A warning against the development of synthetic organisms based on molecular mirror images of natural life has been published in ‘Science’ by an international group of Nobel laureates and experts in disciplines such as immunology, phytopathology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and biosafety. These “mirror bacteria” have the potential to infiltrate the environment and circumvent the immune defenses of natural organisms, thereby presenting a fatal danger to humans, animals, and plants.
The principle of homochirality is the foundation of all known life. DNA and RNA molecules are “right-handed” (D), whereas the amino acids that create proteins are “left-handed” (L). This uniformity is indispensable for biological processes as we comprehend them.
Mirror-image molecules are structurally identical but oppositely oriented, similar to left and right hands. Despite the fact that they exhibit identical chemical properties, nature has exclusively favored one orientation in biological systems. Although uncommon, rare exceptions exist, such as certain microbes that utilize “right-handed” amino acids to synthesize antibiotics.
Louis Pasteur, a French scientist, was the first to consider the possibility of “mirror life,” which would possess a biochemistry that is incompatible with our own. This is comparable to a mirror key that does not fit a lock. However, mirror bacteria could be a valuable asset for military biotechnologies, as they are capable of attacking natural organisms while eluding their defenses.
There is an urgent need to suspend research
The scientific community is concerned about the potential hazards associated with the development of a viable mirror microbe, which may require at least a decade. A coalition of 38 specialists has called on researchers to stop their research efforts and has requested that sponsors explicitly cease funding such projects.
Professor Vaughn Cooper, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Pittsburgh, conveyed profound apprehension regarding the threat’s unparalleled nature. He elaborated that mirror bacteria would likely bypass immune responses in humans, animals, and plants, potentially resulting in lethal infections that could proliferate uncontrollably.
The article is authored by eminent figures, including Nobel laureate Professor Greg Winter of Cambridge University, Professor Jack Szostak of the University of Chicago, and Dr. Craig Venter, who is recognized for his contributions to the decoding of the human genome.
In their article, the authors asserted that mirror bacteria and other mirror organisms should not be generated, even with engineered biosafety measures, until compelling evidence is available demonstrating that mirror life does not pose any distinctive dangers.
Risks of Mirror Life
Dr. Kate Adamala, a synthetic biologist at the University of Minnesota and co-author of the article, stopped working on a mirror cell last year after evaluating its potential hazards.
Dr. Adamala underscored the importance of avoiding the creation of parallel life in her interview with The Guardian. She clarified that the primary objective of publishing their article was to establish a global dialogue, and there was still time for discussion.
Professor Paul Freemont of Imperial College London, who did not take part in the article, characterized it as a model for responsible research and innovation. He recognized the significance of conducting a controlled and regulated investigation into the potential positive applications of mirror chemistry.
Ethical and Environmental Issues
Mirror bacteria have the potential to multiply swiftly if they were to escape a laboratory. Natural bacteriophages, which infect bacteria, would be unable to identify them, and predators such as amoebae would not recognize them as prey.
Jim Kasting, a climate scientist, expressed concern that even a single drop of mirror cyanobacteria could potentially outcompete natural marine life, disrupting ecosystems and food chains, and resulting in global cooling and famine.
Military Implications
Synthetic biology initiatives have been prioritized by the US Department of Defense’s DARPA, which has allocated $17 million to the development of inhibitors for genome-editing technologies such as CRISPR. Although these initiatives are intended to be defensive, analysts believe that they may facilitate the development of biological weapons that are cost-effective.
Additionally, DARPA has investigated the potential of genetically engineering soldiers to withstand chemical and biological assaults. The agency has allocated more than $65 million to genome-editing technologies that are designed to enhance human safety and precision.
A Pentagon scenario for the deployment of mirror organisms envisions their release into a target country, which would result in a pervasive ecological collapse. In the aftermath of a humanitarian crisis, the United States could implement “mirrorophage” solutions to eradicate the organisms and establish control.
Global Action Is Urged
The Pentagon is unlikely to cease its efforts, despite the appeals of scientists. Despite the global hazards, the pursuit of supremacy persists. In the 21st century, experts have cautioned that biological weapons may be more cost-effective and simpler to develop than nuclear weapons, which further underscores the need for international regulations and governance.