‘Unprecedented risk’ to life on Earth: Scientists call for halt on ‘mirror life’ microbe research - eviltoast

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.

  • grue@lemmy.world
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    10 days ago

    Jurassic Park at least makes sense because dinosaurs are cool.

    Opposite-chirality microbes, though? Nobody asked for that.