Science Weekly Summer picks: what is ‘mirror life’ and why are scientists sounding the alarm?
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Aug 5, 2025 Scientists are raising alarms about the pursuit of 'mirror life' microbes, expressing concerns over unprecedented risks to Earth's ecosystems. Initial excitement around these synthetic organisms has given way to caution, especially regarding their potential ecological consequences and implications for drug development. Discussions touch on the concept of chirality in biology, the fine balance between innovation and safety, and even the possibility of similar life forms existing elsewhere in the universe. It's a captivating mix of promise and peril in cutting-edge science.
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Life's Chirality Mystery
- Life on Earth selectively uses molecules of specific chirality: DNA is right-handed, and proteins are left-handed.
- The reason for this preference remains unknown, but it fundamentally defines our biology.
Handedness Affects Molecular Interaction
- Molecular handedness affects biological interactions because shape determines how molecules fit together.
- Mirror molecules can't interact properly with normal ones, like a left hand not fitting in a right glove.
Potential Benefits of Mirror Molecules
- Mirror molecules could evade the immune system, enabling new drug developments.
- Mirror microbes might resist viruses, benefiting industrial bioreactors by preventing infections.