The Conversation

Gain‑of‑function research is more than just tweaking risky viruses – it’s a routine and essential tool in all biology research

In May 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to restrict research on viruses and pathogens called gain-of-function studies. The National Institutes of Health is now taking steps to ...
News Medical

What is Gain-of-Function Research?

Gain-of-function research (GOFR) refers to the serial passaging of microorganisms to increase their transmissibility, virulence, immunogenicity, and host tropism by applying selective pressure to a ...
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Gain-of-function pathogen research is controversial and widespread. Can it be regulated?

Activists want it banned. The US government may soon further restrict it. And politicians won’t stop talking about it. So-called “gain-of-function” pathogen research has faced growing scrutiny ever ...
Forbes

What Is Gain Of Function Research, And Why Should It Be Banned?

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - MARCH 24: Bruno Cassaro de Andrade, a chemical engineering student, works with a test during the method of separating specific proteins to be applied in the production of ...
Forbes

Gain-Of-Function Experiments At Boston University Create A Deadly New Covid-19 Virus. Who Thought This Was A Good Idea?

After all the controversy over the past few years about gain-of-function research on viruses, especially the Covid-19 virus, I thought this kind of work was on hold, at least in the U.S. Indeed, the ...