"Controversial Lab Leak Debate Impacts Virology Research"

The debate over whether Covid-19 leaked from a lab in China has led to a chilling effect on virology research in the United States, with funding drying up for scientists studying dangerous pathogens and altering viruses. The controversy has stalled studies that could help prevent future pandemics, as health officials advise researchers to pursue different experiments due to public concerns over lab leaks. The pullback has affected gain-of-function research, where viruses are genetically altered to study their potential for increased deadliness or contagion. Proponents argue that this research is crucial for identifying dangerous viruses and developing targeted vaccines, while critics warn of the risks involved. The scrutiny has led to a profession-wide retreat from sensitive experiments, with some researchers abandoning proposals and others facing long and opaque government reviews.