“ We see absolutely evidence virus engineered purposely released , ” says Emma Hodcroft , molecular epidemiologist University Basel Switzerland.She part Andersen ’ group , member team scientists Nextstrain.org tracking small genetic changes coronavirus learn spreading around world.That finding debunks widely disputed analysis , posted bioRxiv.org peer review , claimed find bits HIV coronavirus , Hodcroft says.Other scientists quickly pointed flaws study authors retracted report , fueled notion virus engineered.Some stretches virus ’ genetic material similar HIV , ’ something stems viruses sharing common ancestor evolution , Hodcroft says. “ Essentially claim taking copy Odyssey saying , ‘ Oh , word , ’ opening another book , seeing word saying , ‘ Oh gosh , ’ word , must parts Odyssey book , ” says .