The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Colouring identical cuboids

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained β€’ 30 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 25
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics Geometry Graph Theory Combinatorics
  1. The number of colours needed depends on the cuboids' sizes and orientations; even with all pieces aligned, some stacks need five colours (2Γ—2Γ—1), others need four (3Γ—1Γ—1) or three (2Γ—1Γ—1).
  2. Letting identical cuboids meet at right angles in the same plane can raise the colour count β€” for example, 2Γ—1Γ—1 blocks in mixed planar orientations can require five colours.
  3. Allowing arbitrary orientations makes the problem harder: some constructions with 4Γ—1Γ—1 cuboids force at least six colours, there is a proven upper bound of 12 in that case, and it’s unknown whether six is the true maximum overall.

Imbalanced data? Why "Do Nothing" should be the default

Mindful Modeler β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 19 Sep 23
πŸ”¬ Science Data science Machine Learning Classification Model Evaluation
  1. For imbalanced classification tasks, 'Do Nothing' should be the default approach, especially when dealing with calibration, strong classifiers, and class-based metrics.
  2. Addressing imbalanced data should be considered in scenarios where misclassification costs vary, metrics are impacted by imbalance, or weaker classifiers are used.
  3. Instead of using oversampling methods like SMOTE, adjusting data weighting, using cost-sensitive machine learning, and threshold tuning are more effective ways to handle class imbalance.

Dead Trees Tell No Lies

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 05 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Geology Environmental Science Natural History
  1. Certain dead trees in the Pacific Northwest help scientists learn about a major earthquake that happened about 1,100 years ago. The trees died due to seismic events, not fire or disease.
  2. Researchers used growth rings from these trees to narrow down the date of the earthquake to around 923 or 924 CE. This discovery helps understand what could happen in future earthquakes.
  3. The study shows how dedicated scientists work hard to solve mysteries in nature. Their findings can help with planning and improving safety in areas prone to earthquakes.
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BA.2.86 growth rates

Logging the World β€’ 418 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 23
πŸ”¬ Science Statistics Genetics Epidemiology Research Mathematics
  1. New COVID variant BA.2.86 has mutations that suggest fast growth, but estimating its growth rate is tricky.
  2. Statisticians use models and likelihood functions to estimate parameters like growth rates, but uncertainty exists in the estimates.
  3. The work of statistician C.R. Rao, like the Fisher information, shows fundamental limits to parameter estimation and the role of geometry in statistics.

Genius in turbulent times

Logging the World β€’ 418 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics History Biology Diversity
  1. Genius can be found in lesser-known figures like Kolmogorov, who made significant contributions to mathematics and other fields.
  2. Kolmogorov's work on probability theory and the Kolmogorov-Arnold theorem had a lasting impact on mathematics and even underpins modern AI algorithms.
  3. Kolmogorov's life was not only marked by academic achievements but also by navigating personal challenges, such as opposing Lysenkoism and living as an openly gay man in Stalinist Russia.

Mitochondria Are Alive

Asimov Press β€’ 735 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Evolution Molecular Biology Genetics
  1. Mitochondria are more than just cell parts; they are alive and have their own functions. They carry their own DNA and replicate just like bacteria.
  2. Thinking of mitochondria as living beings can help us understand their role better in our health and in biology. Many diseases are linked to problems with mitochondria.
  3. Mitochondria can interact with their environment and even move between cells, which shows they can adapt and play important roles in complex biological systems.

Invisible feedback loops: How the body shapes the brain

Brain Pizza β€’ 662 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience Cognition Health Biology Philosophy
  1. The brain is not separate from the body; they work together in complex ways. Understanding how they interact can give us better insights into health and disease.
  2. Various bodily factors like gut health, muscle activity, and fat can influence how our brain functions. This shows the importance of considering the whole body when studying the brain.
  3. Topics like cancer cachexia and the gut-brain axis highlight specific connections between body signals and brain function, which can impact cognitive health.

