4 ms·

> we shouldn't be doing _gain of function_ research on the types of viruses that can cause these outbreaks. Why not? Seriously, this is the "let's just stop de

• throwawaysea 6y ago
  For one, the US banned such research and specifically for SARS: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2014/10/17/doing-diligence-assess-risks-and-benefits-life-sciences-gain-function-research https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2014/10/17/doing-d... We should also remember that there were past lab leaks in China of SARS, including ones that led to smaller outbreaks and deaths: https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20040423/china-sars-death https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20040423/china-sars-death
  • throwaway_r1453 6y ago
    Let's be accurate: This research wasn't "banned." NIH paused granting new funding pending a review [1]. After the review, it was determined that the benefits outweigh the risks and was resumed [2]. [1] - https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director/statements/statement-funding-pause-certain-types-gain-function-research https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director/statem... [2] - https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director/statements/nih-lifts-funding-pause-gain-function-research https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director/statem...
• jonny_eh 6y ago
  > Why not? It's not worth the risk.