About this episode

The episode discusses the use of AI in designing viral genomes and its implications for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.

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 Is at Stake Intro music is by…

People in this episode

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Kathy Spindler, Brianne Barker

Guests: Shirley, Torsten

Topics covered

• AI in virology
• bacteriophages
• antibiotic resistance
• vaccination
• cardiovascular events
• viral genome design

Keywords

• AI
• bacteriophages
• viral genomes
• shingles vaccination
• cardiovascular risk
• antibiotic resistance

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: TWiV 1355, Nat Med, Science

More episodes of This Week in Virology

• TWiV 1354: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin · September 5, 2026 · 1h 5m
• TWiV 1353: Phage bet-hedging and EBV antibodies · August 30, 2026 · 1h 52m
• TWiV 1352: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin · August 29, 2026 · 49 min
• TWiV 1351: Ebola Virus Brains and Contagious Catfish Cancers · August 23, 2026 · 1h 41m
• TWiV 1350: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin · August 22, 2026 · 1h 1m
• TWiV 1349: Smallpox and mummies · August 16, 2026 · 2h 3m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This Week in Virology podcast page.