A “second tree of life” could wreak havoc, scientists warn

Research on so-called mirror cells should be prohibited as too dangerous, biologists said.

View in browser|nytimes.com January 2, 2025 Biologists have issued a dire warning: Within a few decades, scientists will be able to create a microbe that could cause an unstoppable pandemic, devastate crops or collapse whole ecosystems. Israel Vargas To make the microbe, scientists would have to defy a fundamental property of life on Earth. → Sign up for Science Times Get stories that capture the wonders of nature, the cosmos and the human body. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times. To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018