AI models now outperform PhD-level virologists in wet lab problem-solving, according to a groundbreaking new study shared exclusively with TIME. This development represents a significant double-edged sword for science and security: while these systems could accelerate medical breakthroughs and pandemic preparedness, they also potentially democratize bioweapon creation by providing expert-level guidance to individuals with malicious intent, regardless of their scientific background.
The big picture: AI models significantly outperformed human experts in a rigorous virology problem-solving test designed to measure practical lab troubleshooting abilities.
- OpenAI‘s o3 model achieved 43.8% accuracy while Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro scored 37.6% on the test, compared to human PhD-level virologists who averaged just 22.1% in their declared areas of expertise.
- This marks a concerning milestone as non-experts now have unprecedented access to AI systems that can provide step-by-step guidance for complex virology procedures.
Why this matters: For the first time in history, virtually anyone has access to non-judgmental AI virology expertise that could potentially guide them through creating bioweapons.
- The technology could accelerate legitimate medical and vaccine development while simultaneously increasing bioterrorism risks.
The researchers’ approach: The study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team from the Center for AI Safety, MIT’s Media Lab, Brazilian university UFABC, and pandemic prevention nonprofit SecureBio.
- The researchers consulted virologists to create an extremely difficult practical assessment that measured the ability to troubleshoot complex laboratory protocols.
- The test focused on real-world virology knowledge rather than theoretical understanding.
Voices of concern: Seth Donoughe, a research scientist at SecureBio and study co-author, expressed alarm about the dual-use implications of these AI capabilities.
- Experts like Dan Hendrycks and Tom Inglesby are urging AI companies to implement robust safeguards before these models become widely available.
Proposed safeguards: Security experts recommend multiple measures to mitigate potential misuse while preserving beneficial applications.
- Suggested protections include gated access to advanced models, input and output filtering systems, and more rigorous testing before new models are released.
- The challenge lies in balancing scientific advancement with responsible AI development in sensitive domains.
Recent Stories
DOE fusion roadmap targets 2030s commercial deployment as AI drives $9B investment
The Department of Energy has released a new roadmap targeting commercial-scale fusion power deployment by the mid-2030s, though the plan lacks specific funding commitments and relies on scientific breakthroughs that have eluded researchers for decades. The strategy emphasizes public-private partnerships and positions AI as both a research tool and motivation for developing fusion energy to meet data centers' growing electricity demands. The big picture: The DOE's roadmap aims to "deliver the public infrastructure that supports the fusion private sector scale up in the 2030s," but acknowledges it cannot commit to specific funding levels and remains subject to Congressional appropriations. Why...
Oct 17, 2025Tying it all together: Credo’s purple cables power the $4B AI data center boom
Credo, a Silicon Valley semiconductor company specializing in data center cables and chips, has seen its stock price more than double this year to $143.61, following a 245% surge in 2024. The company's signature purple cables, which cost between $300-$500 each, have become essential infrastructure for AI data centers, positioning Credo to capitalize on the trillion-dollar AI infrastructure expansion as hyperscalers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Elon Musk's xAI rapidly build out massive computing facilities. What you should know: Credo's active electrical cables (AECs) are becoming indispensable for connecting the massive GPU clusters required for AI training and inference. The company...
Oct 17, 2025Vatican launches Latin American AI network for human development
The Vatican hosted a two-day conference bringing together 50 global experts to explore how artificial intelligence can advance peace, social justice, and human development. The event launched the Latin American AI Network for Integral Human Development and established principles for ethical AI governance that prioritize human dignity over technological advancement. What you should know: The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, the Vatican's research body for social issues, organized the "Digital Rerum Novarum" conference on October 16-17, combining academic research with practical AI applications. Participants included leading experts from MIT, Microsoft, Columbia University, the UN, and major European institutions. The conference...