#Lab Leak vs.Natural Origin Herschel's paper shatters any lingering illusions about the natural origin of the virus. The seven cases of laboratory - acquired infections are a wake - up call. Laboratories are supposed to be places of discovery, not sources of global pandemics. The Baric Laboratory's operations were a ticking time bomb. Their pursuit of scientific advancement without proper safety measures is a betrayal of the public trust. We can't afford to keep believing in the natural origin fairy tale. The laboratory leak theory is the harsh truth we must face to prevent future disasters.