> we shouldn't be doing _gain of function_ research on the types of viruses that...

jonny_eh · on March 22, 2021

> Why not?

It's not worth the risk.

throwawaysea · on March 22, 2021

For one, the US banned such research and specifically for SARS: 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

throwaway_r1453 · on March 22, 2021

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/statem...

[2] - https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director/statem...