Researchers have achieved a historic and controversial milestone by using generative AI genome models to design completely functional, synthetic viruses from scratch. Published in the journal Science, the AI-created bacteriophages successfully targeted and destroyed antibiotic-resistant superbugs in lab tests. However, leading health security experts are raising urgent biosecurity alarms, warning that the technology could be misused to design lethal human pathogens. We break down the science, the booming AI bio-market, the safety caveats, and the growing risks of AI.

The AI nightmare just got real: It can design viruses

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, accelerating drug discovery, improving disease detection, and helping develop vaccines faster than ever before. But a groundbreaking new study has revealed another capability that is raising serious questions worldwide.

Scientists have successfully used AI to design virus genomes under tightly controlled laboratory conditions. Researchers say the goal was to improve virus surveillance, vaccine research, and scientific understanding—not to create dangerous pathogens. However, the breakthrough has sparked concerns about biosecurity and the potential misuse of advanced AI in synthetic biology.

AI Designs Viruses? Scientists Reveal Shocking Breakthrough | Medical Revolution or Global Threat?

Scientists have unveiled a synthetic cell capable of performing several life-like functions, marking a major milestone in modern biology. The breakthrough does not mean researchers have created life from scratch, but it does bring science closer to understanding how living systems emerge from simple chemical components. The artificial cell, known as "SpudCell," could help researchers study disease, develop new medicines and unlock deeper insights into the origins of life itself.


Scientists recreate life's building blocks | Artificial cell performs life-like functions

Google-backed researchers are seeking approval to release up to 32 million sterile mosquitoes as part of an ambitious effort to combat disease-carrying mosquito populations. The project aims to curb the spread of illnesses such as dengue by reducing the number of mosquitoes capable of reproducing.

But how does the technology work, and could releasing millions of insects create unintended consequences for the environment? As regulators review the proposal, the debate over science, public health and human intervention in nature is intensifying.

Google Plans to Release 32 Million Mosquito Army | Tiny Killers, Giant Experiment

Pfizer on Monday announced a deal to buy Seagen Inc in a $43 billion deal that brings together one of the world's top US-based pharmaceutical companies and the American biotech firm pioneering cancer medicines.

“Pfizer is deploying its financial resources to advance the battle against cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide with a significant impact on public health,” said Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.&nbsp;

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As Pfizer is now all set to acquire Seagen, the combined strength is seen to be benefitting Pfizer's position on oncology.&nbsp;The acquisition will further bring together the power of Seagen’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology with the scale and strength of Pfizer’s capabilities and expertise.&nbsp;

According to Seagen's statement, the company has led the way in novel cancer therapeutics for over 20 years as well as discovering safe and effective solutions to challenging clinical needs.&nbsp;

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Pfizer has acquired the company for $229 per Seagen share in cash. The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, as per the statement.&nbsp;

US giant Pfizer expects to achieve nearly $1 billion in cost efficiencies in the third full year after the completion of the transaction. The completion of the transaction is expected to be achieved by late 2023 or early 2024.&nbsp;

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"Oncology continues to be the largest growth driver in global medicine, and this acquisition will enhance Pfizer’s position in this important space and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of Pfizer’s near- and long-term financial goals," Bourla said.&nbsp;Seagen expects to generate approximately $2.2 billion of revenue in 2023.&nbsp;

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Pfizer on Monday announced a deal to buy Seagen Inc in a $43 billion deal that brings together one of the world's top US-based pharmaceutical companies and the American biotech firm pioneering cancer medicines.

Pfizer on Monday announced a deal to buy Seagen Inc in a $43 billion deal that brings together one of the world's top US-based pharmaceutical companies and the American biotech firm pioneering cancer medicines. “Pfizer is deploying its financial resources to advance the battle against cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide with a significant impact on public health,” said Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Also Read | Indian SC directs petitions seeking same-sex marriage legalisation to constitutional bench As Pfizer is now all set to acquire Seagen, the combined strength is seen to be benefitting Pfizer's position on oncology. The acquisition will further bring together the power of Seagen’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology with the scale and strength of Pfizer’s capabilities and expertise. According to Seagen's statement, the company has led the way in novel cancer therapeutics for over 20 years as well as discovering safe and effective solutions to challenging clinical needs. Also Read | India hosts first SCO conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage Pfizer has acquired the company for $229 per Seagen share in cash. The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, as per the statement. US giant Pfizer expects to achieve nearly $1 billion in cost efficiencies in the third full year after the completion of the transaction. The completion of the transaction is expected to be achieved by late 2023 or early 2024. Watch | Not easy to achieve target, need to double our efforts for the target: Li Qiang "Oncology continues to be the largest growth driver in global medicine, and this acquisition will enhance Pfizer’s position in this important space and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of Pfizer’s near- and long-term financial goals," Bourla said. Seagen expects to generate approximately $2.2 billion of revenue in 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pfizer to acquire US biotech firm Seagen for $43 billion to accelerate fight against cancer

In Mexico, a company is now offering tourists an opportunity to learn all about pearl cultivation and the age-old secrets and traditions of the country's pearl producers.

