A group of 38 top scientists, including Nobel laureates, have called for an immediate halt on research to create “mirror life” microbes due to concerns that these synthetic organisms could pose an unprecedented risk to life on Earth. The researchers warn that mirror bacteria, constructed from the mirror images of molecules found in nature, could evade natural immune systems and cause lethal infections.
While it’s unlikely that a viable mirror microbe would be built within a decade, the group’s warning is being taken seriously due to the potential risks involved. “The threat we’re talking about is unprecedented,” said Prof Vaughn Cooper. “Mirror bacteria would likely evade many human, animal and plant immune system responses and in each case would cause lethal infections that would spread without check.”
The scientists are concerned that mirror microbes could not only be difficult to contain but also outcompete natural organisms. Existing antibiotics may also be ineffective against these new organisms.
However, the researchers do acknowledge the potential benefits of mirror chemistry in biological systems, particularly in the development of therapies for chronic and hard-to-treat diseases. They propose a limited and regulated approach to studying mirror molecules and their potential applications.
The report, published in the journal Science, highlights the need for a global debate on the creation of mirror life microbes. The authors stress that any further research should be halted until compelling evidence emerges that these organisms do not pose extraordinary dangers.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/dec/12/unprecedented-risk-to-life-on-earth-scientists-call-for-halt-on-mirror-life-microbe-research