COVID-19 Research Dispute in China

Republicans demand criminal investigation into Dr. Peter Daszak for links to gain of function research in Wuhan. First scientist to publish COVID-19 virus sequence in China allowed back into lab after sit-in protest. Dispute with lab over renovations and safety standards. Zhang's ordeal since publishing virus sequence without state approval in January 2020.

RNA Replication in Lab

Researchers have replicated part of the process of RNA replication in a lab, getting closer to creating conditions for early Earth life. The Salk Institute created a lab-made RNA molecule that accurately copied others and resulted in a functioning enzyme. The goal is to study the earliest evolutionary stages of life.