The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Does Psychological Science Need Science or Bullshit?

Unsafe Science β€’ 97 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Psychology
  1. The paper discusses the use of empty verbiage and fuzzy buzzwords in scientific writing.
  2. The author points out the importance of empirical evidence over references to support claims in psychological science.
  3. Assertions in research papers should be substantiated with empirical studies and avoid vague, unsupported claims.

Urban Stalactites

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jul 22
πŸ”¬ Science Geology Urban Studies Environmental Science Sustainability
  1. Urban stalactites, called calthemites, form from the weathering of concrete when water carries calcium hydroxide and reacts with carbon dioxide in the air. They look like tiny cave formations hanging from structures.
  2. The growth of these stalactites can happen quickly, with the best conditions allowing them to grow up to 2 mm a day. However, they can be fragile and might break if disturbed.
  3. In cities like Seattle, you can find these formations in places like tunnels, bridges, and parking garages. They add an interesting geological feature to urban landscapes.

Technology is Reshaping Human History

The Digital Anthropologist β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 13 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science History Genetics Archaeology Digital Technologies AI
  1. Digital technologies are reshaping human history, impacting our future in significant ways. It's an exciting time to be alive.
  2. Advancements like AI and genetic engineering are revealing new insights into ancient civilizations, genetics, and human evolution.
  3. Technologies such as LIDAR, genetic analysis tools, and AI are helping discover ancient civilizations and rewrite textbooks in anthropology and archaeology.

Language is a SimCity

Cybernetic Forests β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Language Statistics AI Generative models Neural Networks
  1. Language can be seen as a dynamic city, shaped by collective contributions that form its intricate structure.
  2. Generative AI models, like GPT4, rely on statistics and random selection to produce text, often betraying a lack of true understanding.
  3. Human communication involves a choice between shallow, statistically-driven speech, like that of machines, and deeper, intent-driven speech that seeks to convey personal truths.
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Ape to Einstein? Exploring The Stoned Ape Theory

Tripsitter β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 25 Sep 23
πŸ”¬ Science Evolution Psychedelics Human Evolution Consciousness
  1. The Stoned Ape Theory suggests that early humans consuming psychoactive substances like magic mushrooms led to advancements in creative thinking, language development, and societal structure.
  2. American ethnobotanist Terence McKenna proposed the theory that psychoactive mushrooms catalyzed rapid brain development in early ancestors, leading to higher levels of consciousness.
  3. While the Stoned Ape Theory is intriguing, it lacks scientific evidence and faces criticism for oversimplifying the complexities of human evolution and consciousness.

Talking science with the UKRI CEO

Science Forever β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 13 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Research Innovation Biology Technology Education
  1. UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) is an organization formed by merging various research councils and bodies to drive progress in research and innovation across disciplines efficiently.
  2. UKRI CEO, Ottoline Leyser, discusses the importance of associating with Horizon Europe for research collaborations and the challenges of aligning UK & EU funding mechanisms.
  3. Focusing on expanding research excellence and innovation nationwide, UKRI implements programs like the Strength in Places Fund and Innovation Accelerator pilots to drive local capacity building and economic growth.

Geometry that feels like magic

Eternal Sunshine of the Stochastic Mind β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Geometry Mathematics
  1. In geometry, certain geometric properties can hold true regardless of how the figures are drawn, leading to aesthetically pleasing and eternal truths.
  2. Specific theorems like Morley's trisector theorem and Napoleon's theorem showcase the magic of geometry by revealing surprising relationships within triangles.
  3. Concepts like Simson's line and ȚiΘ›eica's 3 circles theorem demonstrate the beauty and elegance of geometry, inspiring us to appreciate the world through the lens of mathematics.

Space Ambition: the best of 2022

Space Ambition β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 22
πŸ”¬ Science Space Exploration Technology development Entrepreneurship Innovation Community Building
  1. The Space Ambition community has grown significantly, reaching over 2,000 readers from around the world and including deep tech investors and space agencies. This shows a growing interest in space technology and entrepreneurship.
  2. The team is excited about upcoming events in 2023 and is planning to host more offline meetups in various countries. They encourage readers to get involved and reach out if interested.
  3. The best-read articles from 2022 cover important topics like challenges of living on Mars, the history and future of space stations, and how food supplies are managed on space missions.

