This forum is for discussions on the noteworthy events, people, places, and circumstances of both the past and the present (note: pop culture etc... is on the back porch).
Weetabix wrote: ↑Tue Nov 02, 2021 2:02 pm
Call me uninformed, but is there a non-nefarious reason to alter a virus for gain of function? It kind of sounds like classic mad scientist type stuff.
The theoretical idea is developing new strains so treatments can be developed before they hit from the wild. The actuality of it seems to be more WTF why not.
Typically in the past yes, the thing is now there are humanized mouse models (decade or so) that are quickly replacing GOF as the prefered method to study pathological systems. So no need to modify the pathogen just a host that requires activation.
Apathy rules with an iron fist so we must strike back with steel resolve.