"Controversial Lab Leak Debate Impacts Virology Research"

The debate over whether COVID-19 leaked from a Chinese laboratory has had a chilling effect on virology research in the United States, leading to funding cuts and a retreat from sensitive experiments. Some scientists argue that gain-of-function research, which involves genetically altering viruses to study their potential dangers, is crucial for identifying and preparing for future pandemics. However, critics argue that the risks of manipulating deadly viruses outweigh the potential benefits. The controversy has resulted in increased scrutiny and delays in the approval process for research proposals, causing some scientists to abandon certain studies altogether.