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Friday, January 31, 2025

Creating ‘Mirror Life’ Could Be Disastrous, Scientists Warn

Simon Makin
Scientific American
Originally posted 14 DEC 24

A category of synthetic organisms dubbed “mirror life,” whose component molecules are mirror images of their natural counterpart, could pose unprecedented risks to human life and ecosystems, according to a perspective article by leading experts, including Nobel Prize winners. The article, published in Science on December 12, is accompanied by a lengthy report detailing their concerns.

Mirror life has to do with the ubiquitous phenomenon in the natural world in which a molecule or another object cannot simply be superimposed on another. For example, your left hand can’t simply be turned over to match your right hand. This handedness is encountered throughout the natural world.

Groups of molecules of the same type tend to have the same handedness. The nucleotides that make up DNA are nearly always right-handed, for instance, while proteins are composed of left-handed amino acids.

Handedness, more formally known as chirality, is hugely important in biology because interactions between biomolecules rely on them having the expected form. For example, if a protein’s handedness is reversed, it cannot interact with partner molecules, such as receptors on cells. “Think of it like hands in gloves,” says Katarzyna Adamala, a synthetic biologist at the University of Minnesota and a co-author of the article and the accompanying technical report, which is almost 300 pages long. “My left glove won’t fit my right hand.”


Here are some thoughts:

Oh great, another existential risk.

Scientists are sounding the alarm about the potential risks of creating "mirror life," synthetic biological systems with mirrored molecular structures. Researchers have long explored mirror life's possibilities in medicine, biotechnology and other fields. However, experts now warn that unleashing these synthetic organisms could have disastrous consequences.

Mirror life forms may interact unpredictably with natural organisms, disrupting ecosystems and causing irreparable damage. Furthermore, synthetic systems could inadvertently amplify harmful pathogens or toxins, posing significant threats to human health. Another concern is uncontrolled evolution, where mirror life could mutate and spread uncontrollably. Additionally, synthetic organisms may resist decomposition, persisting in environments and potentially causing long-term harm.

To mitigate these risks, scientists advocate a precautionary approach, emphasizing cautious research and regulation. Thorough risk assessments must be conducted before releasing mirror life into the environment. Researchers also stress the need for containment strategies to prevent unintended spread. By taking a cautious stance, scientists hope to prevent potential catastrophes.

Mirror life research aims to revolutionize various fields, including medicine and biotechnology. However, experts urge careful consideration to avoid unforeseen consequences. As science continues to advance, addressing these concerns will be crucial in ensuring responsible development and minimizing risks associated with mirror life.