Scientists warn that ‘mirror life’ could destroy life on Earth. Read this before you panic

Scientists are sounding the alarm about the potential risks associated with research into “mirror life,” a concept that could have catastrophic consequences for all life on Earth. Mirror life refers to living cells with molecular structures that are the reverse of regular life on Earth. This means that the cells are identical to normal cells but are backwards, like a mirror image.

According to a recent article published in the journal Science, a group of 38 researchers have analyzed the potential dangers of mirror life. One of the key concerns is that mirror life organisms would be undetectable by the immune systems of existing life forms on Earth, making them invulnerable to predators and capable of causing widespread damage to ecosystems. Kate Adamala, a synthetic biologist and co-author of the paper, highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences of mirror life and the challenges in combating its spread.

While the implications of mirror life are concerning, there are some reasons not to panic just yet. The unique molecular structure of mirror life cells means that they could never form naturally and can only be synthesized in a lab. Scientists have made progress in creating mirrored protein molecules but have not yet been able to create mirror cells. The development of mirror life cells would require significant breakthroughs in synthetic cell research, which the report estimates could be at least a decade away.

Despite the potential risks, the idea of mirror life remains a fascinating area of research. Adamala expressed that the creation of mirror life would represent a groundbreaking scientific discovery and could open up new possibilities in the field of biology. The ability to build a second tree of life could have far-reaching implications for medical treatments and disease therapies.

In light of the potential dangers associated with mirror life, the scientists behind the paper have called for a moratorium on any attempts to create mirror organisms. They emphasize the need for a broader discussion among the global research community, policymakers, and the public to determine a safe path forward. Henry Greely, a Stanford law and ethics professor, commended the scientists for their responsible decision to halt this research and emphasized the importance of considering the long-term consequences of scientific advancements.

Greely cited past instances, such as the development of recombinant DNA technology in the 1970s, where scientists paused to consider the potential risks before proceeding with their research. He acknowledged that while moratoriums have not always been foolproof, it is crucial for scientists to anticipate and address the ethical implications of their work. Adamala hopes that the article on mirror life will serve as a catalyst for other researchers to consider the consequences of their research and make informed decisions to prioritize safety and ethical considerations.