AI Outsmarts Virus Experts in the Lab

Top AI models can outperform Ph.D.-level virologists in problem-solving in wet labs, where scientists analyze chemicals and biological material, according to a study from researchers in the U.S. and Brazil. The researchers consulted virologists to create a difficult practical test measuring the ability to troubleshoot complex lab procedures and protocols. While doctorate-level virologists scored an average of 22.1% in their declared areas of expertise, OpenAI’s o3 attained 43.8% accuracy.