Whether SARS2 escaped lab , virologists around world playing fire.Their behavior long alarmed biologists.In 2014 scientists calling Cambridge Working Group urged caution creating new viruses.In prescient words , specified risk creating SARS2-like virus. “ Accident risks newly created ‘ potential pandemic pathogens ’ raise grave new concerns , ” wrote. “ Laboratory creation highly transmissible , novel strains dangerous viruses , especially limited influenza , poses substantially increased risks.An accidental infection setting could trigger outbreaks would difficult impossible control. ” When molecular biologists discovered technique moving genes one organism another , held public conference Asilomar 1975 discuss possible risks.Despite much internal opposition , drew list stringent safety measures could relaxed future — duly — possible hazards better assessed .