A new assessment published in the journal Nature has raised concerns that advances in artificial intelligence could lower barriers to the development of biological weapons, as AI-powered biotechnology tools become increasingly capable of designing and analyzing complex biological systems.

The report warns that technologies originally developed to accelerate scientific discovery and medical research are rapidly expanding their capabilities, prompting growing debate over how they could be misused to create dangerous pathogens, toxins or other biological agents.

Knowledge barriers are shrinking

Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, a faculty member in Molecular Biology and Genetics and adviser to the rector, said the potential use of artificial intelligence in the development of biological weapons is now regarded by many experts as one of the most pressing national and global security challenges.

According to Konuk, one of the most significant concerns is the erosion of traditional knowledge barriers that historically limited access to advanced biological research.

“Developing biological weapons once required extensive expertise in virology, laboratory techniques and specialized scientific knowledge,” Konuk said. “As AI systems become more capable of analyzing scientific literature and generating technical guidance, access to complex biological information is becoming easier.”

AI expands capabilities in biological design

Recent advances in artificial intelligence have transformed fields such as protein structure prediction, genomic analysis and molecular engineering. Scientists are increasingly using AI tools to accelerate drug discovery, improve vaccine development and better understand biological processes.

At the same time, experts warn that these capabilities could be exploited for harmful purposes.

Konuk noted that AI systems capable of analyzing biological data and predicting molecular behavior may eventually assist in designing biological agents that do not exist in nature, potentially making them more difficult to detect, treat or counter.

The growing sophistication of these technologies has led many researchers to classify advanced biological AI systems as dual-use technologies, capable of delivering both major scientific benefits and serious security risks.

Growing focus on biosecurity

Security experts have also raised concerns that AI could help reduce logistical and technical barriers associated with advanced biological research.

While the development of biological weapons still requires significant infrastructure, specialized equipment and laboratory expertise, AI may simplify some aspects of research planning, data analysis and experimental design.

As a result, governments, technology companies and scientific institutions are increasingly examining ways to strengthen biosecurity safeguards.

One proposal receiving broad support involves stricter screening of synthetic DNA and RNA orders to prevent dangerous genetic sequences from being obtained by malicious actors.

Regulation and safeguards

Policymakers in several countries are reviewing regulatory frameworks aimed at addressing the security implications of advanced biotechnology and artificial intelligence.

Researchers and technology developers are also working to incorporate safety mechanisms into AI systems, including monitoring tools, audit trails and safeguards designed to prevent models from generating information that could facilitate the creation of biological weapons or other biological threats.

Balancing innovation and security

Despite the concerns, experts emphasize that artificial intelligence remains one of the most promising technologies in modern biotechnology.

The same tools that could potentially be misused for harmful purposes are also helping researchers accelerate vaccine development, improve disease surveillance and advance biomedical science.

Konuk said the challenge facing governments and researchers is ensuring that innovation continues while effective safeguards are implemented to prevent misuse.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into biotechnology and life sciences research, experts say international cooperation, stronger oversight and responsible technology development will be essential to managing emerging biological weapons risks while preserving the technology's benefits for public health and scientific progress.(ILKHA)