1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The prospect of creating "mirror life" forms composed entirely of mirror-image biological molecules raises significant concerns that warrant a halt on such research until a thorough assessment of risks can be conducted. As outlined by the 38 scientists in their Science commentary, mirror organisms would be radically different from known life and could pose a threat of uncontrolled replication due to their incompatibility with natural mechanisms that regulate bacterial growth. The inability of our immune systems, antibiotics, and digestive enzymes to combat these foreign life forms presents a plausible risk to global health that cannot be ignored. While the potential applications driving this line of research are understandable, the dangers of unleashing self-replicating mirror organisms into our biosphere are far too great. A ban on the creation of mirror life should be implemented to allow for an organized, inclusive dialogue on effectively governing these technologies and mitigating catastrophic consequences before any further progress is made.