What Are Mirror-Image Bacteria? Are they a Threat to Humanity? What Top Scientists say?

Mirror-Image Bacteria: Recently, the world's top scientists have pointed to a major danger. 'Mirror-Image' bacteria, which are being synthetically created in the lab. They can pose a unique threat to life. This warning has been given in a policy forum published in the journal 'Science'.

 

Can bypass the immune system of humans

According to scientists, 'mirror-image' bacteria are the opposite structure of biological molecules found in nature. If these bacteria become established in the environment, they can bypass the immune system of humans, animals and plants. This can cause fatal infections, which will not be possible to deal with.

Biologists have already created mirror-image proteins

All biological molecules like protein, DNA and RNA are in a different structure. These are like 'left hand' or 'right hand'. But scientists are now working on such bacteria, whose molecules are in the opposite direction. Synthetic biologists have already created mirror-image proteins and genetic molecules. However, the creation of a complete 'mirror-image' organism is not possible right now. But scientists believe that this can be possible in the next decade.

According to Professor Vaughn Cooper of Pittsburgh University, mirror-image bacteria can escape the immune system of humans, animals and plants. The infections caused by this can be fatal and it will be impossible to stop them.

Can permanently contaminate the environment

Yale University immunologist Ruslan Medzhitov warned that if these bacteria spread in soil and dust, they can permanently contaminate the environment. He says that its effect can be so deadly that it becomes the biggest crisis for life on earth.

What scientists said?

An international team of 38 experts, including Nobel Prize winners Jack Szostak and Greg Winter, has demanded a complete ban on the development of mirror-image bacteria. These scientists have said that until it is proved that there is no danger from these organisms, research on this should be stopped.

'We should not try to create mirror-life'

University of Minnesota scientist Kate Admala, who was earlier working on this, changed her direction considering it dangerous. She said that we should not try to create 'mirror-life'. It is time to start a discussion on this worldwide.

'Use only in a controlled and safe manner'

Professor Paul Freemont of Imperial College London called it an example of responsible research. He believes that this technology should be used only in a controlled and safe manner. Scientists say that researchers and funding agencies should now seriously consider these dangers before taking any step in this direction. As Szostak said, it would be best if we do not go on this path.