Thread by @RogerPielkeJr

In 2016, at 1:15:50 of video linked, Peter Daszak describes research done by Chinese colleagues to increase the pathogenicity of SAR-like viruses ("you insert the spike protein") from bats to produce viruses that "really do look like killers"
c-span.org/video/?404875-…

We can now conclude with certainty

a) There exists a reservoir of pathogenic SARS-like viruses among bats in caves in Yunnan
b) There exists a reservoir of pathogenic SARS-like viruses among labs in Wuhan

Both reservoirs could be proximal origins of Covid-19
That's just logic

#DRASTIC documents the taking down of the WIV database associated w/ work discussed by Daszak above

The database was taken down 12 Sept 2019 & never put back online

Its characterization was changed 30 Dec 2019 when China announced 1st case

researchgate.net/publication/34…

The taking down of the database is suspicious indeed & prima facie evidence of covering something up

But what?
It could be associated with hiding human error in both a lab leak scenario (obviously) & a natural origins scenario (eg, to protect mink industry & hide mismanagement)

I wonder if Biden IC assessment now underway has access to the database & if not, that alone is a major scandal as research (at least in part) funded by USG resulted in knowledge of viruses unavailable to either USG or US researchers
#DRASTIC thinks there's some relevant info⬇️

What do I wish leading media would discuss & investigate?

For instance
More coverage & investigations of missing database
More on inconsistencies in statements by key actors
More on using science as a "game of chess" (eg, pangolin head fake)

Less advocacy for favorite theories

Regulation of potential pandemic pathogens shouldn't be a partisan issue

Using the issue to cheerlead for or denigrate your most/least favorite politician is a unique form of ridiculousness

Don't do it on my timeline else mute

This is a crucially important policy issue for all