SunBrief#47: Scientists Create First AI-Generated Genomes With Evo Models

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Today in SunBrief 🌞

• Join the AI ROI Conference on September 25 - Free Virtual Conference

• Scientists Build First AI-Generated Genomes Using Evo Models

• OpenAI Builds Toward Age Prediction to Strengthen Teen Safety in ChatGPT

• Stock Updates

• Google Brings Gemini AI Into Chrome With Biggest Update in Its History

• AI Highlights of the Week

• Too Important to Miss

Join the AI ROI Conference on September 25 - Free Virtual Conference

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Scientists Build First AI-Generated Genomes Using Evo Models

AI-Designed Bacteriophage Genomes Open New Frontiers in Biotechnology

Researchers have used AI to generate the first complete, functional bacteriophage genomes, marking a breakthrough in designing life at the genome scale.

Key Points:

• Genome-Scale Design: Using the Evo family of genomic foundation models, researchers created synthetic genomes for bacteriophage ΦX174, historically the first genome sequenced (1977) and synthesized (2003). Now, in 2025, it becomes the first AI-designed genome.

• Custom Annotation Pipeline: New tools were developed to decode overlapping genes in ΦX174, ensuring AI-generated sequences maintained functional gene structures.

• Biological Innovation: One synthetic phage incorporated a DNA packaging protein from a distantly related virus, something previous human-led engineering attempts could not achieve.

• Future Applications: Beyond medical therapies for antibiotic-resistant infections, AI-designed phages could target plant pathogens and support agricultural resilience.

Why It Matters:

AI-generated genomes mark a shift from reading and writing DNA to designing it, opening new paths for evolution, medicine, and biotechnology.

OpenAI Builds Toward Age Prediction to Strengthen Teen Safety in ChatGPT

New Protections, Parental Controls, and Age-Aware Experiences Coming to ChatGPT

OpenAI is developing age prediction and parental controls to make ChatGPT safer for teens, prioritizing protection over privacy when needed.

Key Points:

• Age Prediction in Development: OpenAI is building a system to distinguish users over or under 18. Teens will be directed to a safer version of ChatGPT, blocking explicit content and enabling safeguards during moments of acute distress.

• Safety Defaults: When age is unclear, users will default to the under-18 experience. Adults can verify their age to unlock full functionality.

• Parental Controls: Rolling out by the end of the month, these tools allow parents to link accounts, guide ChatGPT responses, disable features like memory, set blackout hours, and receive alerts in cases of teen distress.

• Ongoing Improvements: OpenAI will continue refining safety features while engaging with policymakers and partners to support responsible AI use among younger users.

Why It Matters:

OpenAI is embedding safety-first systems and parental controls to ensure teens have age-appropriate AI experiences.

Stock Updates

Google Brings Gemini AI Into Chrome With Biggest Update in Its History

Chrome Adds 10 New AI Features Including Gemini Integration, Agentic Assistance, and Scam Protection

Google is rolling out its biggest Chrome upgrade, embedding Gemini AI to make browsing smarter, safer, and more productive—starting in the U.S. before expanding worldwide.

Key Points:

• Gemini in Chrome: Now available on Mac and Windows, Gemini can clarify complex information, summarize across multiple tabs, and soon perform agentic tasks like booking appointments or ordering groceries.

• Smarter Navigation: Users can recall previously visited websites, integrate with Google apps (Calendar, YouTube, Maps), and use AI Mode directly from the Chrome omnibox for more advanced searches.

• AI-Powered Assistance: Chrome can answer questions about any page, provide contextual suggestions, and generate AI Overviews without leaving the page.

• Password Protection: A new AI password agent will let users change compromised credentials with a single click on supported platforms like Spotify, Coursera, and Duolingo.

Why It Matters:

Google is turning Chrome into an AI-powered assistant, with Gemini enabling “agentic browsing” that streamlines tasks, boosts productivity, and improves online safety.

AI Highlights of the Week

• OpenAI Eyes Smart Gadgets, Poaches Apple Talent and Suppliers

  OpenAI is teaming up with Jony Ive to develop AI-powered devices like a smart speaker, glasses, and a wearable pin, aiming for a launch by late 2026 or early 2027.

  They’re working with Apple suppliers and hiring former Apple talent, with Tang Tan leading the hardware push.

• Nvidia Eyes $500M Investment in Autonomous Driving AI Firm Wayve

  Nvidia is considering a $500 million investment in Wayve, a long-time partner developing AI for autonomous driving.

  The funding would support Wayve Gen 3, built on Nvidia Drive AGX Thor, aiming to deliver self-driving tech that adapts to real-world conditions without HD maps or costly sensors.

• Google and PayPal Partner to Power the Future of AI-Driven Commerce

  Google and PayPal have partnered to enhance digital commerce with AI-powered shopping and smarter, agent-driven experiences.

  The deal includes deeper PayPal integration across Google platforms, expanded payment processing, and a Google Cloud collaboration to upgrade PayPal’s tech infrastructure.

• Nvidia Spends $900M+ to Bring Enfabrica CEO and AI Hardware Tech Onboard

  Nvidia spent over $900 million to “acquihire” Enfabrica CEO Rochan Sankar and key staff, while licensing tech that links 100,000+ GPUs into unified clusters.

  The move boosts Nvidia’s AI infrastructure and aligns with the industry trend of acquiring talent through strategic hires.

Too Important to Miss

Microsoft is filling Teams with AI agents

Meta Opens Up Its Smart Glasses for Developers

Musk’s xAI Reports 64M Grok Users, Still Far Behind ChatGPT

Amazon Ads Launches Agentic AI Tool for Effortless, Pro-Quality Ad Creation

OpenAI Reasoning System Scores 12/12 at 2025 ICPC World Finals, Outperforming All Humans

Last Week’s Poll Result

Are you excited or concerned about big tech entering humanoid robotics?

Excited, 47.46%, Concerned, 33.41%, No Sure, 19.13%.

• Should children be allowed to use AI chatbots at all?

  Yes, 46.67%, No, 33.33%. No Sure, 20.00%.

• Does Microsoft’s $13B+ investment give it too much power over OpenAI’s future?

  Maybe, 46.47%, Yes, 40.00%. No, 13.33%.

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