SCIENTISTS WARN OF MAN-MADE ‘MIRROR BACTERIA’ THREAT – Leading scientists say the biological advancement could pose a grave threat to all life on Earth
Leading scientists have issued a warning about a newly developed synthetic life form known as “mirror bacteria,” which could pose a grave threat to all life on Earth.
The concern arises from the bacteria’s unique molecular structure, which differs fundamentally from all known forms of life. This synthetic creation, with its reversed or “mirrored” molecular properties, could potentially disrupt ecosystems and jeopardize human health if not carefully controlled.
Traditional life relies on molecules with specific structures: “right-handed” DNA and RNA and “left-handed” proteins. In contrast, “mirror bacteria” possess reversed molecular configurations that do not occur naturally and must be artificially engineered in a lab.
Dr. Patrick Cai, a synthetic biology expert at the University of Manchester, has expressed concern over the potential risks posed by this innovation.
“We cannot dismiss the possibility of mirror bacteria acting as invasive species, spreading lethal infections across ecosystems and endangering plant, animal, and human populations,” he warned.
This breakthrough, while scientifically fascinating, underscores the critical need for caution and responsible handling of synthetic biological advancements.
eria acting as invasive species, spreading lethal infections across ecosystems and endangering plant, animal, and human populations,” he warned.
This breakthrough, while scientifically fascinating, underscores the critical need for caution and responsible handling of synthetic biological advancements.
