Researchers who once championed the idea of creating organisms with reversed molecular structures have now made an about-turn over biosecurity risks
Mirror bacteria, lab-created microbes whose proteins and sugars are mirror images of those found in nature, have moved from scientific curiosity to serious biosecurity concern, according to an investigation by MIT Technology Review.
In 2019, a group of some 30 synthetic biologists and ethicists meeting in Virginia proposed that the National Science Foundation fund the creation of mirror organisms, whose key biological molecules would twist in the opposite direction to those in conventional life.
Researchers believed the organisms could illuminate how cells assemble, improve drug design and shed light on the origins of life.
That enthusiasm has given way to alarm.
Many of the same scientists have concluded that mirror organisms could evade the immune systems of humans, animals and plants, resist existing antibiotics and escape detection by current surveillance tools.
A group of 38 researchers, including Nobel laureates, published a paper in Science in December 2024 alongside a 299-page technical report warning that mirror bacteria should not be created under any circumstances, regardless of containment measures.
Kevin Esvelt, who leads the Sculpting Evolution group at the MIT Media Lab, began investigating the risks for Open Philanthropy in 2019 and has since cofounded the Mirror Biology Dialogues Fund to coordinate the response.
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Creating a mirror organism remains at least a decade away and would require major technical advances and large investment, but scientists warn the window for establishing governance is narrowing.
The full investigation appears in MIT Technology Review's next print issue, published on Wednesday.The recap
- Scientists warn mirror organisms could threaten all forms of life.
- Mirror bacteria would have proteins and sugars as mirror images.
- Some Chinese workers deploy tools to sabotage automation attempts.