Psychology Links, 2/5/2025

In My Tribe β€’ 486 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
πŸ”¬ Science Psychology Decision-making Behavioral Science Risk Assessment Social Dynamics
  1. Humans tend to overreact to potential dangers. It's safer for our brains to think a harmless stick is a snake than to miss a real snake and get hurt.
  2. We often make decisions using shortcuts instead of thinking things through fully. This can lead to big mistakes because our brain swaps complicated questions for simpler ones quickly and without us noticing.
  3. Gossip plays a big role in how we connect with others. It helps us understand people's actions and build trust, showing how important social relationships are in our lives.

Interracial Dating Paper FAQ

sebjenseb β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Research Genetics Data Analysis Psychology Relationships
  1. Assortative mating occurs between races, with individuals who date outside their race being more similar to each other in terms of intelligence, height, and risk-taking behaviors.
  2. Current literature suggests that interracial relationships may have a higher likelihood of ending or experiencing domestic violence issues, and mixed-race children might be more prone to mental/behavioral problems, possibly due to self-selection rather than social factors.
  3. Attractiveness was a weak predictor of interracial dating across all races, indicating that mate value or race exchanges based on mate value were not significant factors in interracial dating.

Spinning Bacteria

Asimov Press β€’ 186 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jul 25
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Microbiology Viruses Research Methods Cell Biology
  1. Scientists discovered how bacteriophages, or phages, time their escape from bacteria by spinning them. This helped them understand when phages decide to burst out after infecting a host.
  2. The research showed that phages wait until just the right moment, keeping the bacteria's energy intact until they are ready to reproduce as many phages as possible.
  3. Using a clever spinning technique and measuring the bacteria's electrical gradient, researchers found that if the charge drops by half, phages trigger lysis immediately, maximizing their chances of survival.

Why It Might Not Sink In Until You've Written It Down

Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1534 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Memory Note Taking Biology Inspiration
  1. Writing something down helps you remember it better, so it's not just about typing but also about physically writing.
  2. Observing nature can lead to interesting discoveries, like how birds charm worms using vibrations to catch them.
  3. Unexpected collaborations and interactions can lead to exciting outcomes, like gaining exposure to a wider audience through social media.

Consciousness is Organic - redux

Field Guide to the Anthropocene β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Consciousness Climate Evolution Biodiversity Ecology
  1. Consciousness is organic - a reminder that our minds are intertwined with the natural world, emphasizing the need to live in harmony with the environment.
  2. The concept of planetary intelligence explores the collective knowledge and responsibility of civilizations on a global scale, urging a shift towards more mindful and balanced technological growth.
  3. The human mind is identified as a key threat in the Anthropocene era, highlighting the necessity for self-improvement to address the planet's pressing issues.

Imagine I’m jogging in the Great North Woods

Pinch of Dirt β€’ 235 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Environment Animals Health Space Discovery
  1. Imagining jogging in serene environments like the Great North Woods can provide a peaceful escape from city life.
  2. Awareness is growing about the environmental impact of chemicals like PFAS, leading outdoor companies to phase them out.
  3. Controversies arise over moon lander payloads with human remains, prompting discussions on ethics and space pollution.

A Survey of Cancer Predisposition Genes

Holodoxa β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Genetics Cancer Research
  1. Inherited risk of cancer has been known for a long time, with important discoveries made in the 20th century connecting genotypes and phenotypes.
  2. Alfred Knudson's two-hit model was a breakthrough in understanding inherited cancer risk and the sequential genetic changes needed for cancer development.
  3. There are around 100 cancer predisposition genes (CPGs) that have been extensively reviewed and evaluated to understand their role as tumor suppressors or proto-oncogenes.

Kidney Anatomy as a Metaphor for Wilms Tumor Genetics

Holodoxa β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Genetics
  1. Wilms tumor (WT) is a common pediatric kidney cancer with favorable outcomes to surgery plus chemotherapy. Genetic studies of WT reveal a complex architecture intertwined with kidney development, offering insights into cancer growth.
  2. Precision approaches like patient-derived xenograft models and liquid biopsies show promise in improving care for WT. These methods go beyond DNA sequencing for diagnosis and treatment.
  3. Research on WT genetics indicates overlap with kidney development genes and involvement of various predisposition genes. The disease's complexity calls for innovative cooperative efforts among investigators and medical professionals.

