Scientists warn of risks from lab-made mirror-image bacteria

Scientists are raising alarms about the potential dangers of creating "mirror life" bacteria in laboratories. These synthetic organisms could evade natural immune systems, leading to severe infections in humans, animals, and plants. Researchers are calling for a global ban on this research. A group of 38 experts, including Nobel laureates, published a report urging an immediate halt to mirror bacteria research. They warn that these organisms could spread uncontrollably and cause catastrophic damage to ecosystems. Current technology is not yet capable of creating fully functional mirror microbes, but the risks are deemed significant. While some researchers believe the concerns are exaggerated, the authors of the report emphasize the need for caution. They recommend that funding for mirror life research be stopped until more evidence is available to assess the risks.