The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Blueprints: Exploring System Change

Surfing the Future β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science System Change Sustainability AI Climate
  1. 2024 marks the 50th year of the author engaging professionally in sustainability agendas.
  2. The author plans a 'Blueprints' discovery process throughout the year, involving thinkers and practitioners of system change.
  3. Key themes of the discovery process include the role of science fiction in systemic solutions, younger generations' views, scaling sustainability solutions, market-based ecosystem regeneration, and AI's future applications.

Against the Burden of Knowledge

Maximum Progress β€’ 294 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Research Innovation
  1. The burden of knowledge suggests that finding new ideas gets harder because you have to spend more time learning old ones.
  2. Knowledge is not always cumulative in scientific progress, as seen in historical examples like the transition from Ptolemy's geocentric model to Copernicus' heliocentric model.
  3. Institutional decay in academia may be a more plausible explanation for aging researchers, larger teams, and narrower fields, rather than just the burden of knowledge.

Two more random studies I found interesting

Samstack β€’ 807 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Social Science Studies Discrimination Meta-analysis
  1. Support for right-wing parties may increase after right-wing terrorist attacks, contrary to previous evidence on political violence.
  2. Discrimination against women for jobs historically held by men has been non-existent since 2009, but there may still be bias in favor of female applicants.
  3. Meta-analyses, like the one discussed, offer valuable insights when designed carefully and with expert input to avoid bias.
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Genetic Justice

Parrhesia β€’ 799 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Genomics Human nature Social justice
  1. Polygenic scores can predict genetic traits but work better for populations they are 'trained' on.
  2. Social justice advocates stigmatizing genetic research may hinder opportunities for certain ethnic groups.
  3. Taboos around genetic research on traits like intelligence can limit the use of polygenic scores for reproductive decisions.

Fields & Energy

Fields & Energy β€’ 459 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Electromagnetism Quantum Mechanics Philosophy History
  1. The author is working on a book called 'Fields & Energy' that explores electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. He plans to share sections of the book weekly over about two years.
  2. The book argues that electromagnetism involves two different phenomena: fields and energy, which could help explain various puzzles in physics. It also ties these concepts to historical and philosophical insights.
  3. The author aims to make the book accessible to both professionals and non-specialists, blending technical details with general concepts to engage a wider audience.

Small, Fast Grants at the National Science Foundation

The Good Science Project β€’ 33 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Research Funding Federal Agencies Philanthropy
  1. The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers small, fast grants that can jumpstart new research ideas, but they aren't used as much as they could be. It's important to increase funding for these types of grants to support innovation.
  2. Philanthropists and foundations should avoid copying the processes of big federal agencies like the NSF and instead focus on their strengths, which can lead to better outcomes in research funding.
  3. Scientists are encouraged to take on roles as science funders, creating opportunities for small grants that can lead to impactful research. This approach can greatly benefit the scientific community.

July Readings

Brain Pizza β€’ 1191 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience Psychology Research
  1. The post discusses various July readings on topics like anger, self-promotion, sleep, loneliness, and more.
  2. The author, Shane O'Mara, is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and writer who provides regular content on Brain Pizza.
  3. Readers can sign up for a 7-day free trial to access more content from Shane O'Mara.

1.0 On Generation & Corruption

Fields & Energy β€’ 459 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Mathematics Technology Philosophy History
  1. In physics, our understanding has greatly improved over time, but some concepts can still feel confusing or counterintuitive. We often have to rely on complex math that works well, even if it doesn't make total sense at first.
  2. Michael Faraday challenged the common ideas of his time by introducing the concept of 'fields' instead of just focusing on point particles. This helped explain how forces work in a way that made more sense to him.
  3. Today, we still face similar questions about our understanding of reality in physics. As we develop new mathematical tools, we should ask if we need to rethink our basic ideas about how things work, just like Faraday did.

The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Pronouns

Vectors of Mind β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 23
πŸ”¬ Science Linguistics
  1. The distribution of pronouns worldwide shows strong similarities, suggesting a common origin or diffusion around 15,000 years ago.
  2. The existence of globally similar pronouns challenges the idea that self-awareness and language evolution go back more than 8,000 years.
  3. An examination of pronouns in different language families supports the theory that self-awareness and linguistic features may have spread at around the Holocene period.

Should we be afraid of nuclear meltdowns? I used to think so

Everything is Light β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 23
πŸ”¬ Science Nuclear Energy Environment Public Health Natural Disasters Energy Sources
  1. Most alternatives to nuclear energy are much worse in terms of risks and consequences.
  2. Nuclear meltdowns are rare and often poorly understood, leading to unnecessary fear.
  3. Compared to other energy sources like coal and oil, nuclear energy is safer and causes less harm to the environment and human health.