How to make an S300?

kamilkazani β€’ 314 implied HN points β€’ 25 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science
  1. The Kalinin Plant in Russia historically produced missiles for air defense systems like the S300.
  2. The shift to manufacturing Kalibr missiles from the S300 at the Kalinin Plant indicates changing focus.
  3. Transition from manual machining to CNC equipment in Russian war production revolutionized the manufacturing process.

Analysing Qualitative User Data

UX Psychology β€’ 396 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Data Analysis User Insights
  1. Qualitative data analysis involves examining non-numerical data, like interviews or observations, to find patterns and insights. This process requires a more nuanced approach compared to quantitative data analysis.
  2. Qualitative coding offers benefits like unveiling new insights, enhancing study validity, and providing contextual understanding of users' behaviors and motivations.
  3. There are different types of qualitative data analysis methods such as content analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and grounded theory. Choosing the right method depends on your research question, the type of data collected, and available resources.

Anomalies of the Aegean

α΄‹ΚŸα΄€α΅Ύs β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 22 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Evolution History Research
  1. Researchers found evidence of pre-sapiens hominin activity on Aegean Islands before Homo sapiens existed.
  2. Study suggests hominins sailed the Mediterranean half a million years ago, challenging human dispersal theories.
  3. The research highlights the need to rethink what we know about human migration not just in Greece, but globally.

A Cult of Lost Technology

α΄‹ΚŸα΄€α΅Ύs β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 16 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Archaeology Physics Space Exploration
  1. Ancient structures like Stonehenge and the pyramids across the world raise questions about lost technology and potential ancient civilizations' advanced knowledge.
  2. Nazi scientists explored antigravity technology based on different physics approaches than the West, leading to speculation on advanced tech development during World War II.
  3. The concept of a cargo cult relates to ancient cultures integrating advanced technologies into their beliefs, like indigenous tribes using airdrops as inspiration for rituals.

Why Go Imperial In A World Gone Metric?

Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1371 implied HN points β€’ 10 Mar 24
πŸ”¬ Science History Standards
  1. Imperial and Metric systems both have their advantages and stories behind them, with Metric offering precision in calculations and Imperial reflecting historical ways of measuring based on human experience.
  2. The history of measurement systems shows the challenges in implementing consistent standards, like how France struggled in the 18th century with different measures and Napoleon faced resistance in enforcing the Metric system in the early 19th century.
  3. While Metric is efficient for scientific and engineering accuracy, Imperial measurements still offer unique perspectives and connections to everyday experiences that make both systems valuable.

Thanks to STAT for putting me on the STATUS list

Science Forever β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Research Integrity Academic Publishing Data Integrity
  1. Holden Thorp was named by STAT News to the STATUS list of top 50 leaders in the life sciences for his work in research integrity.
  2. Thorp has challenged the stigma around corrections and retractions in scientific publishing, advocating for increasing public trust in the scientific enterprise.
  3. Recognition also goes to the team at Science, including Valda Vinson, Lauren Kmec, Meagan Phelan, and Lisa Chong, for their contributions to research policies and Thorp's work.

AI-Designed Enzymes

Asimov Press β€’ 457 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 25
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Chemistry AI Research Engineering
  1. Researchers are now able to design complex enzymes from scratch using AI. This new ability could help create custom enzymes for various chemical reactions.
  2. The process of designing these enzymes is not easy, as they need to change shape during reactions. Scientists have developed methods to improve their ability to predict how these enzymes will work.
  3. Even though the newly designed enzymes are not as fast as natural ones yet, this work is a big step toward making more effective enzymes for scientific and industrial purposes.

Are Hydrocarbons Really β€œFossil” Fuels?

