The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

KSDRP: Settling Science Fairly. A new method to objectively resolve scientific disputes

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🔬 Science Scientific Method Data Analysis AI Applications Health Science Public Debate
  1. The Kirsch Scientific Dispute Resolution Protocol (KSDRP) is a new way to settle scientific disagreements logically and fairly.
  2. It involves choosing judges, using real data, and letting chatbots help analyze the information before judges make a final decision.
  3. This method can help answer tough questions, like the impact of COVID vaccines, by measuring outcomes from different groups.

Who should be the first to set foot on the Moon?

Europe in Space • 196 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration
  1. European Astronaut Corps was formed in 2002 to centralize astronaut efforts from various European countries.
  2. ESA recruited a new class of astronauts in 2021, including career astronauts and reserve astronauts with a unique designation.
  3. Countries like the UK, Poland, and Sweden have accepted offers from Axiom Space for commercial spaceflights, while ESA manages and promotes crewed missions to the ISS.

2.7 Summary and Conclusions

Fields & Energy • 159 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🔬 Science Physics History Philosophy Methodology Empiricism
  1. Scientists should consider multiple models to explain natural phenomena and not cling to a single theory. Even if an old idea isn't widely accepted anymore, it could still hold value.
  2. Inductive reasoning, based on observations, and deductive reasoning, based on theories, are both vital in scientific discovery. They work together to help us understand the world better.
  3. Our understanding of science evolves over time, with new ideas replacing or revisiting old ones. It's essential to stay open-minded and not assume today's beliefs are the ultimate truth.

My White Whale

Eat Shit and Prosper • 359 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🔬 Science Microbiology Health Longevity Nutrition Research
  1. Centenarians tend to have unique gut bacteria that could be linked to their long lives. This suggests that what we have in our gut might play a big role in our health.
  2. Certain types of bacteria, particularly a genus called Bacteroides, are important for a strong immune system and may help fight cancer.
  3. One surprising finding is that a specific bacterium called Epulopiscium is found more often in the guts of centenarians, hinting it could be connected to their longevity.

The Social Network (Part 1)

Logging the World • 358 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🔬 Science Social Networks Interactions Connectivity
  1. Networks can be represented by vertices (dots) and edges (lines connecting dots) to show relationships, such as friendships.
  2. The size of the largest connected component in a network is important for social media networks to prevent isolation and promote the spread of ideas.
  3. There is a critical level of interaction for social networks, above and below which functionality can dramatically change, impacting how ideas flow and network connectivity.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Tessier-Lavigne resignation shows that running a lab is a full-time job

Science Forever • 358 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🔬 Science Research
  1. Running a research laboratory is a full-time job that requires undivided attention.
  2. Principal investigators should not try to balance a high-profile administrative role with running a lab, as it can lead to issues.
  3. University search committees should address the issue by inquiring about the PI's plan to manage both the lab and other responsibilities.

It matters who does science

Science Forever • 358 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🔬 Science Research Identity Bias Diversity
  1. Scientific research is a collaborative and iterative process involving diverse perspectives, not just individual 'Eureka' moments.
  2. Acknowledging the human element in science, including errors, helps build public trust and improve the scientific process.
  3. Diverse backgrounds and identities among scientists lead to more robust research outcomes, faster consensus building, and fairer implications for all.

Scientific celebrity has its dangers

Science Forever • 338 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🔬 Science Communication Public Perception
  1. Scientific figures communicating with the public are essential, but crossing over into mainstream celebrity can make critics undermine the scientific process.
  2. History shows the dangers of overselling research prematurely, especially when mixed with personal fame, which can provide ammunition to those seeking to undermine science.
  3. The importance of scientists communicating with wide audiences while also maintaining humility and acknowledging the uncertainties in science as a process.

The Moon exploration: the past and the future

Space Ambition • 1099 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🔬 Science Space Exploration Technology development Astrobiology Resource Management
  1. The Moon has many resources, like water ice and minerals, that could help support life and reduce our reliance on Earth. This could be a big deal for future space missions.
  2. There are lots of new companies working on lunar projects, like transportation and communication for a Moon base. A lot of exciting developments are happening in the lunar economy right now.
  3. Plans for Moon exploration are moving forward, with crewed missions set for 2024 and a permanent base by 2030. Many countries and companies are joining forces to make this a reality.

What awe feels like

Cozy Philosophy • 99 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🔬 Science Astronomy
  1. Experiencing a total solar eclipse is a mindblowing and awe-inspiring event, worth witnessing at least once in a lifetime.
  2. Total solar eclipses are rare events that occur about every 400 years in a specific location but can be seen more frequently if you're willing to travel.
  3. The experience of a total eclipse is surreal and powerful, temporarily shifting focus from earthly concerns to the vastness and mystery of the universe.

