U**s
发帖数: 3390 | 3 https://www.project-syndicate.org/onpoint/did-us-technology-help-create-
covid-19-in-china-by-neil-l-harrison-and-jeffrey-d-sachs-2022-05
THE FACTS OF THE CASE
Here are ten things that we do know.
First, the SARS-CoV-2 genome is distinguished by a particular 12-nucleotide
sequence (the genetic code) that serves to increase its infectivity. The
specific amino acid sequence directed by this insertion has been much
discussed and is known as a furin cleavage site (FCS).
Second, the FCS has been a target of cutting-edge research since 2006,
following the original SARS outbreak of 2003-04. Scientists have long
understood that the FCS holds the key to these viruses’ infectivity and
pathophysiology.
Third, SARS-CoV-2 is the only virus in the family of SARS-like viruses (
sarbecoviruses) known to have an FCS. Interestingly, the specific form of
the FCS that is present in SARS-CoV-2 (eight amino acids encoded by 24
nucleotides) is shared with a human sodium channel that has been studied in
US labs.
Fourth, the FCS was already so well known as a driver of transmissibility
and virulence that a group of US scientists submitted a proposal to the US
government in 2018 to study the effect of inserting an FCS into SARS-like
viruses found in bats. Although the dangers of this kind of work have been
highlighted for some time, these bat viruses were somehow considered to be
in a lower-risk category. This exempted them from NIH gain-of-function
guidelines, thereby enabling NIH-funded experiments to be carried out at the
inadequate BSL-2 safety level.
Fifth, the NIH was a strong supporter of such gain-of-function research,
much of which was performed using US-developed biotechnology and executed
within an NIH-funded three-way partnership between the EHA, the WIV, and UNC.
Sixth, in 2018, a leading US scientist pursuing this research argued that
laboratory manipulation was vital for drug and vaccine discovery, but that
increased regulation could stymie progress. Many within the virology
community continue to resist sensible calls for enhanced regulation of the
most high-risk virus manipulation, including the establishment of a national
regulatory body independent of the NIH.
Seventh, the virus was very likely circulating a lot earlier than the
standard narrative that dates awareness of the outbreak to late December
2019. We still do not know when parts of the US government became aware of
the outbreak, but some scientists were aware of the outbreak as of mid-
December.
Eighth, the NIH knew as early as February 1, 2020, that the virus could have
emerged as a consequence of NIH-funded laboratory research, but it did not
disclose that fundamental fact to the public or to the US Congress.
Ninth, extensive sampling by Chinese authorities of animals in Wuhan wet
markets and in the wild has found not a single wild animal harboring the
SARS-CoV-2 virus. Despite this, there is no indication that the NIH has
requested the laboratory records of US agencies, academic centers, and
biotech companies involved in researching and manipulating SARS-like
coronaviruses.
Tenth, the IC has not explained why at least some of the US intelligence
agencies do in fact believe that a laboratory release was either the most
likely or at least a possible origin of the virus.
【在 t******2 的大作中提到】
: *删贴的死全家！*
: Jeffrey Sachs 教授：
: “我在新冠问题上担任《柳叶刀》委员会 2 年主席。我非常相信它出自美国生物技术
: 实验室 ……我们有足够的证据。……然而在美国没有被调查…”
: https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:4786947550543894?from=old_pc_videoshow
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