TED-Ed: What happens if an engineered virus escapes the lab? | TED-Ed

The video discusses the Sverdlovsk anthrax incident, highlighting the dangers of bioweapons and lab leaks. It explores gain of function research, focusing on enhanced potential pandemic pathogens (EPPP) and the debate over their risks and benefits. The video emphasizes lab safety, human error, and strategies to minimize risks, advocating for international collaboration and robust pandemic warning systems.

What was the primary cause of the anthrax outbreak at the Soviet facility?

• An intentional release of anthrax.

• A clogged air filter was not replaced.

• A power failure in the ventilation system.

• A natural disaster damaged the facility.

What is the main goal of gain of function research?

• To eliminate all known viruses.

• To enhance the abilities of existing microbes.

• To develop new antibiotics.

• To create new viruses for study.

What is a potential risk of creating enhanced potential pandemic pathogens (EPPPs)?

• They could replace natural viruses.

• They might escape the lab and cause a pandemic.

• They could be used in bioterrorism.

• They might not be effective in research.

What safety feature is commonly used in labs to protect against pathogen leaks?

• Regular air conditioning systems.

• Open windows for ventilation.

• Standard laboratory coats.

• Airtight spacesuits with dedicated oxygen.

Which incident involved a researcher accidentally exposing themselves to a dangerous pathogen?

• A researcher spilled a sample of anthrax.

• A researcher was stuck with an Ebola-contaminated needle.

• A researcher inhaled a smallpox virus.

• A researcher mixed two harmless viruses.

What is one proposed method to reduce human error in labs?

• Increasing the number of researchers.

• Creating an international database of leaks and near misses.

• Reducing the number of safety protocols.

• Eliminating all gain of function research.

Why is international collaboration important in preventing pandemics?

• Pandemics are caused by international travel.

• Pandemics only affect certain countries.

• Pandemics do not respect borders or politics.

• Pandemics are a result of global warming.