United Nations must establish a global treaty to stop Gain of Function genetic research on viruses.
Gain of Function (GoF) research involves manipulations that make certain pathogenic viruses more or less virulent or transmissible or both. Such research is done by genetically engineering the virus and allowing them to grow in different growth mediums –a technique called serial passage. Supporters of the GoF research argue that this research is necessary to develop vaccines and therapeutics. Gain of function research help scientists to better predict emerging infectious diseases by “getting ahead of the virus to prevent natural spillovers”. Proponents of GoF research believe "nature is the ultimate bioterrorist and we need to do all we can to stay one step ahead”. However, the available published data on the research on genetically modified/chimeric viruses are a cause for concern. We cannot rule out a future possibility of potential laboratory leaks of any of these viruses. There are documented incidents of laboratory leaks in the past, including dangerous organisms such as smallpox virus, Anthrax bacteria and SARS virus. History may repeat itself unless we initiate sincere and urgent measures both to prevent such incidents and to prevent the construct of genetically modified viruses that are more virulent or more transmissible than their natural counterparts. SARS-CoV-2 may or may not be the result of GoF research, but the very debate on the subject indicates that the potential for lab manipulations does exist. Covid-19 pandemic taught us the destructive power of viruses on humanity. Our armamentarium is not big enough to deal with the pandemics created by Mother Nature. In addition to this, we do not want to create a global catastrophe with viruses with GoF that we make.
United Nations must establish a treaty to stop Gain of Function research of all kinds and destroy any existing stockpiles of chimeric viruses if held by any member countries. more
United Nations must establish a treaty to stop Gain of Function research of all kinds and destroy any existing stockpiles of chimeric viruses if held by any member countries. more
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research to gain knowledge and discover is necessarily a human trait. But his aught to be subjected to an ethical regime. Discoveries also make us learn about the magnificence of our creator and help us in our spiritual ascendancy. But as is aid that before the angle of righteousness in humans decide how to use a discovery or an invention for best use of the planet, the agents of devil have already stolen the idea and used it for selfish-sinful gains. more
Jul 13
It is fact that certain pathogenic viruses more or less virulent or transmissible or both. The World Health Organisation should take corrective action in finding solution to control such pandemic in future. more
Jul 08
Today UN is pro China that has taken over the WHO and they will not cooperate in any such thing. Rest of the world needs to come together to stop this kind of disaster in future. more
Jul 08
Fantastically written. Surely it would seem possible now for the world to see that the covid-19 virus had its beginnings in a lab. Why is the Chinese PM so adamant in retorting that it is now. They may have engineered it in such way that after a certain number of months, it mutates!! more
Jul 08
Tuppence to what proponents of GoF believe; no one should accuse them of having brains. Nature is NOT a bio-terrorist. Humans are the terrorists of all kinds, not just bio-terrorists. If humans can control their behavior, terrorism would be non-existent. Though the UN has some good programs, it has no control over how countries and humans behave. It provides employment with handsome salary and benefits. In the overall scheme of things, UN should be abolished. more
Jul 08
