A group of scientists from South Korea has developed a method that uses artificial intelligence to replicate the features of viruses. This could help create new methods for delivering drugs directly into the cells of the body. The details of this were published in the journal Nature.

Viruses have a unique ability to encapsulate their genetic information in special shells, which help them efficiently penetrate the cells of living organisms. Scientists believe that these viral properties could be used to deliver medical drugs into cells, where they can target diseases.

However, there was one issue. Initially, the virus-like cells developed for this task had too simple a structure and could not carry enough medication. To solve this, scientists decided to use artificial intelligence to create more complex and effective viral shells.

With the help of a neural network, they found a way to reproduce viruses with more complex architecture. Research showed that viruses with a specific symmetrical shape—called icosahedral—can carry genetic material three times more effectively. This opens up possibilities for creating efficient drug deliveries into cells.

Overall, the new AI technology helps scientists design and assemble artificial proteins that could be useful in medicine, such as for the precise delivery of drugs directly into a patient's cells.