Bird of the Week: Long-Tailed Duck

Discourse Blog β€’ 235 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Nature Animals Videos Facts
  1. The Long-Tailed Duck is a fascinating bird known for its long tail feathers that males use to attract females.
  2. Long-Tailed Ducks reside in very cold regions like Canada, Alaska, the Arctic, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Siberia.
  3. These ducks have unique features like changing plumage, loud calls, and being master divers, making them iconic birds worth admiring.

The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon: DSM 666

Unsafe Science β€’ 48 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Psychology Academia Sociology Research Bias
  1. The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon introduces new words to highlight biases and issues in psychology and academia. It aims to make these concepts clearer and more accessible.
  2. This resource shows how language can shape our understanding of societal problems. By using specific terms, it helps pinpoint dysfunctions within various fields.
  3. Overall, the Orwelexicon encourages critical thinking about psychology and social science. It invites people to reflect on how words influence perceptions and beliefs.

Two cautionary tales about BA.2.86

Logging the World β€’ 478 implied HN points β€’ 07 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Research Epidemiology Vaccines Public Health
  1. Don't just look at proportions, consider sample sizes too. Confidence intervals are important when dealing with limited data.
  2. Focus on the bigger picture when it comes to analyzing new variants. Growth rates matter.
  3. Instead of fixating on one variant, keep an eye on other potentially impactful variants as well. The situation is constantly evolving.

The NIH and Data . . .

The Good Science Project β€’ 22 implied HN points β€’ 25 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Research Data Innovation Metrics Evaluation
  1. The NIH is starting a program to give scholars access to its internal data. This will help them answer important questions about the economic impact and effectiveness of research policies.
  2. They are creating a new metric called the S-index to reward scientists for sharing data with the wider community. This aims to encourage more collaboration rather than just focusing on personal achievements.
  3. The NIH is offering a $1 million prize for innovative ideas on how to implement the S-index metric, encouraging creativity and participation from the scientific community.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect: Cognitive Bias or Statistical Artefact?

UX Psychology β€’ 218 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Cognitive Bias Psychology Statistics User Experience Awareness
  1. The Dunning-Kruger effect explains how people with lower ability often overestimate their competence, while highly skilled individuals tend to underestimate their capabilities.
  2. The disconnect between competence and metacompetence judgments is seen not only in psychology but also in areas like aviation, memory, and medical skills. It can impact product development and UX teams by highlighting the challenge of relying on feedback from less competent individuals.
  3. Debate continues on whether the Dunning-Kruger effect is purely a statistical artefact or a psychological phenomenon. Regardless, it prompts the need for critical self-awareness, peer review, and continuous growth to mitigate its impact in fields like UX.

The Galactic Quarantine

α΄‹ΚŸα΄€α΅Ύs β€’ 471 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 23
πŸ”¬ Science UFOs Extraterrestrial Life Evolution
  1. The zoo hypothesis suggests a scenario where a more advanced intelligence has isolated or quarantined the planet, similar to animals in a zoo.
  2. Civilizations may rise and fall based on genetic selection, with humans being perceived as 'angry apes' by more advanced species.
  3. Encounters with UFOs and potentially non-human beings could be viewed in the context of a 'farm' or 'nature preserve' scenario, where humans are studied or observed by a superior intelligence.

Genetic Variations that Predispose People to Severe COVID-19, Cause of Acute Deadly Hepatitis in Children Likely Identified, SARS-CoV-2 Origin Still Being Investigated

LIL Science β€’ 471 implied HN points β€’ 18 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Genetics Infectious Diseases Research Virology
  1. Research has identified genetic variations that make people more likely to have severe COVID-19.
  2. The likely cause of acute deadly hepatitis in children has been identified as a combination of viruses and genetic predispositions.
  3. The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still under investigation, with reports detailing activities in China preceding the pandemic.

Accelerated Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in US Deer Populations

LIL Science β€’ 471 implied HN points β€’ 29 Aug 23
πŸ”¬ Science Virology Evolution Public Health
  1. SARS-CoV-2 can evolve quickly in deer populations and may become very different from current variants.
  2. Zoonotic transmission is the spread of a virus between humans and animals, which can lead to new variants that may be problematic for human immunity.
  3. Monitoring wildlife for zoonotic diseases is crucial to prevent the emergence of highly divergent variants that could infect humans.

