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A leading group of scientists has said research aimed at developing synthetic bacteria should be halted because it could pose an existential threat to humanity.
The coalition of 38 scientists across nine countries warned that the creation of so-called mirror bacteria – a form of life built with biological molecules in shapes that are the opposite of those found in nature – could end up being “catastrophic”.
The experts said that some researchers “driven by curiosity” had started looking into developing the organisms, which they said were probably at least a decade away from becoming a reality.
However, they said they should stop because of the “unprecedented and largely overlooked risks”.
The findings, published in the journal Science, said: “Our analysis suggests that mirror bacteria would likely evade many immune mechanisms… potentially causing lethal infection in humans, animals, and plants….
“We cannot rule out a scenario in which a mirror bacterium acts as an invasive species across many ecosystems, causing pervasive lethal infections in a substantial fraction of plant and animal species, including humans.
“Even a mirror bacterium with a narrower host range and the ability to invade only a limited set of ecosystems could still cause unprecedented and irreversible harm.”
The group of scientists includes Professor Patrick Cai, an expert in synthetic genomics and biosecurity at The University of Manchester.
He said: “While mirror bacteria are still a theoretical concept and something that we likely won’t see for a few decades, we have an opportunity here to consider and pre-empt risks before they arise.
“These bacteria could potentially evade immune defences, resist natural predators, and disrupt ecosystems. By raising awareness now, we hope to guide research in a way that prioritises safety for people, animals, and the environment.”
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