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Virology Research

All articles tagged with #virology research

science-and-technology2 years ago•13 min saved

"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.

via Yahoo! Voices|

#covid-19-origins #funding-cuts #gain-of-function-research

science-and-technology2 years ago•14 min saved

"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.

via The New York Times|

#funding-cuts #gain-of-function-research #lab-leak-theory

science-and-technology2 years ago•14 min saved

The Controversial Consequences of Lab Leak Speculations

Fears of lab leaks and the controversy surrounding the lab leak theory have led to a chilling effect on virology research, with funding drying up for scientists studying dangerous pathogens and altering viruses. The debate over gain-of-function experiments, which some believe could help prevent future pandemics, has intensified, with concerns about the risks involved. The scrutiny has resulted in a retreat from sensitive experiments, as research plans languish in government reviews and university administrators ask scientists to remove their names from studies. The lack of clear oversight and slow vetting process have led to a stifling of research, driving scientists to nations with weaker biosafety practices and leaving important questions about viruses unanswered.

via The New York Times|

#funding-cuts #gain-of-function-experiments #lab-leak-theory