The MacKenzie group in collaboration with the group of Prof. Robert Pal (Durham University) has published the world’s-first approach to assay against and detect hypothetical mirror life biohazards. The approach, which is compatible with microscopes, cameras, and plate readers, has been peer reviewed and published in Royal Society Open Science.

**Image description:** a model of natural chirality DNA shows the famous right handed helical structure. When reflected in a mirror, the left handed twist of mirror DNA appears. Image credit: Dr Lewis E. MacKenzie.

REFERENCE: MacKenzie, Black, Pal.
Circularly polarized luminescence as a contingency assay for ‘mirror life’ bio-hazards.
Royal Society Open Science. 2026, 13 (10). 260921. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.260921]

PRESS RELEASES:

University of Strathclyde Press Release
Durham University Press release

PRESS HIGHLIGHTS:

The Daily Mail (21/10/2026): The 'mirror life' detector that could save humanity from destruction: Scientists develop a light–based method for spotting deadly synthetic organisms