by Emily Kopp at U.S. Right to Know
Anthony Fauci detailed how the research portfolio of his longtime former institute, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, did not distinguish between “biodefense efforts” and “naturally occurring” pathogens in a fall 2017 presentation, according to emails obtained by U.S. Right to Know.
Fauci described “the joining with and ultimate indistinguishing of biodefense efforts and efforts directed at naturally occurring emerging and re-emerging infections,” according to his preview of the presentation.
NIAID’s blending of bioterrorism defense and emerging infectious diseases research has long generated debate in the scientific community, especially insofar as it brought a rise in high security labs and high risk research.
“Gain-of-function” research (GOF) makes viruses more pathogenic or transmissible. Much of this gain-of-function research is considered “dual use research of concern” (DURC) because it can be applied toward benevolent civilian aims or misapplied toward the development of bioweapons.
The new emails provide another window into…
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