Ask HN: Has gain of function research involving viruses been stopped?

by arikr on 2/16/2023, 9:56:15 PM with 4 comments
Really hoping we minimize our chances of another covid.

  • by giantg2 on 2/16/2023, 11:39:57 PM

    The answer is no.

    If you think that's concerning, let me tell you a story about how researchers could synthetically create smallpox and other microbes.

    https://www.ualberta.ca/folio/2018/01/creation-of-synthetic-...

  • by gus_massa on 2/16/2023, 10:39:05 PM

    You are assuming that covid-19 was created by gain of function research, instead of a natural source like SARS1, MERS, [1], avian flu, swine flu, whatever flu, Ebola, ...

    [1] and a few other less famous coronavirus.

  • by samketchup on 2/16/2023, 9:59:52 PM

    Will never stop, but the name/definition will continue to change