Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in biological research, but experts are warning that the same technology could one day be misused to develop dangerous pathogens if adequate safeguards are not in place.

Researchers have demonstrated how advanced AI systems can accelerate aspects of virus and protein research, helping scientists better understand how diseases evolve and potentially speeding up the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments. However, biosecurity specialists say these capabilities also raise concerns about "dual-use" research, where technology designed for legitimate scientific purposes could be exploited for harmful ends.

The issue has prompted growing calls for stronger international oversight of AI-assisted biological research. Governments, research institutions and security experts are working to develop guidelines aimed at ensuring powerful AI tools are used responsibly while preserving their potential to deliver major medical breakthroughs.

Although there is currently no evidence that AI has been used to create a biological weapon, experts agree that advances in artificial intelligence are outpacing existing regulations. Many believe closer international cooperation and stronger safeguards will be essential to reduce the risk of misuse while allowing scientific innovation to continue.