Researchers Propose First Method to Detect Mirror Life
Researchers have proposed a method using circularly polarised luminescence to detect hypothetical 'mirror life' made of inverted molecular building blocks. While such life does not currently exist, the method serves as a contingency for potential future biosecurity threats.
Why it matters
Developing detection methods for synthetic or non-natural biological entities is a proactive step in addressing emerging biosecurity risks.
Scientists have proposed what they believe is the first method for detecting 'mirror life' - a hypothetical form of life made from molecular building blocks that are the mirror image of those found naturally on Earth.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde and our Department of Chemistry have outlined a new approach that could potentially identify mirror organisms using molecules which emit left and right-handed light.
This provides a possible future surveillance tool should the ability to create such organisms ever emerge.
Mirror life is considered a low-likelihood but potentially high-severity biosecurity threat.
There are international concerns that artificially created mirror organisms could interact with the natural world in unpredictable ways and potentially evade some of the biological defences which protect humans, animals and plants.
Scientists have called for restrictions on research aimed at creating the self-replicating mirror organisms.
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