Why The Sky Smells Great

Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1303 implied HN points β€’ 25 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Nature Health Biology Psychology Weather
  1. The smell of fresh air can impact our mood and health, like boosting immune cells when exposed to aromatic forest scents.
  2. Weather changes can create distinct smells, like the pre-storm smell of ozone or the earthy petrichor after rain.
  3. Our sense of smell may have deeper cultural and biological connections that we are still exploring.

↩ Flashback Friday: A Quick Q&A on nuclear energy risk with ... economist Matthew Neidell

Faster, Please! β€’ 456 implied HN points β€’ 08 Mar 24
πŸ”¬ Science Energy Policy AI Health Space
  1. The Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011 led to Japan shutting down nuclear reactors, resulting in unforeseen consequences like higher energy prices, reduced consumption, and increased mortality during cold temperatures.
  2. Following the shutdown, research by economist Matthew Neidell showed how Japan's shift to fossil fuels after the Fukushima incident led to higher bills, reduced energy use, and ultimately increased mortality in cold weather due to lack of climate control.
  3. The debate on nuclear energy often focuses on visible risks like accidents, while downplaying the benefits and comparative safety of nuclear power when weighed against other energy sources like coal or gas.

Hans, are we…. the admixed ones?

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning β€’ 446 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Genetics Population Ancestry History
  1. There is a lack of definitive research on the genetic history of Germany compared to other European countries like Britain or Estonia.
  2. Germany's past with race science, notable figures like Hans GΓΌnther, and the overshadowing of the Nazi era, has impacted the nation's exploration of human population genetics.
  3. Historical migrations, such as those of Corded Ware populations, have contributed significantly to the genetic makeup of Northern Europe, with influences from Neolithic farming populations.

Research papers used to have style. What happened?

Secretum Secretorum β€’ 555 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Research Writing Style Creativity Publication
  1. Scientists in the past were more open about uncertainties and used more expressive language in their research papers.
  2. Old scientific articles had a charming style with vivid descriptions and engaging narratives.
  3. The rigid structure and format of modern scientific writing may hinder creativity and the development of new ideas.

How do we know what 21 degrees C means?

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything β€’ 452 implied HN points β€’ 27 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Measurement Instruments History
  1. Temperature measurement has a long history and was viewed differently in ancient times.
  2. Gradual advancements in creating reliable thermometers involved changing materials and introducing numerical scales.
  3. The meticulous work of individuals like Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit and Jean-Andr de Luc contributed to establishing standardized temperature scales.

Behaviorist Evolutionary Psychology

Dissentient β€’ 452 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 23
πŸ”¬ Science Evolutionary Psychology Learning Social Behavior
  1. Behaviorism and evolutionary psychology have different approaches to learning mechanisms and understanding human nature.
  2. Primary reinforcers and punishers play a significant role in shaping behavior and motivation in humans.
  3. Social interactions involve shaping behavior through reinforcement and punishment, influencing adaptive goals and responses.

2.6.2 Newton's Legacy

Fields & Energy β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Physics History Mathematics Philosophy Methods
  1. Newton's laws of motion were groundbreaking but took time to be fully understood and accepted. People did not immediately grasp his ideas about forces and motion.
  2. Many later scientists built on Newton's work, refining and developing his theories. Newton laid the groundwork, but others were key in shaping what we now know as classical physics.
  3. Newton's scientific approach set a high standard for future research. His methods are still considered a model for how scientific investigations should be conducted.

Emerging Stars

Compounding Quality β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Mathematics
  1. Isaac Newton is famous for his Laws of Motion in physics and mathematics.
  2. Newton's Laws of Motion are fundamental to classical mechanics and still widely used today.
  3. This post about Newton's Laws of Motion is for paid subscribers.

Author's Introduction

Fields & Energy β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 30 Sep 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Engineering Education Technology History
  1. Physicists and engineers often focus on different aspects of understanding reality. Physicists typically ask 'why' things happen, while engineers ask 'how' to make things work.
  2. Electromagnetism is a key part of our everyday experience, but training in this field has become disconnected between physics theory and practical applications. There's a need for better communication and education between physicists and engineers.
  3. New ideas in science can often be met with skepticism or rejection. It's important to question established norms and be open to fresh perspectives, even if they challenge widely accepted beliefs.

Urban Umwelt in Awe of Animals

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Ecology Animal Behavior Urban wildlife
  1. Animals have unique ways of sensing their world that we often can't understand. For example, dogs like Taylor use their amazing noses to gather information that goes beyond what we can perceive.
  2. The concept of 'umwelt' shows that each species experiences their environment differently. This means animals interact with their surroundings in ways that are complex and rich, not simple or automatic.
  3. Learning about how animals sense the world can help us appreciate their lives and experiences more. It reminds us that our way of sensing things isn't the only way and that every creature has its own valuable perspective.