Gain of Function Research

[JOEY'S ALL VOL !!!]

So I posted this article in the Coronavirus thread but I think it's a different topic. This article is quite eye-opening; particularly the GOF research on a flu strain with a 60% mortality rate.

Anyone here support this type of research?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/a-science-in-the-shadows/

So I posted this article in the Coronavirus thread but I think it's a different topic. This article is quite eye-opening; particularly the GOF research on a flu strain with a 60% mortality rate.

Anyone here support this type of research?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/a-science-in-the-shadows/

Who heads or used to head the biotechs of NIH ? Is it relevant ? Don’t think I support the research regardless.

 

[Hunerwadel]

Thanks for posting. I'm sure I'll sleep better tonight.

 

[volinbham]

Thanks for posting. I'm sure I'll sleep better tonight.

View attachment 390839

for those who didn't/couldn't read it - the stories about wrongly shipping dangerous stuff or finding vials of some nasty stuff that was supposed to be destroyed doesn't exactly inspire confidence

 

[Volprofch05]

So I posted this article in the Coronavirus thread but I think it's a different topic. This article is quite eye-opening; particularly the GOF research on a flu strain with a 60% mortality rate.

Anyone here support this type of research?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/a-science-in-the-shadows/

In this case, I'll have to admit that this work could be quite dangerous and it is not that hard to do this using current technology. These experiments are required to be done under very high level security, but it is nevertheless still concerning. Also, the decreased peer review for security reasons seems problematic.

Between this and recent advancements in gene editing techniques, there are indeed questions about where this is all heading. People worry about their genetic code being modified by covid vaccines, but that is actually very difficult to accomplish. It wasn't until CRISPR/CAS9 technology was discovered recently that this could be done rationally (important note: has nothing to do with vaccines). You can theoretically use this approach to modify any genetic features, such as underlying health conditions, appearance, etc. So, there are huge questions about how this will be properly used and monitored.

While I'll admit that these are two areas with concerns, the vast majority of scientific research is done by dedicated individuals who are genuinely passionate about making people's lives better with rigor and safeguards in place.

On a side note, I wish my NIH grants didn't have to go through peer review like these, that would make my life a hell of a lot easier!!!

 

[Grand Vol]

To be honest, I haven’t read that one yet. I was a huge Crichton fan back in middle & high school (not exactly age-appropriate). Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Congo, Prey, Eaters of the Dead, Next, State of Fear, Disclosure, and Timeline were all great reads.

That dude was too smart for his own good.