Boston University's Defence and Lack of Transparency in Controversial COVID-19 Research

Boston University (BU) has faced criticism and controversy regarding its research that took the spike protein from the Omicron variant and attached it to an earlier, more virulent strain. BU claimed that the research did not fall under gain of function research and made the virus less dangerous in mice, but experts disagree, stating it is indeed gain of function and that the research resulted in a more infectious virus. The controversy highlighted gaps in public oversight and transparency in scientific research that has the potential to spark new pandemics, calling for stronger regulation and accountability in the scientific community.