3 ms·
One thing that stood out to me is the summary of the gain of function research conducted at WIV. For example p.41 quotes a PhD study, which describes that they
by orbifold 5y ago
One thing that stood out to me is the summary of the gain of function research conducted at WIV. For example p.41 quotes a PhD study, which describes that they had developed all the necessary techniques to modify corona virus samples to be infectious to humans by modifying their spike proteins, without leaving any evidence of genetic manipulation:
> We established a reverse genetics system for coronaviruses, and based on the genomic backbone of WIV1, we established a scheme to replace the S gene without traces, constructed infectious BAC clones of 12 S-gene chimeric recombinant viruses, and successfully rescued. Four of these recombinant viral strains (including Rs4231, Rs4874, Rs7327, and SHC014) were tested for ACE2 utilization by these strains in humans, civets, and bats.
The report concludes:
> As such, it is clear that Shi and others at the WIV not only possessed the capability to genetically modify coronaviruses “without traces,” but were actively doing so in the years leading up to the current pandemic.