Experiments in virology

Name: Expériences en virologie
Brand: Éditions Quae
SKU: 9782759240531
Price: 9.5 EUR
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 978-2-7592-4053-1

Benefits and risks

by Étienne Decroly (writer)

Collection: Sciences en questions

june 2025

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120 x 190 format 70 pages In stock

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Summary

Research in virology is a major societal challenge in addressing the emergence of new pathogens. Recent advances in synthetic biology have made it possible to modify viral genomes quickly and efficiently, facilitating the development of “humanized“ animal models, essential for studying infections and designing more effective vaccines. However, this research raises important questions regarding risk management and biosafety, as viruses can pose a threat to global public health.

Despite safety standards implemented to protect researchers and society, research accidents have occurred. Zero risk does not exist. This book addresses ethical and practical questions surrounding such research, in particular the controversial “gain-of-function“ experiments on viruses with pandemic potential.

The author questions the need of such experiments to anticipate the emergence of new pathogens, and advocates for stricter regulation in the field of virology research to better protect society while continuing to make progress in the fight against viral diseases.

Read the preface (Catherine Donnars)

Foreword

Introduction

The challenges of virology research in the field of public health

Some examples of pandemics

The fight against viruses: vaccines and antivirals

Virology research: a continuum of risk

The nature of laboratory experiments

Virus in tissue culture

Cloning of viral genomes

Animal models

Gain-of-function experiments

Understanding the challenges of gain-of-function experiments

Pathogens with pandemic potential

Biosafety levels

Adapting biosafety constraints to biological risks

Laboratory accidents are not exceptional

Which experiments for which risks?

Serial passage experiments

Identification of escape variants

Experiments on animal models

Synthetic biology in virology

Gain-of-function experiments on influenza viruses are particularly risky

Equally problematic risks for gain-of-function experiments on coronaviruses

Gene deletion can sometimes increase viral pathogenesis

Alternatives to gain-of-function experiments exist

How can high-risk experiments be regulated and better controlled?

Conclusion

Discussion

Bibliography

Press

AFIS - Le 29 octobre 2025
"L’ouvrage met en lumière un débat qui dépasse le cercle des spécialistes et nous concerne tous."
>> Lire l'article

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Experiments in virology

Summary

Table of contents

Foreword

Introduction

The challenges of virology research in the field of public health

Some examples of pandemics

The fight against viruses: vaccines and antivirals

Virology research: a continuum of risk

The nature of laboratory experiments

Virus in tissue culture

Cloning of viral genomes

Animal models

Gain-of-function experiments

Understanding the challenges of gain-of-function experiments

Pathogens with pandemic potential

Biosafety levels

Adapting biosafety constraints to biological risks

Laboratory accidents are not exceptional

Which experiments for which risks?

Serial passage experiments

Identification of escape variants

Experiments on animal models

Synthetic biology in virology

Gain-of-function experiments on influenza viruses are particularly risky

Equally problematic risks for gain-of-function experiments on coronaviruses

Gene deletion can sometimes increase viral pathogenesis

Alternatives to gain-of-function experiments exist

How can high-risk experiments be regulated and better controlled?

Conclusion

Discussion

Bibliography

Press

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