Capitol News

A group of international researchers, including faculty from Michigan State University (MSU), is highlighting potential risks associated with the development of mirror bacteria. These synthetic organisms are molecular 'mirror' versions of natural bacteria and could pose threats to human and environmental health.

While creating mirror bacteria is still at least a decade away, scientists have made significant progress in recent years. A new paper published in Science outlines possible dangers these organisms might present to humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. The authors emphasize the need for dialogue among scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders to better understand and mitigate these risks.

The paper's 38 authors represent nine countries and include experts in various fields such as immunology, plant pathology, ecology, evolutionary biology, biosecurity, and planetary sciences. Among them are MSU faculty members Richard Lenski and James Tiedje. Lenski holds the position of John A. Hannah Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology, while Tiedje is a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

The research suggests that mirror bacteria may disrupt immune systems by altering molecular shapes crucial for pathogen recognition. "The idea of creating mirror bacteria... might seem like science fiction," said Lenski. "But some scientists have been pursuing that goal... we have time to carefully consider all the risks."

Moreover, mirror bacteria could evade natural predators like viruses and amoebas that depend on naturally configured molecules for bacterial population control. This ability might enable their spread across diverse ecosystems via animals and humans.

Jack Szostak from the University of Chicago initially doubted their potential danger but now believes they could spread across species while being resistant to predation. “I was initially skeptical... I now believe that mirror bacteria could spread across species and environments,” Szostak noted.

Lenski also expressed concerns about the replication of mirror bacteria outside laboratory settings: “Once a mirror bacterium is created... Someone or group might be tempted to produce a mirror version... That’s the fear.”

The authors call for further examination of their findings before proceeding with any creation of these organisms unless it can be proven they pose no extraordinary dangers. They aim to initiate broader discussions involving global scientific communities alongside policymakers regarding potential preventive measures against risks posed by such innovations.

Several co-authors are planning future events aimed at reviewing this research's conclusions as well as exploring strategies preventing possible threats linked with developing mirrored biological entities.