TWiV 1355: Four billion years of AI training data

About this episode

TWiV reviews a landmark paper reporting the first generative design of complete viral genomes using AI, producing 16 viable bacteriophages that overcame antibiotic-resistant bacteria where natural phages could not, and a study suggesting that recombinant shingles vaccination reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Kathy Spindler, and Brianne Barker Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode • Support science education at MicrobeTV • Recombinant shingles vaccination reduces risk of cardiovascular events (Nat Med) • AI design of bacteriophages (Science) • AI-designed viral genomes (Science) • Letters read on TWiV 1355 • Timestamps by Jolene Ramsey. Thanks! Picks of the Week Brianne – The Generative AI Learning Penalty: Evidence from Chinese Secondary Education Kathy – Ballista spider’s web to trap aggressive ants here and here Vincent – Microbecharmer from Sarah Listener Pick Shirley – The Measles-Stricken Mother Who Lost Her Newborn Son Torsten – The battle over Covid’s origins has come for Bob Garry: A Top Virus Scientist Stared Down Covid Lab-Leak Proponents. Now His Life’s Work