A U.S. Strategy to Prevent the Creation of Mirror Life

Scientists could potentially create "mirror life"—organisms made from molecules with reversed molecular structure—within decades, which could escape immune detection, resist degradation, and cause catastrophic biological disruption if released into natural ecosystems. The authors propose a comprehensive U.S. preventive strategy to stop the creation of mirror life before scientific advances or geopolitical incentives make it feasible, arguing that action must occur now since containment would be impossible after the first successful mirror organism is created. The risks from mirror life are considered unprecedented and potentially more catastrophic than pandemics or widespread conflict.