S2 #17: Confronting Risks of Mirror Life

This supplementary material from *Science* details a group of experts' assessment of the feasibility and risks of creating mirror life—organisms composed of mirror-image biomolecules. The authors express serious concerns about the potential for mirror bacteria to evade immune systems, cause widespread lethal infections, and become invasive species due to their resistance to natural defenses. While acknowledging potential benefits of mirror biomolecules, the researchers strongly recommend against creating mirror organisms due to the substantial and largely unmitigable risks. They propose initiating a broad discussion among scientists, policymakers, and the public to establish appropriate governance. A technical report providing a detailed analysis is also referenced. Sources: Technical Report on Mirror Bacteria:Feasibility and Risks PDF : Stanford.eduThe Bulletin: Article