Department of Scientific Efficiency

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 36 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🔬 Science Scientific research Mentorship Innovation
  1. Science often feels inefficient and frustrating for researchers, leading to disillusionment. Many wish for changes that can improve how scientific work gets done.
  2. Funding for science can be improved by connecting researchers with venture capital and industry, which can help new ideas grow. Scientists need more support and training to navigate these opportunities.
  3. The current grant and publication systems are riddled with issues, making it hard for scientists to succeed. Changing these systems could lead to more effective and fairer funding processes and help researchers publish their work without unnecessary hurdles.

Interview with Daniel MacArthur

The Good Science Project • 26 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genomics Research Funding Medical Research Health Technology
  1. Daniel MacArthur is working on making genomic medicine fairer for all communities. His research includes studying genetic differences in underrepresented groups to improve health outcomes.
  2. He believes that funding for science needs to be more flexible and stable. This would allow researchers to take risks and pursue long-term projects without the constant pressure of grant deadlines.
  3. MacArthur thinks research organizations should be built specifically to support scientific work. Many current institutions are not designed for research, making it harder for scientists to succeed.

The Magnet 75

The Magnet • 334 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🔬 Science UFOs Cognitive Biases Advertising
  1. The U.S. has shot down 4 unidentified aerial objects recently.
  2. Baader-Meinhof phenomenon involves suddenly noticing something more often after learning about it.
  3. Pitted Windshield Panic of 1954 was caused by normal driving conditions, not cosmic threats.

Are AlphaFold's new results a miracle or a mirage?

Oleg’s Substack • 37 HN points • 24 Jun 24
🔬 Science Research Data Analysis Machine Learning Proteins
  1. AlphaFold 3 can predict how drug-like molecules bind to proteins better than existing programs without needing a 3D structure of the target.
  2. Data redundancy in scientific datasets can impact the performance and interpretation of machine learning models.
  3. AlphaFold 3's occasional missed obvious insights, like atoms overlapping, raises questions about its learning methods and performance.

Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Ecology History Education
  1. The book 'Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales' explores the rich fossil history of Washington State, showcasing a vast timeline of plants and animals that lived there over hundreds of millions of years.
  2. It features twenty-four profiles that connect specific fossils with their geological and human history, making the science behind them more engaging and accessible.
  3. The authors include beautiful fossil photos and aim to deepen readers' appreciation for the paleontology and geology of Washington State through these stories.

Nature to the North

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Wildlife Conservation Environmental
  1. Seeing hundreds of bald eagles feeding at once is a spectacular sight. They gather to feast on fish when conditions are just right.
  2. Some tree stumps can stay alive and continue to grow even after being cut down. This shows how interconnected nature can be through shared resources.
  3. Sea stars, which faced a severe disease, are now showing signs of recovery. Those that survived may pass on stronger genes to help their species adapt.

How to Genetically Influence the Future Without Having Kids

Parrhesia • 456 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🔬 Science Genetics Ethics Evolution Technology Health
  1. Beliefs and ideologies are influenced by genetics, affecting the future through who has children.
  2. Changes in fertility patterns due to ideologies can impact the prevalence of certain traits in future generations.
  3. Advocating for genetic enhancement technologies can shape future generations' traits even if you choose not to have children.

Amadee-24 Chronicles: Mars on Earth - How Do We Prepare for a Mars Mission?

Space Ambition • 79 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration Astrobiology Robotics Artificial Intelligence Human factors
  1. Analog missions help us practice for going to Mars by simulating life on other planets. These missions are done on Earth to learn about the challenges astronauts might face.
  2. Communication on missions to Mars is tricky because it takes about 10 minutes for messages to travel. This makes astronauts more independent and affects their mental state during the journey.
  3. People can join analog missions to gain experience and be part of the preparation for Mars. These missions are exciting and beneficial for anyone interested in space exploration.

Prospective Memory and UX

UX Psychology • 317 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🔬 Science Cognitive Psychology UX Design Human behavior Research
  1. Prospective memory is the ability to remember to do something in the future. It's crucial for daily tasks like attending meetings or taking medication.
  2. There are two main types of prospective memory: event-based (triggered by cues) and time-based (triggered by specific times). Distractions or cognitive load can lead to failures in remembering to do a task at the right time.
  3. Designing interfaces with visual cues, gamification, habit formation, contextual design, and cognitive offloading can improve users' prospective memory performance and create more engaging experiences.

The Fusion Energy Landscape

Ulysses • 359 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🔬 Science Energy Physics Technology Research Funding
  1. Fusion energy promises clean, pollution-free energy that can be built anywhere and lasts millions of years without geopolitical disputes over fuel reserves.
  2. Different fusion technologies like magnetic confinement, inertial confinement, and magneto-inertial confinement offer diverse approaches to achieving fusion reactions with varying benefits and challenges.
  3. Developing fusion energy requires extensive funding, traditional engineering solutions, and expertise underscoring a journey to harness limitless energy potential.