Links #6

Splitting Infinity β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 22 Dec 23
πŸ”¬ Science Evolutionary Theory Mechanics Animal Welfare
  1. Being an Honest Broker is important in a community to prioritize honesty and fairness.
  2. The connection between evolutionary theory and Newtonian mechanics is intriguing and may lead to new ideas.
  3. Exploring measurable animal welfare can lead to uncomfortable questions about balancing welfare across species.

Double Bubbles

Pershmail β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 14 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics Geometry Physics
  1. Double bubbles minimize surface area by using interesting film connections.
  2. For fencing in different areas with minimal material, the double bubble shape is ideal.
  3. The standard double bubble minimizes perimeter between two areas.

Sorry Folks There Aren't Any Space Aliens

Dilan’s Newsletter β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 08 Aug 23
πŸ”¬ Science Space Physics Astronomy
  1. Science is not a religion, it relies on observations and experiments for truth
  2. The vastness of the universe and the limits of the speed of light make it highly unlikely for humans to ever come into contact with extraterrestrial intelligence
  3. Despite the fascination with space aliens, there is no scientific evidence supporting their existence or visits to Earth

On medium-sized questions in neuroscience

NeuroLogos β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 11 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience
  1. Neuroscientists explore a wide variety of interesting questions about brains and behavior beyond just imitating human intelligence or achieving cognitive enhancement.
  2. There is value in focusing on medium-sized scientific questions that are scientifically well-posed, of general interest, and can lead to more specific experimental questions and philosophical speculations.
  3. Topics like sensory substitution, fading percepts, and hyperacuity offer concrete questions for researchers to investigate, such as understanding how signals in the brain enable new senses, how eye movements affect visual experience, and how human vision surpasses the limits of individual retinal cells.

Action Potentials for August

Neurobiology Notes β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 21 Aug 23
πŸ”¬ Science Neurobiology Psychiatry Biochemistry Genetics
  1. New microscopy method combines electron microscopy with fluorescence imaging for detailed mapping of cell types, proteins, and synaptic connections in neuroscience.
  2. Memory ensembles in the brain are formed by neurons with high excitability, helping link memories and facilitating memory recall.
  3. Memory engrams exist across multiple brain areas, and bioelectric fields may coordinate memory ensembles distributed in the brain.

Quantum thermodynamics

Sam’s Newsletter β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 03 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Quantum Thermodynamics
  1. Quantum theory applies to both small and large systems, outperforming classical mechanics.
  2. The third law of thermodynamics, proposed by Nernst in 1906, states that entropy is zero at zero Kelvin.
  3. Einstein's quantum theory-based model of solids resolved conflicts with the third law, later refined by Debye to include lattice vibrations.

Still No Lie Detector for Large Language Models

The End of Reckoning β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Artificial Intelligence Beliefs Machine Learning Prediction Decision Theory
  1. There is still no reliable way to detect lies in large language models.
  2. Probing the beliefs of language models is challenging due to limited behavioral evidence and an opaque internal structure.
  3. The debate on whether language models have beliefs is still ongoing, with contrasting views on the necessity of beliefs for these models.

On the limits of utility theory

Sam’s Newsletter β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 05 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Theory Decision-making Artificial Intelligence Creativity Conflicts
  1. Utility theory is a powerful tool in academic fields like decision theory and economics, explaining human behavior based on preferences and optimization.
  2. Utility theory, while universal in application, has limitations when it comes to conflicting preferences that require creativity to resolve.
  3. Applying utility theory to scenarios like AGIs, which involve conflicting desires and behaviors, may result in unrealistic models and outcomes.

Salinons are the Shape of the Week

Pershmail β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 30 Mar 23
πŸ”¬ Science Geometry Shapes Proofs
  1. Salinons are a geometric shape with a unique construction involving four semicircles.
  2. Salinons have an interesting area formula that relates to a circle with the same area.
  3. You can replace the semicircles in a salinon with other shapes, like rectangles or triangles, and still maintain certain area relationships.

Geology Did That

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 23
πŸ”¬ Science Geology Natural History Environmental Science
  1. Geology significantly shapes Seattle's landscape and environment, influencing everything from its hills to earthquake risks. People in Seattle often experience the effects of geology in their daily lives.
  2. The Seattle Fault Zone has raised old rocks to the surface, creating unique topographic features like hills and anomalies. These geological formations, such as Alki Point, showcase interesting sediment history.
  3. Seattle is home to several notable hills that have historical significance and provide great views. They are not only beautiful but also tell the story of the region's geological past.

