In an article published on January 30, 2020, James Lyons-Weiler, PhD claimed that the coronavirus was created in a laboratory. Dr. Lyons-Weiler stated the virus had a unique string of base pairs not found in other similar viruses. Base pairs (the building blocks of DNA) can be examined to study the genetic relationships between viruses and other organisms. However, numerous scientists have since publicly refuted the findings Dr. Lyons-Weiler, including a group of Chinese virologists.

Dr. Lyons-Weiler’s original claims—which he has since walked back on—indicate a string of base pairs in the coronavirus that happens to partially match another sequence found in pShuttle-SN. pShuttle-SN is a plasmid, meaning it is used in research to transfer genetic material between cells, sort of like a microscopic delivery truck. Similarly, viruses “deliver” their genetic material into host cells.

Some of the base bair sequences from Hao et al. that indicate the coronavirus’s origin.

This alleged “similarity” between pShuttle-SN and the coronavirus resulted in sensationalized claims, some of which went viral (no pun intended) on social media. In their article from March 8, 2020, Hao et al. disproved the statements of Dr. Lyons-Wiler. In fact, the Chinese team drew opposite conclusions. Namely, the sequence of base pairs is not unique to the coronavirus, but instead widespread among other viruses. And while there is a slight similarity between pShuttle-SN and the coronavirus, it’s because the plasmid was used in previous SARS research—not because one was made from the other. The claims of Hao et al. have been supported by an article from healthfeedback.org, an organization dedicated to verifying health-related news.

Hao et al. state, “In conclusion, we found the so-called unique sequence (1387 bp) in the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene was widely available in coronavirus from natural source, opposite to what James Lyons-Weiler had claimed.”

Dr. Lyons-Weiler has admitted to his misinterpretation of data on his website. Other outlets that shared the misinformation have not taken such action, including InfoWars. In a time of heightened anxiety, it is on us to consume and produce research responsibly.

Citation
Hao, P., Zhong, W., Song, S., Fan, S., & Li, X. 2020. Is SARS-CoV-2 originated from laboratory? A rebuttal to the claim of formation via laboratory recombination. Emerging Microbes & Infections: 545–547.