Scientists face scrutiny over early dismissal of Covid lab leak theory

House panel questions scientists about a paper dismissing the lab leak theory of Covid's origins.
Scientists expressed concerns about blaming China and a potential backlash if the lab leak theory gained traction.
Some urged colleagues to avoid open discussion of the lab leak theory to protect science in China.
The dismissal paper faced challenges for not thoroughly debunking a non-natural origin.
Fauci and Collins were involved in the effort to downplay the lab leak theory.