But for scientists, finding the original source of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is key to understanding how to predict, prevent and contain future pandemics that may arise, whether from a leak at one of a growing number of pathogen labs or the accelerating encroachment of humans on the natural world.

But evidence of an accidental lab leak would have far different implications, particularly for the almost 60 BSL-4 labs that are planned or operating in 23 different countries.

Only about a fourth of the countries operating, or planning to operate, such labs score well on biosafety preparedness criteria, and more than three-quarters of the labs are in crowded urban settings, increasing the likelihood of an accidental leak.

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Wuhan lab leak theory gets new look with Biden order to determine coronavirus’ origin.

World & Nation.

Wuhan lab leak theory gets new look with Biden order to determine coronavirus’ origin.

intelligence agencies are investigating the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the possibility that they lead to a Chinese lab.

That scenario suggests how the theories that SARS-CoV-2 came from an interface with nature or from a lab leak aren’t mutually exclusive.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology at the center of the debate is home to some of the world’s leading virologists, regarded among the frontrunners of pandemic prevention.

A lab leak hypothesis doesn’t suggest sinister intent or even incompetence, but it does underscore that accidents among staff do happen.

But Beijing’s version of events might be further challenged after President Biden recently ordered U.S.

The World Health Organization’s reputation, too, is on the line, after an investigation in which its team, half of them Chinese delegates, spent only three hours of a monthlong mission at the lab.

Only four pages of the WHO ‘s 313-page report spoke to the possibility of a lab leak, ranking such a scenario below the suggestion that the pandemic began with frozen food.

American nonprofits such as the EcoHealth Alliance have given taxpayer-funded sub-grants to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for coronavirus research, and U.S.-based microbiologists have long collaborated with them.

If the global pandemic is eventually traced back to the institute, the United States could share in the blame.

Early on, the lab leak hypothesis was conflated with a blend of other theories, including a biological weapon leak or even an intentional pandemic.

But public health makes it clear that we should want to know.

She joined the paper in 2019 from the New York Times and has a graduate degree in public health.

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Coronavirus, Vaccines and Pandemic

Cannabis dispensary offering 1-cent products as COVID-19 vaccine incentives

Cannabis dispensary offering 1-cent products as COVID-19 vaccine incentives

The Contra Costa cannabis company says the promotion is an effort to help the state reach immunity against COVID-19

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image abroad has rebounded since Biden took office, polls show

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image abroad has rebounded since Biden took office, polls show

The United States’ image around the world has improved sharply since President Biden took office, polls show on the eve of the G-7 summit in England

FDA hopes to extend shelf life of J&J’s soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine

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Expiration dates are approaching for unused doses of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, but the FDA hopes their shelf life can be extended

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