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Why the Government Shouldn’t Be Stopping Flu Research

The federal government last week announced it was taking the unusual step of temporarily stopping funds for certain types of studies involving influenza, SARS, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. The government asked all scientists involved in such work?called gain-of-function (GOF) research?to voluntarily halt their studies for a review of their potential risks and benefits. This looks like a case of misplaced priorities.