The Truth About Wuhan and the Origins of the Pandemic (with Vanity Fair's Katherine Eban)
Jan 29, 2024
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Investigative journalist Katherine Eban discusses secret warnings about Wuhan research, funding and risks of virology research in China, US-funded biology research, the Mountain Tough program, DOE's role in biosecurity, investigation into the pandemic's origin, collaboration and national security concerns, and the importance of asking questions and holding those in power accountable.
Chinese scientists submitted the virus sequence earlier than officially stated, indicating a possible delay in information sharing.
Collaboration between US and Chinese scientists raised concerns about the risks and military involvement in coronavirus research.
The funding and collaboration between the US government and the Wuhan Institute of Virology raised questions about oversight and accountability in scientific research.
Deep dives
Revelation of Chinese Scientists' Sequence Submission
Chinese scientists submitted the sequence of the virus onto a US science server two weeks earlier than the Chinese government officially stated.
Collaboration and Debate on Wuhan Research
The collaboration between US and Chinese scientists on studying coronaviruses was driven by the desire to predict and prevent future pandemics. However, the research sparked debate about the risks and potential dual use and military involvement.
Safety Concerns and Lack of Candor
Scientists and officials expressed concerns about the safety measures and lack of transparency at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) even before the pandemic. The issue of gain-of-function research and the potential for accidents or misappropriation of research were key concerns.
Funding and Oversight Challenges
The US government, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provided funding to the WIV for research on coronaviruses. This collaboration and funding raised questions about oversight and accountability for ensuring the safe and responsible conduct of research.
Need for Accountability and Transparency
There is a need for accountability to understand the origins of COVID-19, prevent future outbreaks, and restore public trust. Questions persist about the role of the Chinese government, the actions of US officials, and the need for better regulations and information sharing in scientific collaborations.
Today on Change Agents, Andy Stumpf sits down with investigative journalist Katherine Eban.
She is an award-winning investigative journalist and a Vanity Fair special correspondent, specializing in the pharmaceutical industry. She is the author of books including Dangerous Doses: A True Story of Cops, Counterfeiters and the Contamination of America’s Drug Supply, as well as, Bottle of Lies: The Inside Story of the Generic Drug Boom.
Katherine recently came into possession of emails between government officials concerned about the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the months and years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. She recently posted an explosive investigative report in Vanity Fair, titled: “Secret Warnings About Wuhan Research Predated the Pandemic” which you can read here: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/11/covid-origins-warnings-nih-department-of-energy
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