Gain-of-function research is more than just tweaking risky viruses – it's a routine and essential tool in all biology research
- Written by Seema Lakdawala, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University and Adjunct Professor Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh
Gain-of-function experiments in the lab can help researchers get ahead of viruses naturally gaining the ability to infect people in the wild.KTSDesign/Science Photo Library via Getty ImagesThe term “gain of function” is often taken to refer to research with viruses that puts society at risk of an infectious disease outbreak for...