The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Of Experts And Echo Chambers

Good Reason • 284 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🔬 Science Medicine Research Experts Institutions Beliefs
  1. Experts can be wrong and have been wrong throughout history, like medieval doctors with bloodletting.
  2. Expert communities often become echo chambers, reinforcing shared beliefs and resisting change.
  3. Challenging experts and subjecting beliefs to testing, even within scientific-minded groups, is important to avoid falling into the trap of groupthink.

Hexagonal knot mosaics

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained • 24 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🔬 Science Mathematics Geometry Topology Research
  1. Hexagonal knot mosaics are a way to represent knots on a hexagonal board. You can use different types of tiles to create them.
  2. There are three categories of hexagonal mosaics: standard, semi-enhanced, and enhanced. Each type has different rules about how crossings can occur.
  3. Research has shown the maximum number of crossings you can achieve in these mosaics. Enhanced mosaics can have the most crossings, while standard ones allow the least.

Correlation Can Ruin Interpretability

Mindful Modeler • 479 implied HN points • 20 Sep 22
🔬 Science Data interpretation Correlation Visualization
  1. Correlation between features can significantly impact the interpretability of machine learning models, both technically and philosophically.
  2. Identifying and addressing correlation issues is crucial for accurate model interpretation. Techniques include grouping correlated features, decorrelation methods like PCA, feature selection, causal modeling, and conditional interpretation.
  3. Entanglement of interpretation due to correlation makes it challenging to isolate the impact of individual features in machine learning models.

Foundations of Physical Theory: Function of Models

Fields & Energy • 3 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics Models Theory Electricity Magnetism
  1. Models in physics help us understand complex ideas by simplifying them into more relatable forms. They allow us to reason about things we can't observe directly.
  2. It's important to consider the medium through which forces act, rather than just thinking of actions at a distance. This helps explain phenomena like electricity and magnetism more clearly.
  3. Using analogies can be helpful in learning new concepts, but we must be careful not to confuse them with the actual properties of the things we are studying.

Stories We’d Like to Publish

Asimov Press • 174 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Microbiology Predictive Models Animal Welfare
  1. Asimov Press is publicly sharing ideas for essays they'd like to publish and inviting writers to contribute by emailing them at [email protected].
  2. Topics in biotechnology range from synthetic blood development to artificial wombs and synthetic nitrogen fixation, showcasing the broad spectrum of innovative research being undertaken.
  3. Biotechnology advancements aim to address a variety of issues, such as animal welfare, predictive growth models for microbes, and challenges in protein structure prediction, highlighting the diverse applications and potential impact of biotechnological research.
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How Researchers found Gods Number[Technique Tuesdays]

Technology Made Simple • 139 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🔬 Science Math Programming Combinatorics Symmetry Simulation
  1. God's Algorithm aims for the fewest moves possible in combinatorial games like Rubik's Cube.
  2. Researchers found God's Number for Rubik's Cube using techniques like partitioning, symmetry, and dropping optimality.
  3. Key strategies used were dividing the problem into smaller parts, leveraging symmetry to reduce work, and focusing on finding solutions within 20 moves instead of the best possible solution.

How to Read an AI Image

Cybernetic Forests • 379 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
🔬 Science AI Data Analysis Image Generation Bias Art
  1. AI-generated images are informative about the underlying dataset and the human decisions shaping it.
  2. When analyzing AI images, it's crucial to consider the dataset's cultural, social, economic contexts, and how they influence the output.
  3. A methodology involving creating sample sets, content analysis, database exploration, and connotative analysis can help interpret the underlying biases and limitations in AI-generated images.

The Trouble with Fusion

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Fusion Energy Technology Engineering Physics
  1. Fusion faces difficult technical challenges like damage to the first wall, intense heat transfer, and high maintenance due to activation of materials.
  2. Achieving economic viability in fusion is a major hurdle, with immense parasitic loads and a fusion gain ratio that can be a significant challenge to achieve.
  3. Standard fusion processes like using deuterium and tritium result in energy losses due to the need for high quality energy input, which makes fusion less self-sustaining than fission.

