Google DeepMind releases code for biological design watermarks

Google DeepMind released methods, code, laboratory data and model weights for SynthID Bio, a system that embeds a detectable watermark in AI-designed biological sequences. The watermark could help DNA synthesis providers identify designs originating from a model with safeguards when screening orders for potential threats. DeepMind said it also incorporated the method into the Evo 2 genomic model to watermark a designed bacteriophage. Early tests in bacterial cultures found the watermarked phages remained functional. The company says deliberate tampering remains a challenge, and the broader screening benefits depend on further research and adoption.