The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Graphene: New Comprehensive Study, Degradation, and Industry Trends

Tessa Fights Robots • 43 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Toxicity Applications Biology Industry
  1. A recent study highlighted the toxicity and degradation of graphene, raising concerns about its broad applications and potential hazards on the environment and human health.
  2. Further research is needed on the degradation of graphene-based nanomaterials to understand their environmental impact and health risks. Some compounds like humic acid and specific enzymes play a role in the biodegradation process.
  3. Graphene is a trending material in various industries, but there are growing concerns about its safety, likening it to the new asbestos or Glyphosate 2.0. Monitoring industry trends and applications of graphene is important for understanding its impact.

Ancient Aliens, Easter Island, and Truth

Skeptic • 46 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Archaeology Skepticism Debate
  1. Reason and science should take precedence over fantasy and entertainment for a safer society.
  2. Skepticism and critical analysis are important in evaluating claims about ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial theories.
  3. Engaging in open conversation, dialogue, and debate can help in seeking the truth and understanding different perspectives.

Coming soon

Science Forever • 19 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🔬 Science General
  1. Holden Thorp is launching a newsletter called 'Science Forever' that focuses on Science and science.
  2. The newsletter will be hosted on holdenthorp.substack.com.
  3. The post advertises the upcoming launch of the newsletter, inviting readers to subscribe.

All The DNA Sequencing Companies

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Development Healthcare
  1. There are many active DNA sequencing companies, and the list is always changing. Some companies that were once popular are now gone.
  2. Significantly, more DNA sequencing companies are now based in China than before. The landscape has shifted with around 15 out of 40 companies being Chinese.
  3. It's essential to stay updated about these companies as new ones emerge and old ones disappear. Sharing information can help keep track of these changes.
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Another Nanopore: PolySeq

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Innovation Instruments
  1. PolySeq is creating a new DNA/RNA sequencing tool similar to the Oxford Nanopore. It aims to improve how we sequence genetic materials.
  2. The device weighs 1.5 kilograms and can handle 2560 wells or pores. This design helps it generate a lot of data in a short time.
  3. PolySeq plans to produce 15 to 20 gigabytes of data in just 48 hours, making sequencing faster and more efficient.

Microbial Time

Microanimism • 2 HN points • 27 May 24
🔬 Science Microbiology Evolution Taxonomy Ecology
  1. Time in the microbial world operates differently than human time - it can be glacial or lightning fast, impacting how we interact with and perceive these organisms.
  2. Microbes have a complex system of classification based on their abundance and genetic diversity, leading to the concept of 'ecotypes.'
  3. Microbial time, diverging from human time, affects how we approach issues like pandemics or environmental solutions that involve manipulating microbial behavior.

Not MiSeq Beaters

ASeq Newsletter • 65 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Some companies are introducing products to compete with Illumina's MiSeq in the lower end of the sequencing market, but they may not pose a strong challenge.
  2. A recent post on GenomeWeb discussed the emergence of kits and instruments targeting the low-throughput market.
  3. The competition to Illumina's dominance at the lower end of the sequencing market continues to evolve.

Acorn Genetics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Nanotechnology Research Methods Innovation
  1. Acorn Genetics is working on a new type of DNA sequencing technology. This technology promises to be fast, giving results in just minutes.
  2. The platform aims to be affordable, costing less than $10,000, which could make it accessible to more users.
  3. One of the cool features is that it won’t require any training to use, meaning anyone could operate it easily.

Have We Been Fooled by PrimeWorld?

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
🔬 Science Research Psychology Social Issues Behavioral Science Academic Publishing
  1. Critically looking at flashy but weak academic research is essential to avoid misguided social initiatives based on unreliable findings
  2. Popular media and journalistic venues often promote non-replicable science as easy solutions to complex problems, leading to wasteful institutional investments in ineffective programs
  3. Emphasizing rigorous scientific methods and exploring alternative solutions beyond 'quick fixes' is crucial in addressing social issues and avoiding costly yet ineffective interventions

Hanky-Panky in the Sea

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 24 Feb 22
🔬 Science Biology Marine life Reproduction Ecology Zoology
  1. Rockfish have a unique way of mating that involves a dance and internal fertilization, which leads to them producing many offspring. Some can even reproduce at over 100 years old!
  2. Geoducks are known for their impressive reproductive abilities, releasing millions of eggs after males eject sperm into the water. They can produce these for over a century as well.
  3. Olympia oysters are hermaphrodites, starting life as males and switching between genders based on their environment. This means they have a different way of reproducing compared to other sea creatures.

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.

Carole Hooven | The War on Science Interviews | Day 11

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🔬 Science Research Ethics Academic Freedom Science Policy Social justice
  1. There will be 20 interviews released, featuring various authors discussing the problems in science and academia. The goal is to share ideas on how to address these issues.
  2. Topics include how social justice activism is affecting academic scholarship and the dangers of cancel culture. The conversations aim to spark important discussions about restoring science and free speech.
  3. The interviews and reflecting on the upcoming book hope to encourage awareness and prompt action to improve the current state of academia and scientific inquiry.

An “AI Breakthrough” on Systematic Generalization in Language?

AI: A Guide for Thinking Humans • 47 HN points • 07 Jan 24
🔬 Science AI Language Neural Networks Generalization Machine Learning
  1. Compositionality in language means the meaning of a sentence is based on its individual words and how they are combined.
  2. Systematicity allows understanding and producing related sentences based on comprehension of specific sentences.
  3. Productivity in language enables the generation and comprehension of an infinite number of sentences.

