Experts warn that mirror bacteria, constructed from mirror images of molecules found in nature, could put humans, animals and plants at risk of lethal infections

Summary

Leading scientists, including Nobel laureates, are urging a halt to research on creating “mirror life” microbes, citing “unprecedented risks” to life on Earth.

Mirror microbes, built from reversed molecular structures, could evade natural immune systems, leading to uncontrollable lethal infections.

While mirror molecules hold potential for medical and industrial uses, researchers warn that mirror organisms could escape containment and resist antibiotics.

A 299-page report in Science advocates banning such research until safety can be ensured and calls for global debate on its ethical and ecological implications.

  • WoahWoah@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2002·
    5 days ago

    Hey babe, wake up. A new human-created, extinction-level event just dropped.

      • Tarquinn2049@lemmy.worldEnglish
        22·
        5 days ago

        Yeah, we need more conflict. We’ll create the ultimate “them” for us to “us” against. Contact with them is literally lethal! Can’t get more conflict than that… yet.

    • Ragdoll X@lemmy.worldEnglish
      19·
      5 days ago

      Meh, we get a new one of those every year now. They’ll have to try harder to impress me.