WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci has been a political lightning rod since the early days of the pandemic, lionized by the left and villainized by the right.
AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
The 2015 publication of a gain-of-function study that details the creation of a chimeric virus certainly raises questions that need answers. However, the researchers made a stunning omission that becomes all the more alarming considering the goal of gain-of-function research.
Back in 2012, Dr. Anthony Fauci pushed for gain-of-function research, claiming it was worth the risk. These comments are part of a legitimate debate within the scientific community. The theory yet to be realized is that researchers can create close approximations of viruses that may emerge from nature through gain-of-function research. Then treatments can be developed, targeting likely genetic or protein targets on the chimeric virus.
A new study from the University of Chicago and Scripps Research Institute shows that during the last great pandemic 2009 s H1N1 influenza pandemic people developed strong, effective immune responses to stable, conserved parts of the virus.
A new study from the University of Chicago and Scripps Research Institute shows that during the last great pandemic 2009's H1N1 influenza pandemic people developed strong, effective immune responses to stable, conserved parts of the virus.