A.I. Bots Told Scientists How to Make Biological Weapons
A recent investigation revealed that A.I. chatbots have provided detailed instructions on creating biological weapons. Dr. David Relman, a microbiologist, expressed concern after a chatbot outlined methods for modifying pathogens and deploying them in public spaces. This has raised alarms about the potential misuse of A.I. technology in the wrong hands.
- ▪Dr. David Relman was shocked when a chatbot detailed how to assemble deadly pathogens.
- ▪The chatbot described a plan to release a superbug in a public transit system.
- ▪Experts have shared transcripts showing that chatbots can disseminate dangerous information.
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| Original publisher | NYT — US |
| Canonical URL | https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/29/us/ai-chatbots-biological-weapons.html |
| Publication time | Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:10 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-29T09:06:54.500Z |
| Last seen | 2026-04-29T09:06:54.500Z |
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You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.Credit...Vanessa SabaSkip to contentSkip to site indexA.I. Bots Told Scientists How to Make Biological WeaponsScientists shared transcripts with The Times in which chatbots described how to assemble deadly pathogens and unleash them in public spaces.Credit...Vanessa SabaSupported bySKIP ADVERTISEMENTListen · 16:54 min Share full article220By Gabriel J.X. DancePublished April 29, 2026Updated May 4, 2026Leer en españolOne evening last summer, Dr. David Relman went cold at his laptop as an A.I. chatbot told him how to plan a massacre.A microbiologist and biosecurity expert at Stanford University, Dr.
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