Mexico pearl farmers aim to boost production with biotechnology

Researchers at Chennai’s National Hub for Healthcare Instrumentation development Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University claim to have developed an enhanced sanitizer that can help not only eliminate the proteins and lipids (outer envelope) of the Corona virus, but also its genetic material (nucleic acid).

By the addition of a certain bio-chemical, the existing formulations of sanitizers can be used for the external purposes such as cleaning of hands, PPEs. The team is currently working on getting the patent filed for the same.&nbsp;

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According to K Sankaran, Professor of Eminence Anna University, in the case of soap water or alcohol-based sanitizers, the virus envelope is broken down and it is killed, but its genetic material still remains. The virus’ genetic material is an environment contaminant and can’t get into other organisms via what is known as horizontal gene transfer. We used a biochemical to destroy the nucleic acid.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/80-out-of-100-people-show-mild-to-no-symptoms-of-coronavirus-health-ministry-293610" hreflang="en">80 out of 100 people show mild to no symptoms of coronavirus: Health Ministry</a>

“To any existing sanitizer (as certified by WHO), we add the formulation which we have developed to create a wholesome killer of the virus (on outside surfaces), while also retaining the quality of the sanitizer” he told WION.

The team which worked on this sanitizer additive emphasizes that their offering is purely meant for external use -on surfaces and human skin. They believe that it would provide added protection to doctors and healthcare workers who come into contact with COVID-19 patients.

When their PPEs get contaminated, they could spray the sanitizer onto the desired equipment every two hours and proceed to work with confidence.

Over 200 samples of the AU (Anna University) sanitizer are said to be in use, by doctors and other healthcare professionals.

“We have already applied for the patent and have got a provisional patent approved as well. While the first version of the sanitizer would be purely for external use after testing and technical studies are also planning for a nasal drop variant. Many companies are approaching us right now and we would start negotiating with companies in a couple of days” Prof S. Muttan, coordinator NHHD, Anna University told WION.

Besides reusable masks and sanitizers the team is also working on making ventilators with attached oxygenators and smart fever trackers and many more products that are aimed at combating COVID-19 in particular.

&nbsp;The concentrate of sanitizer that we have developed is very cost efficient and can be added to any sanitizer that is available in the market.

A few drops of our concentrate can be added to 60-100ml of sanitizer. The biochemical that we use can either be synthesized in a lab or in a Large scale factory, as per the need.

If we are to add our concentrate to a&nbsp;&nbsp;100 ml bottle of sanitizer that is available in the store, the cost would not be higher than Five rupees” Prof.Muttan added.&nbsp;

Researchers at Chennai’s National Hub for Healthcare Instrumentation development Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University claim to have developed an enhanced sanitizer that can help not only eliminate the proteins and lipids (outer envelope) of the Corona virus, but also its genetic material (nucleic acid).

Researchers at Chennai’s National Hub for Healthcare Instrumentation development Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University claim to have developed an enhanced sanitizer that can help not only eliminate the proteins and lipids (outer envelope) of the Corona virus, but also its genetic material (nucleic acid). By the addition of a certain bio-chemical, the existing formulations of sanitizers can be used for the external purposes such as cleaning of hands, PPEs. The team is currently working on getting the patent filed for the same. Also read: Coronavirus cases rise to 17,656 in India; 559 dead According to K Sankaran, Professor of Eminence Anna University, in the case of soap water or alcohol-based sanitizers, the virus envelope is broken down and it is killed, but its genetic material still remains. The virus’ genetic material is an environment contaminant and can’t get into other organisms via what is known as horizontal gene transfer. We used a biochemical to destroy the nucleic acid. Also read: 80 out of 100 people show mild to no symptoms of coronavirus: Health Ministry “To any existing sanitizer (as certified by WHO), we add the formulation which we have developed to create a wholesome killer of the virus (on outside surfaces), while also retaining the quality of the sanitizer” he told WION. The team which worked on this sanitizer additive emphasizes that their offering is purely meant for external use -on surfaces and human skin. They believe that it would provide added protection to doctors and healthcare workers who come into contact with COVID-19 patients. When their PPEs get contaminated, they could spray the sanitizer onto the desired equipment every two hours and proceed to work with confidence. Over 200 samples of the AU (Anna University) sanitizer are said to be in use, by doctors and other healthcare professionals. “We have already applied for the patent and have got a provisional patent approved as well. While the first version of the sanitizer would be purely for external use after testing and technical studies are also planning for a nasal drop variant. Many companies are approaching us right now and we would start negotiating with companies in a couple of days” Prof S. Muttan, coordinator NHHD, Anna University told WION. Besides reusable masks and sanitizers the team is also working on making ventilators with attached oxygenators and smart fever trackers and many more products that are aimed at combating COVID-19 in particular. The concentrate of sanitizer that we have developed is very cost efficient and can be added to any sanitizer that is available in the market. A few drops of our concentrate can be added to 60-100ml of sanitizer. The biochemical that we use can either be synthesized in a lab or in a Large scale factory, as per the need. If we are to add our concentrate to a 100 ml bottle of sanitizer that is available in the store, the cost would not be higher than Five rupees” Prof.Muttan added.

Anna University develops sanitizer that claims to destroy genetic material of COVID-19; patent pending

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