Virtual Screening for New Antibiotics: A Machine Learning Approach to LpxC Inhibition

LatchBio • 20 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biochemistry Microbiology Pharmacology Machine Learning Drug Development
  1. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem, and many drug companies are not making new antibiotics anymore. Machine learning can help find new antibiotics by quickly searching through lots of compounds.
  2. In a study, researchers looked at 250,000 chemical compounds to find potential antibiotics that target a specific enzyme in harmful bacteria. This shows how technology can speed up the drug discovery process.
  3. Finding new antibiotics is really important for health, especially as bacteria become more resistant. Using advanced tools to identify promising compounds could save time and money in developing new treatments.

The Genetic History of the British Isles

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution History Research
  1. Exploring genetic history through ancient DNA analysis is a fascinating discipline with different names like paleogenomics and genetic anthropology.
  2. Genetic studies on the British Isles, like the book 'Saxons, Vikings, and Celts,' highlight the complexities of genetic ancestry, including the influence of different ancient populations like the Bell Beaker culture.
  3. Haplogroup analysis, focusing on Y and mtDNA, provides insights into ancestry, although it may have limitations due to genetic drift, selection, and incomplete picture of the genome.

mathiness instills confidence

bad cattitude • 165 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🔬 Science Mathematics Psychology Cognitive Science Research Climate Science
  1. Mathiness can make people feel more confident, especially if they aren't familiar with math.
  2. Adding complex math or 'mathiness' to information can influence how people perceive its quality, especially if they lack knowledge in math and models.
  3. It's important to be cautious of trusting information just because it includes numbers or complex equations; don't assume accuracy or rigor without verifying.

The Tale of the Shaman: Science, Magic, and Super Placebo (v2)

Secretum Secretorum • 555 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🔬 Science Psychology Neuroscience Magic Research
  1. Magical healing techniques are psychosocial technologies for eliciting superordinary placebo responses.
  2. In a disenchanted world, achieving magical effects is challenging due to shifts in belief and worldview.
  3. The placebo effect may be rooted in evolutionary processes related to immune system activation and resource allocation.

Quantum Quandaries

do clouds feel vertigo? • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🔬 Science Quantum Computing Physics Education Technology Games
  1. Quantum Country is a great book for learning about quantum computing. It's easy to understand if you know some basic math.
  2. Thinking about problems in more than two dimensions can open up new ideas. It can be really helpful to have extra complexity in your thinking.
  3. There’s a board game called Entanglion that teaches quantum logic in a fun way. It's a creative way to see quantum concepts in action.

IAC 2023: Unique Highlights by Space Ambition

Space Ambition • 159 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Technology Trends Investment Analysis
  1. The 74th International Astronautical Congress was diverse, with attendees from 132 countries and over 5,400 delegates. This made it one of the most inclusive space events ever.
  2. New trends were noted, especially the rising interest from young professionals and startups in the space sector. This highlights that younger generations are becoming increasingly engaged in space discussions and technology.
  3. Sustainability and security in space were major topics this year. Participants emphasized the importance of regulations against space debris and managing geopolitical risks as more countries invest in space technology.

Bringing Food Deliveries to Mars One Step at a Time

Space Ambition • 439 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🔬 Science Space Exploration Food technology Agriculture Sustainability Nutrition
  1. Space missions currently rely on packed food supplies, which run out and can be hard to replenish. Scientists believe that producing food in space could solve this problem, but it needs a lot of research and funding.
  2. Astronauts will need new tools to create food that works in space, like vertical farming systems and 3D printing technologies. Different projects are being funded to develop these systems for growing essential food resources in space.
  3. Government space agencies like NASA and ESA are focusing on developing technologies for sustainable food production in space, which could also help with food issues on Earth. Innovating in food production is a long-term goal that requires collaboration and investment.

Knowing the Gods, Knowing the Smalls

Microanimism • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🔬 Science Nature Biology Ecology Climate Pollution
  1. The setting described is unique and surreal, with rose bushes and mysterious elements creating a vivid picture.
  2. The story delves into a narrative involving gods, non-gods, and their impact on a strange world, with themes of environmental change and conflict.
  3. An invitation to explore more by subscribing, offering a 7-day free trial to access additional content on Microanimism.

When We Live Beyond 200 Years Old

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🔬 Science Longevity Culture Technology Ethics
  1. Living beyond 200 years poses challenges to existing societal and cultural norms, requiring rethinking of values, education, and social contracts.
  2. Extending human lifespan will impact economic systems, education models, and the concept of identity over a significantly longer period.
  3. Advancements in technology enabling longer lifespans raise questions about governance, immigration, national identity, and the adaptation of sociocultural systems.

