Researchers say they’ve built the first computer model of an entire life-form

Researchers announced on Tuesday that they created a computer simulation of a virus, claiming to have built the first complete model of any entire life-form.

Although the notion of a “computer virus” usually conjures up concerns about data security, the scientists say their development will contribute to improvements in public health as well as the development of technologies such as artificial nanomachines.

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he scientists hope their computer-generated virus will increase understanding of the molecular mechanisms of how viruses function. While it’s too early to judge the financial implications, the technology eventually could help scientists better understand the nature of a particular virus, and how to neutralize it.

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