Scientists Seek Ethical Guidelines for Powerful Protein-Designing AI Tools
• AI tools can rapidly design novel proteins, raising concerns about potential weaponization • Scientists launch initiative for safe and ethical use of protein design AI to prevent burdensome regulations • Calls for expert review of protein design software before public release and improved screening of DNA synthesis orders • US government assessing biosecurity risks of AI, considering requiring screening for federally funded research • Self-regulation may be insufficient; public interest groups should be involved in oversight efforts