Aggregated News
For the first time, scientists say they have used viruses designed by artificial intelligence to treat a human patient.
Researchers announced on Tuesday that they had administered the virus, known as a phage, to a patient suffering from a deadly bacterial infection. Phages attack bacteria, and the hope is that this one will kill the microbes causing the infection.
Radical Numerics, the start-up that created the viruses, posted a technical report about them on its website. But the company declined to provide information about the patient or the doctors running the trial, citing confidentiality requirements.
The report has not been peer reviewed or published in a scientific journal. Company officials said the trial had been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.
“We take our responsibility to protect patient confidentiality and maintain the trust of our clinical partners extremely seriously,” said Eric Nguyen, the chief executive officer of Radical Numerics.
“We intend to publish our scientific findings through peer-reviewed research, with any future disclosure of clinical details subject to appropriate consent,” he added.
Outside experts greeted the news with curiosity...