not to create new problems while trying to solve old ones," said Dr. Baker. "We must consider the potential consequences of these technologies and work together to develop guidelines and regulations that will help us navigate this complex landscape." The UCSF research team's findings have been met with a mix of excitement and concern, highlighting the need for ongoing debate and discussion about the ethics and implications of AI-designed life forms. As the field continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology is raising fundamental questions about what it means to be alive and how we should approach the development of new technologies. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*