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Mirror bacteria research poses significant risks, scientists warn

Synthetic biologists make artificial cells, but one particular kind isn’t worth the risk.

However, we recently joined a number of other scientists in calling for a certain line of research to not be pursued: work that could result in the creation of “mirror bacteria.” 9 These are bacteria made of all components that natural cells possess, but with every biopolymer being of opposite stereochemistry. We are passionate defenders of allowing scientists to conduct their research with as few limits on intellectual curiosity as possible, and calling for a ban is not something that we do often or lightly. As a result, mirror bacteria could hypothetically replicate to extremely high levels in the human body, causing conditions similar to septic shock.

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