Audit Or Insight? Know Your Interpretation Goal

Mindful Modeler β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 22
πŸ”¬ Science Machine Learning Correlation
  1. Interpretation can be true to the model or true to the data, depending on whether you want to audit the model or gain insights.
  2. For auditing a model, the interpretation needs to be true to the model, considering features' correlation.
  3. When focusing on gaining insights, the interpretation should be true to the data, using methods that avoid unrealistic interpretations of correlated features.

The Fall and Rise of Science Writing

Asimov Press β€’ 180 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Writing Journalism AI News Biology
  1. Science journalism is shifting towards automation using AI, but there is a potential for a renaissance in science writing led by scientists and physicians.
  2. Current news articles often follow a templated structure rooted in historical newspaper layout practices from the past.
  3. The future of impactful science writing lies in personal experiences and unique perspectives, which AI cannot replicate.

Science may not be able to exist on controversial issues

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts β€’ 60 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Controversy Ideology Research
  1. Some controversial issues may not allow science to exist due to preconceived notions and ideology dominating the discourse.
  2. Activists can potentially cause harm if their actions and beliefs overshadow scientific reasoning and discussion.
  3. The dominance of preconceived notions and ideology can be observed in various narratives, such as recent reports from organizations like the NHS.

Train Derailment

The Polymerist β€’ 249 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 23
πŸ”¬ Science Chemicals Regulation Safety Environment Economy
  1. Train derailments involving hazardous chemicals occur frequently and pose significant risks to communities.
  2. Enforcement of regulations by agencies like the EPA and DOT is crucial for preventing future incidents.
  3. Long-term solutions to reduce these incidents may require shifting towards safer, more sustainable practices in the chemical industry.

Building the science factory with LLMs

The Counterfactual β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 23
πŸ”¬ Science Psychology Research Methods Cognitive Science Automation Peer Review
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) could make scientific research faster and more efficient. They might help researchers come up with better hypotheses and analyze data more easily.
  2. Breaking down the research process into smaller parts might allow automation in areas like designing experiments and preparing stimuli. This could save time and improve the quality of research.
  3. While automating parts of scientific research can be helpful, it's important to ensure that human involvement remains, as fully automating the process could lead to lower-quality science.

Nuclear Meltdown

Polymathic Being β€’ 66 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Nuclear power Energy Production Technology advancements
  1. Nuclear energy has advanced significantly in safety and technology, offering powerful environmental benefits.
  2. Outdated fears surrounding nuclear energy are based on events from half a century ago and misunderstandings of current reactor designs.
  3. Innovations like small modular reactors and new fuel sources are making nuclear energy safer, more efficient, and versatile in various applications.

Making Money From Lignin

The Polymerist β€’ 215 implied HN points β€’ 25 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Chemistry Biotechnology Materials Enzymes
  1. Lignin can be a valuable source of aromatic structures for creating synthetic polymers and other materials.
  2. MetGen's enzyme-based technology allows for efficient depolymerization and refining of lignin in alkaline conditions.
  3. MetGen's advancements in lignin processing could make it a viable alternative to petroleum-based feedstocks for creating chemicals and materials.

Why We're Not Engineering Probiotics

Eat Shit and Prosper β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 23
πŸ”¬ Science Microbiology Neuroscience Probiotics Health Research
  1. Natural bacteria like _Bacteroides_ can do important tasks in our bodies better than engineered ones. They have evolved over millions of years and have a complex understanding of their role in our ecosystem.
  2. Engineering probiotics may seem like a safe option, but it often overlooks the richness of existing microbes that might serve our needs without modification.
  3. Working with natural bacteria could lead to breakthroughs in health similar to how domesticated animals have changed human life in the past; there's so much potential waiting to be explored.

Can taste beat peer review?

New Things Under the Sun β€’ 160 implied HN points β€’ 24 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Research Peer Review Decision-making Innovation
  1. Scientific peer review has its strengths, but it also has shortcomings like high costs and potential biases.
  2. Empowering individuals to make decisions on resource allocation can sometimes outperform peer review, especially for supporting less conventional or risky research projects.
  3. Studies show that editors can play a significant role in selecting high-impact or novel research papers, showcasing the importance of individual decision-makers in scientific publishing.