# Anthropic claims AI found a CRISPR‑like enzyme system

> Anthropic says its Claude model identified a reverse‑transcriptase family called ART that resembles CRISPR, but its function remains unproven.

Oossa · 2026-09-29 · https://oossa.com/en/anthropic-claims-ai-found-a-crispr-like-enzyme-system

Anthropic announced on Sept 23 that its Claude large language model flagged an enzyme system in jumbo phages that looks like CRISPR. About 950 Claude agents scanned genomic databases for reverse transcriptases and singled out the ART (array‑associated reverse transcriptases) family in 21.5 hours. The company says the system can cut, copy and paste DNA, but scientists note the finding needs lab validation. Researchers also point out the same enzyme was first reported in 2021, and only the repeat patterns are new. Anthropic plans further experiments to test any gene‑editing activity.

## The facts

- 950 Claude agents ran for 21.5 hours
- ART system was first described in a 2021 paper

## Why it matters

If proven functional, ART could add a new tool to gene‑editing, but current evidence is only a computational hint.

## Sources & references

1. [Anthropic Says It Discovered a Crispr-Like System. Now What?](https://www.wired.com/story/anthropic-says-it-discovered-a-crispr-like-system-now-what/) – Wired, 2026-09-29

Last updated: 2026-09-29