Scientists urge halt on “Mirror Life” research over global risks

Leading scientists, including Nobel laureates, have called for a moratorium on creating synthetic “mirror life” microbes, warning they could pose unprecedented risks to life on Earth, the Guardian reported on Thursday.

The organisms, constructed using mirror-image molecules, might bypass immune defenses in humans, animals, and plants, potentially causing uncontrollable, lethal infections, the report warns.

The recent report, supported by 38 experts, highlights concerns over the environmental establishment and containment challenges of such microbes, as well as the ineffectiveness of existing antibiotics against them.

The group, which includes genome pioneer Dr. Craig Venter, urges funders to withdraw support for research aimed at building mirror microbes.

While research into mirror molecules holds promise for medical and industrial applications, the report warns that mirror microbes carry extraordinary dangers.

Co-author Dr. Kate Adamala, once involved in developing mirror cells, emphasized the need for global debate on the issue, calling it a critical step for responsible innovation.