The potential benefits and risks of developing "mirror life"

Synthetic biologists are hard at work developing artificial biological molecules as the first step toward developing a mirror cell that would be immune from infection. If they're successful, it could transform the world of medicine. But while the potential of mirror life is great, so too are the risks. There are warnings of a catastrophic impact if the cells can't be controlled. And that's prompted calls for a moratorium on the research.

Guests

Associate Professor Kate Adamala — Synthetic biologist and professor of genetics, University of Minnesota

Professor Andrew Ellington — Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin

Professor Heather Douglas — Department of Philosophy, Michigan State University

Ajay Kshatriya — CEO Aizen Therapeutics