Scientists from Stanford University and the Arc Institute used AI to create new viruses for the first time, according to CNN. Samuel King, a Stanford graduate student and study author, called the medical milestone an "obvious next step." Researchers used an AI model called EVO, created by OpenAI, to analyze millions of DNA from animals, plants, microbes and viruses, then employed it to create synthetic viruses. CNN contributor Jacob Ward said AI accelerated a process that might otherwise take a lifetime, noting scientists could use AI to build "three hundred or so new viruses," with sixteen of them coming alive. The 16 new viruses bear genetic similarities to the Phi X-174 virus, which only infects bacteria, and are not expected to pose a threat to humans, according to The New York Times. However, a commentary accompanying the initial study published in Science raised concerns, stating: "Although this is promising for life sciences applications, it also raises urgent biosafety and biosecurity questions. The ability to compose viral genomes using generative AI now exists; the governance to safely steer it does not." The researchers noted that safety measures and guardrails should be in place as AI technology continues to advance.