The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

On clouds: where they come from, where they go

Climate Water Project • 176 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🔬 Science Climate Atmosphere Weather Ecosystems Research
  1. Clouds are formed by multiple global processes like atmospheric circulation patterns and wind movements.
  2. Jet streams in the upper atmosphere play a role in cloud formation and rain patterns.
  3. Land degradation, like deforestation, can impact cloud formation and the occurrence of extreme weather events like atmospheric rivers and hurricanes.

The Story in the Lake

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 176 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🔬 Science Geology Climate Environmental Conservation Human Impact Biodiversity
  1. A small lake in Ontario has been chosen to represent the Anthropocene epoch in Earth's history due to human activity.
  2. Humans have significantly transformed Earth's systems, leading to a new epoch where human history is now Earth's history.
  3. Geologists have selected Crawford Lake in Ontario as a witness and representative site for the Anthropocene, with its layers of sediment telling the story of human impact.

O-Day - Elevation plan

Remote View • 176 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🔬 Science Interview Research
  1. Discussion on unique features found in Dr. Alexander Parkhomov's reactor
  2. Possible correlation between specific structures in LENR experiments and the VEGA 'Pyramid'
  3. Interesting insights from third-party video interview on the Giza Death Star Trilogy

EQ > IQ

Vectors of Mind • 176 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🔬 Science Intelligence Evolution Psychometrics Language Genetics
  1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is argued to be more fundamental to human evolution and the 'Good Life' than Intelligence Quotient (IQ), despite being harder to measure.
  2. Traits exist both as idealized forms and measurable approximations through psychological instruments like surveys, but the accuracy of these measurements is limited.
  3. The General Factor of Personality (GFP) is emphasized as a more fundamental concept than the general factor of intelligence (g), with language reflecting its importance and complexity.
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The Bear Case for Mars

Planetocracy • 176 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration
  1. Space colonization, particularly on Mars, may face insurmountable barriers and challenges.
  2. Alternative solutions like creating gravity trains on Mars or colonizing its moons, Phobos and Deimos, could be considered.
  3. Exploring cislunar space and developing free-floating habitats might be a viable alternative or backup plan to Mars colonization.

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.

Graphic Content & Cyber Monday: the year’s deepest discount

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 274 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics Population History Anthropology Evolution
  1. Cyber Monday is a great opportunity to get a good deal on subscriptions, like locking in an annual rate of $50.
  2. Population trends show that regions like South Asia and Africa will have significant growth, changing global dynamics in the coming decades.
  3. Ancient DNA research is revealing new insights about human evolution and genetics, showing how our ancestors adapted to challenges over time.

Two more random studies I found interesting

Samstack • 807 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🔬 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.

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.

Science Fictions links for November 2024

Science Fictions • 275 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🔬 Science Research Health Technology Education Ethics
  1. Alzheimer's research is still struggling, with some drugs not working as expected despite years of studies.
  2. There are problems in scientific publishing, like peer reviews being partly written by AI and retracted papers not giving clear explanations of their issues.
  3. Scandals and fraud in science keep happening, affecting public trust and raising questions about the credibility of some research.

Genetic Justice

Parrhesia • 799 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🔬 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.

Gregor Mendel's Vanishing Act

Asimov Press • 232 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Botany History Research Biology
  1. Gregor Mendel, known as the father of genetics, did much more than just his famous pea experiments. He worked across various scientific fields and made important discoveries about inheritance long before it was fully understood.
  2. Sadly, many of Mendel's notes and findings were destroyed after his death, leaving behind an incomplete representation of his life’s work. This loss means we might never fully appreciate the depth of his contributions.
  3. Mendel's educational journey was filled with challenges, including health issues that impacted his ability to become a teacher. Ironically, these struggles led him to his groundbreaking research in genetics, which changed biology forever.

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.

Preregistration Is No Panacea

Cremieux Recueil • 283 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🔬 Science Research Methods Psychology Artificial Intelligence Educational Research
  1. Preregistration in research is not a guaranteed way to ensure the accuracy of results. Even when studies are preregistered, they can still produce results that don't hold up upon replication.
  2. Simply preregistering a study isn’t enough. There needs to be strict detail and oversight in how research is conducted to prevent 'p-hacking' or manipulating data for desired results.
  3. Focusing on predictive research rather than just explanatory studies can help ensure that research is more relevant and impactful. When studies predict future outcomes, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully to our understanding.

The Second Miracle

Gordian Knot News • 212 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🔬 Science Nuclear Energy DNA repair Environmental Impact Resource Management Technological Innovation
  1. Humanity has faced many challenges, but we've been lucky to discover amazing solutions like fossil fuels and nuclear energy that have helped us thrive. These discoveries have led to huge improvements in our quality of life.
  2. Nuclear energy is powerful and produces less pollution, but it comes with risks like radiation exposure. Thankfully, we also have a natural DNA repair system that helps protect us from some of this damage.
  3. As we move forward, it's important for us to embrace nuclear power responsibly while being aware of its challenges. If we hadn't recognized its potential, we could have faced serious problems in our civilization.

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.

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.