What happens if an engineered virus escapes the lab?

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TED-Ed |

TED-Ed

• March 2023

Since the 1970s, researchers have engineered superbugs. While this research could help us prepare for future outbreaks, the stakes of this work are extremely high: if even one dangerous virus escaped a lab, it could cause a global pandemic. So, what can we do to minimize risk? And is the knowledge gained even worth the risk in the first place? Dig into the ongoing debate over virology research. [Directed by Kevin Herrmann, AIM Creative Studios, narrated by George Zaidan, music by André Aires].