From MIT Technology Review · · 1m
AI designs virus blueprints in Stanford breakthrough
Researcher Samuel King used generative AI to propose genetic blueprints for viruses, raising questions about AI's role in creating new life forms.
In brief
Researcher Samuel King used generative AI to propose genetic blueprints for viruses, raising questions about AI's role in creating new life forms. Stanford PhD student Samuel King used generative AI to design genetic blueprints for microscopic viruses in 2025, demonstrating AI's potential to create new biological…
Stanford student designs viruses with AI
In 2025, Stanford University PhD student Samuel King used a generative AI model to propose genetic blueprints for microscopic viruses. The work raises questions about whether AI can design new life forms.
Not yet artificial life, but close
King's work is not yet an example of AI-generated life, but researchers say that could be the next step. The breakthrough has drawn attention to the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology.
King joins MIT's Innovators Under 35
Samuel King has been named one of MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35. He will discuss his research and new ways of seeing biology in a live roundtable on October 16th at 18:30 BST.
At a glance
Stanford PhD student Samuel King used generative AI to design genetic blueprints for microscopic viruses in 2025, demonstrating AI's potential to create new biological forms.
