Scientists raise concerns over risks of synthetic mirror life in new report

Scientists are raising concerns about the creation of "mirror life," which involves synthetic bacteria made from chiral molecules that are mirror images of natural ones. A recent report warns that these mirror microbes could evade immune responses and spread uncontrollably. The report highlights that while mirror bacteria might have industrial benefits, the potential risks to human, animal, and plant health outweigh these advantages. Researchers argue that existing countermeasures, like mirror antibiotics, may not be effective enough to prevent widespread ecological damage. The team is calling for further research to better understand the risks associated with mirror life. They emphasize the need for caution as the development of these synthetic organisms approaches reality.