Skip to content
Opens in a new window
TWiV 1355: Four billion years of AI training data
06 September 2026

TWiV 1355: Four billion years of AI training data

This Week in Virology

About

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 Ronald Jenkees

Send your virology questions and comments to twiv@microbe.tv

Content in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice.