The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Math Problems

The Better Letter • 157 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🔬 Science Mathematics Probability Sports Psychology Economics
  1. Unlikely events happen more often than we realize, influencing outcomes in sports, investments, and life.
  2. Probability plays a significant role in determining outcomes, such as in coin tosses, NCAA brackets, and market predictions.
  3. Randomness, noise, and unpredictability are intrinsic to life, affecting decision-making and the way we perceive events.

How Intelligent is the Average Rationalist?

sebjenseb • 157 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🔬 Science Research Data Analysis Statistical Analysis Psychometrics
  1. The average IQ of rationalists may not be as high as self-reported values suggest, with estimates pointing to an average IQ between 125-130.
  2. Analysis of SAT and IQ scores of rationalists indicates an estimated average IQ of about 133.6 after accounting for biases.
  3. Educational attainment and plausible assumptions suggest the average IQ of internet rationalists is between 125-130, considering selection for educational attainment.
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A Theory of Everyone

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🔬 Science Evolution Cultural Evolution Innovation Cooperation Social Dynamics
  1. A Theory of Everyone explores the idea that culture, alongside genetics, plays a significant role in human success and progress.
  2. Muthukrishna emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural evolution to address future challenges and shape human society.
  3. The decline in energy return on investment poses a threat to human civilization, and Muthukrishna proposes leveraging cultural evolution to foster innovation and cooperation.

The edge of reason

Logging the World • 219 implied HN points • 28 Dec 22
🔬 Science Mathematics Models Analogies Limitations Uncertainty
  1. When adding numbers, there are basic properties like getting another number, having a special zero that doesn't change sums, and having partners that return to zero when added.
  2. Mathematicians use abstraction to find essential properties, like in groups, to study various systems efficiently and effectively.
  3. Seeking historical analogies in current events can be misleading; it's important to understand the limitations of models and not be overconfident in applying mathematical rules to real-world situations.

Why It's Great News That The Earth Sucks

Everything Is Amazing • 963 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🔬 Science Geology Oceanography Environment Extraterrestrial Life Technology
  1. The Earth has fascinating and dangerous underwater sinkholes, like the Great Blue Hole and the Yongle Blue Hole.
  2. Exploring the geological impact on our lives can reveal intriguing connections to our world's history and future.
  3. Scientists finding deep-sea features like the Taam ja' Blue Hole may provide insights into life on other planets.

Action Potentials for November

Neurobiology Notes • 117 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🔬 Science Neurobiology Research Studies Brain preservation Cryonics
  1. Study on extrasynaptic neural signaling in C. elegans challenges the idea that synapses are the sole key to brain information content.
  2. Neuropeptide signaling plays a crucial role in behaviors like aggression in mice, emphasizing its significance beyond nematodes.
  3. Mouse amygdala study highlights differences in brain cell activity during memory formation and recall, shedding light on the complex processes of memory.

A Brief History of Energy

Ulysses • 179 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🔬 Science Energy Nuclear Fusion Civilization
  1. Human civilization is driven by the type and availability of energy sources, dictating growth, quality of life, and societal scale.
  2. Energy originates from nuclear reactions and its evolution through fusion and fission have shaped both natural processes and human advancement.
  3. Fusion energy holds the potential to revolutionize energy production by offering a clean, abundant, and safe alternative to traditional sources.

Is Mars Colonization an Inevitable Step Encoded in Our DNA?

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Human Evolution Migration Patterns Technological Innovation Environmental Impact
  1. Human migration is a fundamental part of our history, and colonizing Mars is seen as the next step in this ongoing process. Just like our ancestors traveled for better opportunities, we may look to Mars for our future.
  2. Innovations often arise when humans move into new environments. Establishing a colony on Mars could lead to new technologies and advancements that benefit life on Earth.
  3. Creating a self-sufficient colony on Mars could serve as a backup plan for humanity. It would ensure that civilization can continue even if disasters happen on Earth.

A Search for Sick Animals

Asimov Press • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Medical Research Neuroscience Animal studies Genetics
  1. Animal models are really important for studying diseases like Parkinson's because they can show how conditions develop and help test new treatments.
  2. Researchers have looked for animals with naturally occurring Parkinson's, but finding them is hard. A recent study claims to have found a monkey with the disease indicating there may be others we just haven't discovered yet.
  3. If scientists can identify more animals with Parkinson's, it could lead to better understanding and treatment options for humans. It's important to keep searching for these models.

Governing Risky Pandemic Research

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 549 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Regulation Pathogens Risk Assessment
  1. Experts can disagree on the risks and benefits of proposed research, impacting research sustainability and public trust.
  2. There are concerns about regulating research with pathogens due to potential risks and lack of consensus on what is considered risky.
  3. Suggestions for governing risky research include demonstrating clear research benefits, identifying alternative methods, preregistering research, indemnifying organizations, and implementing global norms.

☄ What asteroid 2024 YR4 teaches about techno-capitalism and risk

Faster, Please! • 182 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Astrophysics Risk Analysis Space Exploration
  1. Having resources and the ability to act is important for future planning. It allows individuals and societies to tackle big challenges like space threats.
  2. The Earth will eventually encounter dangerous asteroids or comets. This highlights the need for effective planetary defense strategies.
  3. We must focus on long-term safety and preparation to ensure a bright future for humanity. This involves addressing risks from space and other global threats.

The Mantis Shrimp Edition

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Zoology Marine life Animal Behavior Ecology
  1. Mantis shrimp can punch very fast, making them the fastest strikers in the animal world. It's incredible how quickly they can hit their targets.
  2. These shrimp are very protective of their territory and will aggressively defend their space against intruders.
  3. Their powerful punches are so strong that they can even break glass, showing just how strong these small creatures really are.

The Tower of Science

The Good Science Project • 66 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🔬 Science Policy History Research Innovation Technology
  1. Alfred Loomis was a unique figure who blended science, finance, and military roles effectively. He showed that having scientists involved in decision-making can lead to faster and better outcomes for important projects.
  2. Loomis emphasized the importance of resources, talent, and minimal bureaucracy in scientific research. His lab in Tuxedo Park attracted many top scientists because it provided freedom and support for innovative work.
  3. It's crucial to have people who understand both science and policy. These 'translators' can help bridge gaps and make scientific advancements more efficient, just like Loomis did during World War II.

Humanity’s new frontier is complete genomic knowledge. The barriers are ideological.

Nucleus Genomics • 39 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Public Health Bioethics Human Rights
  1. Understanding our DNA can help us learn more about our health and traits. It's important for everyone to have access to this information.
  2. There are ideological debates that prevent people from getting the genetic insights they deserve. These discussions often limit how much we can learn about ourselves.
  3. The goal is to communicate scientific knowledge clearly and truthfully. This will help us all understand genetics better and use it to improve our lives.

NIH Staff Revolt Promotes Propaganda about Diversity

Unsafe Science • 91 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🔬 Science Research Ethics Peer Review Social Science Policy Analysis
  1. Some NIH staff signed a declaration to object to Trump administration policies, especially regarding diversity in research funding. They believe these policies hurt scientific progress.
  2. The declaration claims that diverse research teams are essential for better outcomes. However, this claim has faced criticism for lacking strong evidence.
  3. Critics argue that many signatories may not be qualified to comment on social science issues since their expertise is primarily in STEM fields, which could undermine the credibility of their statements.

Spotlight: Alon Tenzer – An Analog Astronaut on a Simulated Mars Mission

Space Ambition • 199 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Robotics Human factors
  1. Analog astronauts participate in simulated Mars missions to test technologies and procedures that will be used in real space missions. These missions help prepare for future human exploration of Mars.
  2. The Aouda Spacesuit Simulator is crucial for testing how astronauts will operate on Mars. It mimics real spacesuits and checks if new technologies can be used effectively in harsh conditions.
  3. Training to become an analog astronaut requires a strong background in science and engineering. Participants undergo rigorous training to handle technical challenges and the psychological stress of being isolated from Earth.

The F-111's Fatal Flaw

Military Aviation Videos • 39 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🔬 Science Aviation
  1. The F-111's delivery to the Royal Australian Air Force was delayed due to a fatal flaw in the wing pivot design.
  2. General Dynamics needed to address the issue before the F-111 could be safely utilized.
  3. Understanding and addressing design flaws in military aircraft is crucial for ensuring operational safety and effectiveness.

On Concepts of Date and Time

Poczwardowski Notes • 78 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🔬 Science Time Space Imagination Technology
  1. In 1899, the SS Warrimoo crossed the equator and the international date line at midnight, leading to unique consequences for the ship.
  2. The story of the SS Warrimoo in 1899 is hard to verify due to technology limitations and lack of evidence, unlike the USS Topeka in 1999, which had precise measurement and documentation.
  3. These stories of ships straddling different dates and time zones remind us that concepts like date, time zones, and the international date line are human-made and help us cooperate effectively in our shared world.

Berkson's Paradox Is Everywhere

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
🔬 Science Statistics Mathematics Genetics Data Analysis Technology
  1. Berkson's Paradox applies to various situations where multiple factors influence outcomes, leading to counterintuitive results.
  2. Applying Berkson's Paradox to different scenarios can reveal hidden correlations and insights, such as in medical studies, card games, or economic policies.
  3. The essence of Berkson's Paradox lies in understanding that when focusing on a specific subcategory, the causes of membership in that category can be more negatively correlated than in the broader category.

Orbital Biolabs: Unleashing Cosmic Potential for Earth's Scientific Progress

Space Ambition • 199 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🔬 Science Biomedical Research Gene-editing Pharmaceuticals
  1. Space labs help scientists learn about biology in unique ways. In microgravity, they can see how living things react differently than on Earth.
  2. New technologies, like 3D printing and gene editing, are being tested in space. This could lead to cool advances in medicine and health back on Earth.
  3. There's a growing trend of private companies joining space research. This means more opportunities for innovative experiments and discoveries.

Week #3: Conformal Prediction For Regression

Mindful Modeler • 279 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🔬 Science Regression Modeling
  1. In regression, conformal prediction can turn point predictions into prediction intervals with guarantees of future observation coverage.
  2. Starting from point predictions or non-conformal intervals from quantile regression are two common approaches to creating prediction intervals.
  3. Conformalized mean regression and conformalized quantile regression are two techniques to generate prediction intervals in regression models.

“Merit-Based Science Is Effective and Fair”: How Such a Banal Idea Has Become Controversial

Heterodox STEM • 213 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🔬 Science STEM Meritocracy Publishing Education Ideology
  1. Merit-based science has significantly improved our lives by leading to important inventions and medical advancements. It relies on rewarding talent and hard work, enabling people from various backgrounds to succeed.
  2. There is a growing concern about the influence of ideology on science, especially with movements pushing for diversity and equity. Some believe these changes hinder the scientific process and meritocracy.
  3. Despite claims of bias in science, studies suggest that many of these allegations lack strong evidence. Some researchers argue that society has made progress in creating equal opportunities in STEM fields.

LatchBio Now Provides Lots of Data

LatchBio • 82 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🔬 Science Biotech Data science Molecular Biology Research Methods Health data
  1. LatchBio has created a massive cell atlas with 30 million samples covering 150 diseases and 200 tissues. This helps researchers access diverse biological data easily.
  2. They partnered with Pythia Biosciences and Miraomics to enhance data curation and improve how this information is delivered to users.
  3. The introduction of a new Python framework helps scientists curate data more efficiently, making it easier to handle complex biological information.

Links for 2024-01-19

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🔬 Science AI Technology Nuclear Climate Space
  1. Mark Zuckerberg aims to create artificial general intelligence with Meta having 600,000 GPUs by 2024
  2. Microsoft introduces new method to enhance LLM inference speed by 20 times
  3. Liquid-metal-based microelectrode arrays integrated with ultrathin retinal prosthesis for vision restoration

3 Common Statistical Biases Everyone Falls Prey To [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 139 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🔬 Science Statistics Cognitive Psychology Bias Data Analysis
  1. Statistics can be misleading if affected by bias, which is a flaw in experiment design or data collection process.
  2. Biases affect everyone and can be exploited by manipulative individuals like politicians and salespeople.
  3. Common statistical biases include selection bias, recall bias, and observer bias, which can all be combated by slowing down and evaluating claims carefully.

Literally Imagine Dragons

Eat Shit and Prosper • 259 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🔬 Science Chemistry Biology Environmental Science Earth Science Microbiology
  1. Chlorophyll and heme are both essential chemicals in life, with similar structures that play key roles in energy production and oxygen transport. Chlorophyll helps plants make energy from sunlight, while heme carries oxygen in our blood.
  2. There's a mysterious porphyrin with vanadium at its center found in crude oil. It could belong to an ancient life form, and studying it may reveal new insights into the history of life on Earth.
  3. The idea of a lost type of microbial chemistry, possibly allowing for 'silanogenesis', imagines how ancient creatures might have used silicon compounds like silane for energy, similar to how some modern microbes produce methane.

How To Read for Trends

Think Future • 119 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🔬 Science Environment Technology Health Society Medicine
  1. Identifying trends involves looking for patterns over time, both increasing and decreasing, in various aspects of society and industry.
  2. Reading news for trends involves focusing on 'real news' that provides deep insights and understanding of issues, rather than temporary headlines or human interest stories.
  3. Deep-lying trends impact many surface-level changes, with monitoring deep trends providing valuable insights for forecasting the future.

Mass Value Report for May 2023

Planetocracy • 137 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Astronomy Technology Research Innovation
  1. SpaceX has won the race to send mass to low Earth orbit, but the race to send mass to the lunar surface continues.
  2. Blue Origin's 'National Team' has been chosen by NASA to build a human landing system for the Artemis program, showing promise for future lunar missions.
  3. Analyzing mass value helps compare space development progress, like evaluating efficiency between Blue Origin's lunar lander and SpaceX's Starship system.