President Trump's recent executive order halts all federal funding for virology research, particularly targeting gain-of-function experiments deemed dangerous. Critics argue that the order's broad definition may inadvertently impact low-risk research essential for public health. The government plans to reassess policies concerning oversight of such experiments during the four-month suspension. These experiments, which modify pathogens to study their dangers, can lead to better understanding and vaccine development, but the risk of accidents or misuse raises significant concerns among scientists.
"This is what I was expecting - an executive order banning gain-of-function research but defined in such a way that it bans all virology research," says Gigi Gronvall.
Modifying pathogens such as viruses inside a secure laboratory facility can help researchers to understand the risks the pathogens pose to society and develop vaccines and drugs against them.
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