Meaning: The quote "The mystery of that damn virus has been generated by the $2 billion a year they spend on it" is attributed to Kary Mullis, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who is best known for his invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. This quote reflects Mullis' skepticism about the allocation of resources and funding in the field of virology, particularly in relation to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Kary Mullis made this statement in the context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the late 20th century. During this time, there was significant controversy and debate surrounding the origins, transmission, and treatment of HIV, and Mullis was known for his outspoken and contrarian views on the subject. His skepticism about the "mystery" of the virus and the large amount of funding devoted to it reflects his belief that the scientific community and public health organizations were perhaps overly focused on HIV to the detriment of other important areas of research and public health.

Mullis' statement also reflects a broader skepticism about the allocation of resources in scientific research. He was known for his criticism of what he saw as the dogmatic and bureaucratic nature of the scientific establishment, and he often advocated for more open and unconventional approaches to scientific inquiry. In this context, his comment about the $2 billion spent on the virus suggests that he believed this funding could have been better utilized in other areas of scientific research.

It is important to note that Mullis' views on HIV/AIDS and his broader skepticism about the scientific establishment have been controversial and have often been at odds with the consensus views of the scientific and medical communities. While Mullis was a brilliant and innovative scientist, his views on HIV/AIDS and other topics have been widely criticized by experts in the relevant fields. Many scientists and public health officials have argued that the significant funding allocated to HIV research has been crucial in advancing our understanding of the virus, developing effective treatments, and implementing prevention and education programs.

In the years since Mullis made this statement, significant progress has been made in understanding and combating HIV/AIDS. Advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV infection from a fatal illness to a chronic manageable condition for many people, and efforts to prevent transmission and support those living with HIV have been successful in many parts of the world. However, the global HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to present significant challenges, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare and resources.

In conclusion, Kary Mullis' quote about the mystery of the virus and the funding allocated to it reflects his contrarian and skeptical views about the scientific establishment and the allocation of resources in research. While his perspective has been controversial and at odds with mainstream scientific and medical views, it raises important questions about the priorities and approaches in scientific inquiry and public health. Despite the controversy surrounding Mullis' views, his contributions to the field of molecular biology, particularly his invention of the PCR technique, have had a lasting and significant impact on scientific research and diagnostics.