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

by arikron 2/16/2023, 9:56 PMwith 4 comments

Really hoping we minimize our chances of another covid.

by giantg2on 2/16/2023, 11:39 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_massaon 2/16/2023, 10:39 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 samketchupon 2/16/2023, 9:59 PM

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