Scientists are working on creating cells with molecules that mirror those found in nature. This concept is called “mirror life,” and it has sparked a debate about its safety and ethics.
The idea of chirality, which refers to the handedness of molecules, was first observed by French chemist Louis Pasteur in 1848. Most living things have left-handed or right-handed molecules, but scientists are now trying to reverse this “handedness” to create new medicines.
Reversing nature’s handedness could lead to more effective drugs that don’t break down quickly. Scientists have already made progress in creating right-handed proteins and RNA molecules, which brings us closer to producing an entire mirror cell.
However, the creation of mirror cells raises concerns about their safety. If they were to escape the lab, they could potentially cause harm to humans, animals, and plants. Some experts warn that these self-replicating creatures could be invisible to our immune system protections and trigger lethal infections.
To address these concerns, scientists are gathering to discuss the safety, ethics, and science diplomacy of synthetic life. They argue that caution is necessary while giving the global research community time to chart an appropriate path forward.
The potential benefits of mirror life, including more effective medicines, make it a promising area of research. However, it’s essential to proceed with this work cautiously and consider the potential risks before moving forward.
Source: https://nautil.us/what-to-know-about-mirror-life-1238127