The spiked podcast 308: The truth about the Covid lab leak | Matt Ridley
Oct 9, 2024
In this conversation, science writer Matt Ridley, who co-authored 'Viral: The Search for the Origin of Covid-19,' delves into the contentious lab leak theory. He discusses the alarming implications of gain-of-function research, especially at the Wuhan Institute, and the lack of accountability in the pandemic's investigation. Ridley also highlights how political and financial ties made scientists hesitant to address crucial questions about the virus's origins, revealing a troubling trend of politicization in science that influences public health.
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Pandemic Origin Still Unresolved
- The pandemic's origin remains officially unexplained despite enormous global impact.
- Matt Ridley argues a lab-origin is now the more likely explanation based on available evidence.
Proposal Reads Like A Blueprint
- EcoHealth Alliance proposals planned inserting a sequence into SARS-like viruses at Wuhan.
- Ridley highlights an early draft as a near-blueprint for creating a SARS-CoV-like virus.
Biosafety Level Choice Raises Risk
- The early draft recommended doing the work at biosafety level two for cost reasons.
- Ridley stresses that lower biosafety levels massively increase escape risk for dangerous experiments.