The Role of Personality and Cognitive Ability in the Measurement of Usability

UX Psychology • 158 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🔬 Science Psychology Personality Traits Cognitive ability User Experience
  1. The usability of a product varies among individuals based on their knowledge, experience, and attitudes, not just a fixed attribute.
  2. Personality traits like emotional stability, openness to experience, and conscientiousness play a significant role in shaping subjective usability ratings.
  3. Cognitive ability did not have a significant impact on usability ratings, indicating that individual personality traits are stronger predictors.

O-Day - NOON

Remote View • 157 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🔬 Science Physics Technology History Symbolism Archaeology
  1. There is a livestream event on Feb 14, 2023 at 21:00 CET, so review previous materials beforehand.
  2. The post includes a list of references discussing various topics like solitons, plasmoids, and symbols from different cultures.
  3. The content hints at connections between ancient symbols, cosmic powers, and historical artifacts, suggesting deeper meanings or connections.

Science Magazine’s Paper Advocating Market Origin for COVID Based on False Statistics

The DisInformation Chronicle • 270 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🔬 Science Virology Journalism Statistics
  1. A group of virologists, including Anthony Fauci, may have intentionally diverted attention away from a possible lab accident in Wuhan at the start of the pandemic.
  2. An analysis published in a British science journal has found that the Science Magazine study advocating for the market origin of COVID is based on flawed statistics, contradicting the claims made in the study.
  3. While American media has largely ignored the analysis questioning Science Magazine's study, German journalists, like those from the weekly science magazine Spektrum, have reported on it.

A Camera, Not an Engine

Breaking Smart • 218 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🔬 Science Artificial Intelligence Information Theory
  1. Modern AI is more about discovery than invention, revealing hidden worlds within large datasets.
  2. Intelligence in AI is primarily a function of the data it's trained on, not just the processing mechanisms.
  3. AI is like a powerful camera allowing us to see into computational reality, providing insight into the nature of information and matter.

Neuroscience/AI - Can rats ‘think’? A paper by Chongxi Lai and colleagues on cognitive teleportation in rats [8 min read]

James W. Phillips' Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🔬 Science Neuroscience AI Cognition Experiment
  1. There is a paper on cognitive teleportation in rats, pushing the boundaries of what we understand about rodent cognition.
  2. The research involves tasks where rats navigate in virtual reality based on their brain signals, not physical movements.
  3. The study successfully shows rats 'thinking' by rewarding them for imagining being in a particular location, showcasing impressive advancements in neuroscience and AI.

Erika Update #10: Honestly, it’s often faster to do it by hand

Erika’s Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology Technology Data Analysis Research Programming
  1. Sometimes doing tasks by hand can be faster than trying to automate them with scripts.
  2. Automating tasks may not always be worth the effort if the tools or processes are not complete or efficient.
  3. Overcomplicating things with automation can lead to wasted time and effort if the benefits are not substantial.

How does rain turn into floods? A chaos theory perspective.

Climate Water Project • 157 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🔬 Science Climate Chaos Theory
  1. Different landscapes affect how rain turns into floods, with vegetation leading to less correlated rates of runoff.
  2. Study of river runoff patterns suggests chaotic behavior, where small changes in rain amount could lead to significantly different runoff levels.
  3. River floods and earthquakes exhibit similar power scaling laws, suggesting fractal behavior in river flow sizes.

The Wake-Up Call

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 157 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🔬 Science Nature Research Climate Education
  1. Awe is important for our well-being and can lead to happiness, kindness, and connection with others and the natural world.
  2. Experiencing awe is about being aware and open-hearted to the mysteries of existence, it's about feeling connected to something greater.
  3. Awe can be found in everyday experiences and can have positive effects on mental and physical health, encouraging altruism and reducing egocentrism.

Can we freeze time?

Neurobiology Notes • 157 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🔬 Science Neurobiology Brain preservation
  1. Brain rhythms are natural patterns of neural activity measured using EEG or other neuroimaging techniques.
  2. Preserving brain structure could potentially help recapitulate brain rhythms, but uncertainties remain about the link between structure and function.
  3. Research on cryopreserving brain cells responsible for brain rhythms is valuable, but demonstrating memory retention post-preservation requires more than just measuring electrophysiological signals.