The AI basis of the Eve Theory of Consciousness

Vectors of Mind • 314 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🔬 Science Evolution Psychology Mythology Language Personality
  1. The Eve Theory of Consciousness suggests self-awareness was discovered by women and spread memetically.
  2. Personality structure can be understood using language models to determine latent factors related to important traits.
  3. Gossip and social selection played a role in shaping personality traits like considerateness and tolerance.

The Solar Buildout

Syncretica • 314 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🔬 Science Solar energy Renewables Energy Policy
  1. Building solar power in regions with high sun hours is more economical and efficient.
  2. Solar power can be strategically placed based on demand, like in coastal regions with high air conditioning demand.
  3. Transitioning to solar power impacts traditional energy sources like gas and coal, potentially leading to energy independence.

The Y Chromosome Bottleneck

Vectors of Mind • 314 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Human behavior Anthropology Selection
  1. Men and women think differently, and there may have been a moment in history where men had to 'catch up' on self-awareness and language.
  2. Recent genetic research suggests a bottleneck on the Y chromosome, indicating possible massive selection in the recent past.
  3. The Y chromosome bottleneck coincided with cultural changes and patrilineal competition, shedding light on human male demographic history.

1.5 The Paradigm Shift to a New Model

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔬 Science Physics Education Cognition Models Innovation
  1. People often prefer sticking to familiar ideas instead of embracing new ones, which can create mental barriers to understanding change. To overcome this, simplifying complex concepts is important.
  2. Models are tools we use to understand the world around us. Having multiple models allows us to tackle problems from different angles, making us better problem solvers.
  3. Understanding basic principles in science can help anyone grasp more complex ideas without needing extensive knowledge. For example, knowing atoms make up everything can help explain many scientific concepts.

Why wasn't preservation with the goal of potential future revival started earlier in history?

Neurobiology Notes • 176 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🔬 Science Biology Technology History Neuroscience Cryonics
  1. Despite preservation with the goal of future revival not being proposed for most of human history, in 1962, Evan Cooper and Robert Ettinger independently introduced the concept of cryonics.
  2. Factors influencing the delay in proposing preservation with future revival include a need for optimism in technological progress, willingness to take risks, and advances in preservation technology.
  3. Other possible reasons for the delayed start include societal restrictions, advancements in information theory, and the idea that preservation does not need to be perfect to be pursued.

Many people don't know that nuclear power is low-carbon

Sustainability by numbers • 301 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔬 Science Energy Public Opinion Demographics Communication
  1. Many people are unaware that nuclear power is a low-carbon source of energy, leading to confusion between renewables and nuclear power.
  2. Surveys show that there is a lack of understanding regarding the low-carbon nature of nuclear energy, with less than half of the public recognizing it as such.
  3. Demographics play a role in this confusion, with older individuals and men more likely to correctly identify nuclear power as low-carbon compared to younger individuals and women.

"Cheap tricks" in human language comprehension

The Counterfactual • 119 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Cognition Linguistics Psychology Neuroscience Language processing
  1. People often don’t notice mistakes in language and just assume they are reading correctly. This happens because our brains are quick to fill in the gaps and make sense of sentences, even if they are wrong.
  2. Traditionally, understanding language was thought to involve deep processing, but new ideas suggest we often use simple, fast tricks instead. This is called 'good-enough' comprehension and helps us keep up in fast conversations.
  3. Just like humans, language models also use shortcuts. While some criticize AI for not truly understanding language, humans rely on similar cognitive tricks to quickly navigate and understand communication.

Weeds will decide the winners

Topsoil • 294 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🔬 Science Agriculture Technology
  1. Weeds can significantly impact crop yields and profits through competition for resources.
  2. Farmers use integrated weed management to control weeds effectively without relying solely on herbicides.
  3. Herbicides are crucial for weed control but come with risks to human health, the environment, and issues like herbicide resistance.

Philosophic Premises of Quantum Mechanics – Part II

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🔬 Science Quantum Mechanics Philosophy Causality
  1. Quantum mechanics was influenced by ideas that questioned the existence of an objective reality. Some scientists believed that what we observe is just a statistical illusion rather than a definite state.
  2. Key figures like Heisenberg and Bohr argued against the law of causality, suggesting that atomic processes might not follow traditional cause-and-effect rules. They felt that understanding these processes could lead to contradictions.
  3. Attempts to create a causal theory in quantum mechanics faced strong opposition. Despite efforts from scientists like Schrödinger, the non-causal view became widely accepted due to its statistical predictions.

Current status: it’s complicated

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 789 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🔬 Science Evolution Genetics
  1. Human evolutionary science has shifted from complex models to explain the intricacies of our origins.
  2. Advances in genetics, DNA analysis, and paleoanthropology have revolutionized our understanding of human evolution.
  3. The concept of a single, simple origin of modern humans from Africa has evolved into a more complex and rich tapestry of multiple populations and dynamics.