Trump Signs Executive Order to Ban Federal Funding for Gain-of-Function Research
President Trump's executive order aims to restrict funding for dangerous gain-of-function research, particularly in countries like China and Iran, citing pandemic risks.
Summary
On May 5, President Trump signed an executive order banning federal funding for gain-of-function research considered hazardous, particularly targeting China and Iran. This controversial research involves manipulating pathogens to understand their potential for increased transmissibility and virulence, raising fears over pandemic risks. The order aims to prevent another outbreak like COVID-19, which some officials believe originated from China's lab. As part of this policy, U.S. agencies must now identify and cease funding for harmful biological research. Trump's initiative has garnered support, yet some scientists warn it could impede vital biomedical research advancements.
Sources (10)
- President Trump issued an executive order Monday restricting federal funding for gain-of-function research, particularly aimed at preventing future pandemics and ensuring oversight in critical areas of biosecurity.
- The executive order aims to balance public health needs with the risks posed by gain-of-function research, while not impeding necessary scientific research that can aid in treating diseases or responding to biological threats.
- The order reflects a growing concern about the dangers associated with gain-of-function research, highlighting the need for enhanced oversight to prevent potential pandemics, but leaving room for dialogue on the importance of certain types of research.
NPR·16d· "…But gain-of-function research became especially controversial and politically polarized during the COVID-19 pandemic."
USA TODAY·16d· "…Determining the cause of COVID-19, which killed an estimated 7 million of people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and ground the worldwide economy to a halt, has been fraught politically because of tensions between the U.S. and China."
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- 16d