Doomberg β€’ 249 implied HN points β€’ 29 May 25
πŸ”¬ Science Energy Geology Environmental Research Innovation
  1. Some scientists think hydrocarbons, which we call fossil fuels, might not actually come from ancient plants and animals. There are theories suggesting they could be formed from other natural processes deep within the Earth.
  2. In 1986, an oil drilling experiment in Sweden found hydrocarbons in an unusual location, challenging the idea that oil only comes from fossilized organic matter. This raises questions about our understanding of how hydrocarbons are formed.
  3. The concept of fossil fuels could be more complex than we thought. It encourages us to explore alternative origins for these energy sources instead of assuming they're all from the remains of past life.

The Stars, Our Destination?

Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1479 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Space Exploration Physics Fiction Technology Astrophysics
  1. Space exploration faces challenges like the vastness of space and technological limitations.
  2. JPL has a track record of extending mission goals for spacecraft, showcasing innovation and efficiency.
  3. Theoretical concepts like FTL drives and warp drives may be intriguing, but the feasibility remains uncertain due to scientific principles and practical challenges.

The Wall Street Journal Article on LNT

Gordian Knot News β€’ 197 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 25
πŸ”¬ Science Health Environment Biology Technology Energy
  1. The Linear No Threshold (LNT) model does not claim there's no safe dose of radiation. Instead, it looks at how radiation can increase cancer risk based on total exposure.
  2. LNT assumes that our DNA can't repair itself from radiation damage, which isn't true according to modern science. Our bodies have effective systems to fix DNA damage.
  3. Critics of LNT may overestimate cancer risks from radiation by ignoring actual biological repair processes, especially when radiation exposure is low and spread over time.

All the Sample-To-Answer qPCR Machines

ASeq Newsletter β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 26
πŸ”¬ Science Biotechnology Sequencing Infectious Disease
  1. Many commercial systems fully automate sample-to-answer molecular testing and produce results in roughly 13–120 minutes.
  2. The market spans traditional qPCR platforms and newer isothermal or novel technologies, offered by a wide range of companies.
  3. Sequencing still needs extensive prep and trained staff, so automated sample-to-answer molecular platforms are more practical for rapid diagnostics, and several novel approaches are worth watching.

Understanding Gravitational-Wave Observatories: A Pillar of Modern Fundamental Science

Space Ambition β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 19 Apr 24
πŸ”¬ Science Astronomy Physics Technology Research Innovation Education
  1. Gravitational-wave observatories like LIGO help us understand the universe better. They can detect tiny ripples in spacetime caused by huge cosmic events like black hole mergers.
  2. Investing in fundamental science is cost-effective and leads to unexpected technological benefits. For example, the innovations developed for LIGO can also help in industries like manufacturing and quantum computing.
  3. Fundamental science projects prepare us for future challenges, much like a university education does. They provide a foundation that helps scientists and engineers create new technologies and solutions down the line.

Can Anything Good Come from Gaza? How Western Science is Collapsing.

The Seneca Effect β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Research Publication Peer Review Complex Systems
  1. The attempt to improve science by 'free-access publishing' has led to unintended consequences, like the proliferation of mediocre papers.
  2. The concentration of scientific power in a few elite institutions is not enough to drive innovation and creativity, mirroring the limitations faced by the Roman Empire.
  3. The collapse of science, exemplified by issues in scientific publishing, aligns with systemic collapses and may indicate the need for renewal through unconventional sources and unconventional ideas.

1.2 A New Understanding

Fields & Energy β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Quantum Electromagnetism
  1. Reality is made up of two separate things: fields and particles. They work together to create the world we see.
  2. Electromagnetism is guided by fields that act like waves, while energy behaves like particles at the quantum level.
  3. This new approach shows that instead of thinking of light as just photons, we should view it as energy guided by fields.

2.6 Isaac Newton

Fields & Energy β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Astronomy Mathematics History Education
  1. Isaac Newton built his laws of motion and gravitation on the earlier work of scientists like Galileo and Kepler. This helped him connect how things move on Earth with how planets move in space.
  2. Newton discovered that gravity acts in a certain way: the force gets weaker as you move further away from an object. He showed this through thinking about how an apple falls and how the moon orbits the Earth.
  3. To explain the gravitational pull of larger bodies, Newton used advanced math concepts, making his ideas more accurate. He proved that the gravity of a round object is the same as if all its mass was concentrated in one point at its center.