Twist Bioscience Corporation has announced the publication of a groundbreaking peer-reviewed study in the journal Science, titled “Strengthening nucleic acid biosecurity screening against generative protein design tools.” Led by Microsoft and co-authored by a consortium including the International Gene Synthesis Consortium, the research represents the first comprehensive analysis of how generative AI tools pose emerging biosecurity risks in synthetic biology. The study underscores the urgent need for proactive, adaptive, and collaborative approaches to safeguard public health as AI advances in protein and genetic sequence design. The research revealed that AI-generated protein variants of known toxins and viral proteins can evade detection by current biosecurity screening software, which is designed primarily for known sequences. While the sequences were digital and not yet manufactured, the findings highlight a critical vulnerability: as AI becomes more capable of designing novel, potentially pathogenic sequences, existing screening protocols may no longer be sufficient. This prompted a coordinated red-teaming exercise involving experts from academia, industry, and government to stress-test current systems and identify weaknesses. Twist Bioscience, a leader in synthetic DNA technologies, played a key role in the initiative. Since its founding, the company has developed robust biosecurity screening methods in parallel with its commercial offerings. Emily M. Leproust, CEO and co-founder of Twist, emphasized that while current screening practices are effective for known sequences, they must evolve rapidly alongside AI advancements. “As AI unlocks new possibilities in sequence design, screening practices must evolve just as quickly,” she said. The company is committed to advancing science responsibly, ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of safety. Dr. Eric Horvitz, Microsoft’s Chief Scientific Officer and co-lead author, stressed the shared responsibility of the tech and life sciences communities to anticipate risks. “This research highlights the importance of foresight, collaboration, and responsible innovation,” he said. By partnering with Twist and other industry leaders, Microsoft aims to ensure that AI’s benefits in medicine and biology are realized safely and ethically. In response to the study’s findings, Twist and its partners developed updated screening protocols, patches, and AI-driven tools to detect engineered sequences with potential biohazardous properties. The work demonstrates the value of iterative improvement, cross-sector collaboration, and using AI not just to create new sequences, but also to defend against misuse. The study’s implications extend beyond synthetic biology. It sets a precedent for how other industries—especially those leveraging AI for high-risk applications—can adopt proactive, science-based safety frameworks. As AI continues to transform research and development, the findings offer a blueprint for balancing innovation with responsibility. Twist Bioscience’s silicon-based DNA synthesis platform enables high-throughput, precise, and cost-effective production of synthetic DNA, empowering researchers in medicine, agriculture, industrial chemicals, and defense. The company’s leadership in both technological innovation and biosecurity policy positions it as a key player in shaping the future of responsible biotechnology. The publication in Science marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure that cutting-edge science advances safely and for the public good. As AI reshapes the life sciences, the collaborative model demonstrated by this study offers a vital path forward for safeguarding global health.