House Republicans are investigating the University of Wisconsin for its alleged involvement in “dangerous gain-of-function” research.

House Republicans Launch Investigation into Gain-of-Function Research at University ⁤of Wisconsin-Madison

House Republicans have announced a new investigation into gain-of-function research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that ⁢they deem “dangerous.”

Request for Information

The investigation was initiated by Select Subcommittee on the ‍Coronavirus Pandemic ⁢Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), who sent ⁢a letter to UW Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. The letter requests information regarding the university’s gain-of-function research and any potential collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology​ or involvement in coronavirus ​projects.

Controversial Research

The letter highlights previous concerns raised about gain-of-function research at the⁣ university. However, the university maintains that this research is both necessary and highly regulated.

Disagreement on Regulation

Wenstrup disagrees with the university’s assertion that there is sufficient regulation ‍on gain-of-function research. He points to⁣ a previous incident where Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka modified the avian H5N1‌ influenza virus, making it more transmissible among mammals. Wenstrup argues that this experiment demonstrated the potential dangers of gain-of-function research.

“UW has already shown it has the capabilities to modify pathogens and make them ⁣more dangerous. In 2011, Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka revealed to the world that he had modified the deadly avian H5N1 influenza virus so it could ⁢spread between ‌ferrets. This experiment enabled the bird virus to ⁣spread more easily among ‌mammals, particularly ferrets which most closely mimic human response to the flu. The H5N1 virus is considered a ​’potential pandemic pathogen,’ which through modification or handling could cause another global pandemic,” ‌Wenstrup ​wrote.

Instances of Quarantine

The letter also references cases where scientists conducting gain-of-function research ⁢at the university ended up in quarantine. ​One researcher ‍accidentally pricked their finger with a needle containing engineered high pathogenic avian ⁣influenza, resulting in their family having to stay ​at a hotel while they quarantined at home.

Proposed Ban on Gain-of-Function Research

In response⁣ to these ‌reports, some Republican lawmakers in the state are working on a‌ bill that would ban gain-of-function‍ research on potentially pandemic⁤ pathogens in institutions ‌of higher education.⁤ The bill also calls for reporting of research ⁣intentions⁤ and imposes ⁣penalties for non-compliance.

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University’s Response

The university defends the⁢ importance of this research for public safety.

“The ability to safely study harmful viruses, bacteria,​ and other pathogens is⁣ critically‍ important for protecting public health and the food supply,” UW spokeswoman Kelly Tyrrell stated. “UW-Madison is committed ⁢to ensuring ⁢that its researchers who work with high-risk pathogens have⁣ safe and secure laboratories ‌and receive training ‍and ⁣certification to ensure their investigations are conducted safely.”

There is growing belief among several federal government agencies that COVID-19 may have originated from a lab in China during ‍gain-of-function research on the coronavirus.

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