Scientists call for pause on mirror life microbe research over safety concerns

A group of 38 leading scientists has called for a halt to research on "mirror life" microbes due to concerns about potential risks to life on Earth. They warn that these synthetic organisms could evade natural immune defenses, leading to lethal infections. The scientists, including Nobel laureates, highlighted risks in a 299-page report and a commentary in the Science journal. They emphasize the need for a global debate on the implications of creating these microbes, which are based on mirror images of natural molecules. While researchers have made progress in creating mirror molecules, a fully functional mirror microbe is still a decade away. The experts urge funding bodies to withdraw support for this research until further assessments are made.