Gain-of-function experiments in the lab can help researchers get ahead of viruses naturally gaining the ability to infect people in the wild. KTSDesign/Science Photo Library via Getty ImagesThe ...

Key functions of therapeutically promising jumbo viruses Identifying core replication processes moves scientists closer to tapping phage as a treatment in the growing antibiotic resistance crisis ...

The term “gain of function” applies to the functional consequences of changes in the genetic makeup of an organism, including viruses. Such changes can be harmless, or even beneficial.

The term “gain of function” is often taken to refer to research with viruses that puts society at risk of an infectious disease outbreak for questionable gain. Some research on emerging ...