🔬 China tests a “100% kill rate” covid strain

It’s Thursday, January 18 — people are talking about China’s newly engineered covid strain, the debate over whether betting is ruining sports, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🔬 China tests a “100% kill rate” covid strain

A study detailing a lethal coronavirus strain in mice sparked a fiery debate: Is the science worth the risk?

🔬 The Daily Mail: As part of a study, Chinese scientists engineered a mutated coronavirus strain with a 100% kill rate in mice — sparking ethical and safety concerns.

🔬 The scientists behind the study say the work aims to provide a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2. You can read the study here.

🔬 Hot Air was outraged: We're poking the bear here. The cons of this gain-of-function research outweigh the pros.

🔬 Substacker Alex Berenson agreed: Gain-of-function research is a reckless global health gamble — lawmakers have to do something here.

🔬 A molecular biologist in The Hill said it's no surprise this kind of research raises alarm bells post-COVID. Oversight is important.

🎰 Is betting ruining sports?

Some say betting shifts the focus from game joy to betting outcomes, but others argue it increases fan enjoyment and revenue.

🎰 Sports betting, once a sideshow activity, has become a main event for many sports fans. The Recorder says it's sucking the life out of true sportsmanship.

🎰 New Republic agrees, and blames Chris Christie. He pushed hard for sports betting, and it tarnished NFL fandom.

🎰 Pulse has a different perspective: Sports betting is a win-win that boosts revenue and fan engagement.

🎰 Paso Robles Daily News is also supportive of sports betting: It enhances the fan experience with convenience and variety.

Quick hits

🇮🇷 Iran says a retaliatory strike from Pakistan killed at least 9 people. (AP News)

🇺🇸 The U.S. launched a series of strikes into Yemen, targeting Houthi missile launchers. (CNN)

🏀 Police closed their investigation into OKC guard Josh Giddey for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a minor. He will not face charges. (Yahoo News)

⚫ Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević died of a heart attack at 46. (The Athletic)

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