In an interview conducted on May 8, 2020, Pat Thomas and Dr. Jonathan Latham discussed the possible origins of COVID-19, the lack of security in labs conducting research on viruses, and the question of whether this type of research is even necessary or productive. Latham is co-founder and executive director of the Bioscience Resource Project and editor of Independent Science News. He holds a master’s degree in Crop Genetics and a Ph.D in Virology.

PT: We’re  here with the Organic Consumers Association. Wherever you’re  joining us from today; welcome! This is part two of our look at the origin of the coronavirus. Yesterday, we talked to Professor Stuart Newman who explained a bit about why he felt that the idea that the virus had escaped from a lab had some legs and why, until all the evidence is in, we shouldn’t discount the possibility that at some point along the line, it had been genetically engineered. We looked at how the virus can be manipulated in the lab, and the state of play of viral research around the world, and how this is a rapidly expanding field.

So why does it matter? It matters because many—if not most of us—are sincerely trying to understand this thing that has upended our lives and the lives of millions—if not billions—of people around the world. It matters because nobody likes to be misled. And it matters because if the lab escape theory, and all the sub-narratives around it are true, it’s a very big deal.  And this is where today’s guest comes in.. We have Dr. Jonathan Latham, co-founder and executive director of the Bioscience Resource Project and editor of Independent Science News. Jonathan holds a master’s degree in Crop Genetics and a Ph.D in Virology. Jonathan, welcome! 

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