Researchers developed an AI system called ProteinSGM, which uses generative diffusion to create entirely new therapeutic proteins. The model learns from image representations to generate fully new proteins that appear to be biophysically real, meaning they fold into configurations that enable them to carry out specific functions within cells. The researchers hope the system will help advance the field of generative biology, promising to speed drug development by making the design and testing of entirely new therapeutic proteins more efficient and flexible.