How to Safely Study “Mirror Life”
September 2, 2025
Worried about the potential perils of “mirror life” organisms, whose molecular structures are reverse images of their natural counterparts, scientists have widely stopped studying them—with some researchers calling for an outright ban. Writing in Issues, John H. Evans and four colleagues agree there are possible dangers, but also possible benefits. Instead of a ban, they call for a “precautionary approach” that would “serve as a careful mediator between permission and prohibition.” To aid this “look before you leap” approach, the authors outline key decision points for evaluating exploratory research, “allowing for discovery and innovation while mitigating potential harms.”