Should scientists risk new pandemics by enhancing dangerous pathogens?
A highly controversial type of research conducted in a handful of labs has the ability to create new pandemics. Termed “Gain of Function,” these experiments increase the ability of dangerous pathogens to spread and infect hosts, or boost the severity of the disease they inflict. There is no doubt that lab accidents involving such research could spark a pandemic.
September 1, 2021 | Source: Institute for Responsible Technology | by
A highly controversial type of research conducted in a handful of labs has the ability to create new pandemics. Termed “Gain of Function,” these experiments increase the ability of dangerous pathogens to spread and infect hosts, or boost the severity of the disease they inflict. There is no doubt that lab accidents involving such research could spark a pandemic.
Now that the world has witnessed some of the enormous damage that a pandemic can deliver, it is an excellent time to consider whether national or global bans on Gain of Function research should be implemented.