What @lewm said. @dover1, there was no validation that there was a "gain of function" research that led to SARS CoV-2019. Had the virus been completely engineered, there would be easily discernable "splice" sites that could be detected on sequencing, and we don't see that. Yes, this SARS virus can recombine, but not nearly as much as flu does (hence why we require shots every year). Also, flu mutates much more rapidly, as lewm observed because of SARs' proof reading ability. In any case, most mutations would be neutral or inhibitory to virus' s infectiousness and replication, so there's that. Yes, China hasn't been completely transparent, and we may never know exactly what happened, but best evidence is that this wasn't engineered.
None of this helps Peter though, and I really hope he is getting the best care from experts - I also like teaching hospitals. Please let us know if there is anything we can do, in addition to buying more Soundsmith :-) - do we know the hospital? Can we send him cards, flowers, etc.?
None of this helps Peter though, and I really hope he is getting the best care from experts - I also like teaching hospitals. Please let us know if there is anything we can do, in addition to buying more Soundsmith :-) - do we know the hospital? Can we send him cards, flowers, etc.?