510: Rob Reid | Why the Future is a Good Kind of Scary

Gain of Function

Gain of function research, often abbreviated as GOF or GOFR, involves enhancing the properties of existing pathogens, making them more contagious or lethal. Rob Reid explains that while the intentions behind this research are often to anticipate natural mutations or prevent misuse by bad actors, the risks are significant due to the potential for lab leaks 1. He cites the example of H5N1 flu, which was made transmissible through the air by researchers, posing a catastrophic risk if it were to escape 1.

There is, in my mind, absolutely no justification whatsoever to create that.

--- Rob Reid

Despite these dangers, the research continues, with some projects even receiving renewed funding from the U.S. government 2.

   

Ethical Concerns

The ethical and safety concerns surrounding gain of function research are profound. Rob Reid highlights the potential for catastrophic outcomes if engineered pathogens were to escape from labs, drawing parallels to existential risks like nuclear war 3. He warns that as DNA synthesis technology becomes more accessible, the risk of misuse increases, necessitating stringent regulations and industry cooperation to prevent the creation of deadly pathogens 4.

We need to worry about that intermediate future when somebody like the Vegas shooter... could come across that information, treated as a bullet, hit print, and send out more world.

--- Rob Reid

The dissemination of viral genomes online, such as the 1918 flu and smallpox, further exacerbates these risks, making it crucial to control the spread of such sensitive information 5.