Drug discovery AI that developed new nerve agents raises difficult questions

Flask with magnifier and toxic sign overlaid

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Researchers shocked by how easily algorithm discovered novel poisons even deadlier than VX

Scientific research is generally carried out with the best of intentions – whether it’s to improve health, provide cleaner energy, or increase understanding about the world around us. But what if your work could be intentionally misused to cause harm?

This question was brought into sharp focus by researchers working at a drug discovery company in North Carolina, US. The team at Collaborations Pharma was invited to a conference where scientists are asked to try to identify potential threats that could come from their work.