On one side GoF helps us understand zoonosis and potential ways that selection-induced strains can be transmitted and infect humans. I could even understand how surveillance of hot zones where it happens in the world could make sense. HOWEVER the risk for this type of research to go awry without extremely safe precautions and rigorous protocols is much too great to continue without an enormous PAUSE as Jennifer suggests! Not to mention it is also possible to be weaponized. Where in the world is this work being done…this needs to be explored. The fact that we had/have research facilities funded that do this work requires a complete shutdown before moving ahead….almost treat it like you are inspecting a nuclear power facility etc. Good post Jennifer.
On one side GoF helps us understand zoonosis and potential ways that selection-induced strains can be transmitted and infect humans. I could even understand how surveillance of hot zones where it happens in the world could make sense. HOWEVER the risk for this type of research to go awry without extremely safe precautions and rigorous protocols is much too great to continue without an enormous PAUSE as Jennifer suggests! Not to mention it is also possible to be weaponized. Where in the world is this work being done…this needs to be explored. The fact that we had/have research facilities funded that do this work requires a complete shutdown before moving ahead….almost treat it like you are inspecting a nuclear power facility etc. Good post Jennifer.
Covid release was planned NOT an accident.
Dugway lights Hatu up!