The war on science isn’t limited to the U.S.

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🔬 Science Research Funding Higher education Public Policy Academic Freedom
  1. The fight against science is happening not just in the U.S., but in many countries like Canada too. It's important to be aware that these issues affect global scientific progress.
  2. There are attacks on scientific research funding and educational programs that threaten the integrity of universities. This has serious implications for how knowledge is pursued and shared.
  3. Public activism, voting, and awareness are crucial in combating these issues. Engaging in discussions and protests can help protect the values of free inquiry in science.

(Ad-free Video) What's New in Science With Sabine and Lawrence

Critical Mass • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🔬 Science Physics Cosmology Energy Artificial Intelligence Biology
  1. There may be large reservoirs of hydrogen on Earth that could support a clean energy future with hydrogen fuel.
  2. The Vera C. Rubin Telescope in Chile is revealing more about the universe and helping scientists understand cosmic mysteries.
  3. AI might start to help design and improve coding systems, which could save energy in training models and even be useful in understanding the origins of life.

People don't want to think more than they have to

UX Psychology • 39 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
🔬 Science Psychology User Experience Decision-making Human behavior
  1. People prefer to take the path of least resistance and avoid thinking too much, unless necessary.
  2. The principle of least effort influences decision-making and problem-solving by favoring easier, quicker Type 1 thinking over more effortful Type 2 thinking.
  3. In UX design, creating seamless and effortless experiences that align with users' preferences for Type 1 thinking can enhance user satisfaction and engagement.

Testosterone: The Difference Maker

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🔬 Science Biology Gender Psychology
  1. The book 'T: The Story of Testosterone' by Carole Hooven explores the significant impact of testosterone on sex differences in morphology, behavior, athletic performance, and more.
  2. Hooven's work challenges social constructivist views on sex differences and presents evidence supporting biological influences.
  3. The book serves as a valuable resource for cultural commentators, shaping discussions on sex and gender differences and dispelling misconceptions about the biology behind them.

The PromethION...

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Research Manufacturing Innovation
  1. The PromethION flowcell might have a lower cost of goods sold compared to the MinION. This could be a reason for its continued use despite falling sales of the MinION.
  2. There’s speculation about who is involved in making and designing the PromethION and its costs. Understanding this could shed light on its future.
  3. The author seems to question why Oxford is not considering cancelling the MinION given its declining sales, which shows concern for business decisions.

Tsunamis in the Tsound

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🔬 Science Geology Natural Disasters Environmental Science Archaeology
  1. Tsunamis can occur in the Puget Sound area due to earthquakes, with one significant event happening around 1,100 years ago. This caused large waves and impacted the land.
  2. Some past tsunamis affected local communities, leading to temporary abandonment of villages. This shows the lasting impact of natural disasters on people's lives.
  3. Recent geological activities, like the Tongan eruption, remind us of the powerful forces of nature. These events can create unusual phenomena, like waves and atmospheric changes, showing how connected we are to the Earth.

The Last Few Years In DNA Sequencing

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Technology Research Innovation Medicine
  1. New companies have started making sequencers similar to Illumina's, which is a big step for the market. More choices mean users can find better prices and features.
  2. The quality of data from these new sequencers is almost as good as Illumina's. This could force Illumina to lower its prices to stay competitive.
  3. It looks like Illumina's profits have taken a hit due to this increased competition. It's important to keep an eye on how their financials change going forward.

Codon: Notes on Progress #1

Asimov Press • 83 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🔬 Science AI Neurotech CRISPR Proteins
  1. Biology is unique because it allows measuring designs in real experiments at massive scales.
  2. AI and machine learning are driving breakthroughs in biology including genome editing prediction and antimicrobial peptide discovery.
  3. Advancements in neurotech include brain-computer interface speed records and LED implants for vision stimulation.

F*ck we are collapsing faster than I thought!

Anima Mundi • 41 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🔬 Science Climate Resources Economy Technology Population
  1. The idea of societal collapse is often misconstrued in movies and media; it's not sudden and widespread, but rather a gradual decline over years or decades.
  2. Collapse is not just a one-time global event with mass casualties, but a slow process influenced by overshoot, resource depletion, pollution, and climate crisis.
  3. As society faces challenges like resource shortages and economic decline, individuals may need to rely more on local communities, personal skills, and simplified governance for resilience.

There's a UFO in My Garage

Skeptic • 61 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🔬 Science Extraterrestrial Life Skepticism UFOs Evidence
  1. The public frenzy over UFOs and UAPs is increasing due to recent congressional hearings.
  2. It's important to approach extraordinary claims with skepticism and demand evidence for beliefs in aliens or UFOs.
  3. Being open-minded but skeptical is key when evaluating claims about extraterrestrial intelligence and UFO sightings.

The role of Claudin-1 in fibrotic disease

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Health Biology Medicine Research Therapeutics
  1. Claudin-1 is a protein that plays a key role in fibrotic diseases. When it gets exposed outside its normal area in tissues, it can trigger harmful processes that lead to excessive scarring.
  2. Research shows that targeting Claudin-1 could be a promising way to treat fibrosis in different organs. Approaches like using specific antibodies have shown positive results in reducing fibrosis in animal studies.
  3. Future studies need to focus on understanding how Claudin-1 works in detail and testing these new treatments in humans. This could lead to better options for people suffering from fibrotic diseases.

Science Magazine Reaches New Low, Defames Their Critics

The DisInformation Chronicle • 35 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Journalism Virology Pandemic Criticism
  1. Science Magazine published a defamatory article attacking critics but later had to retract false information, exposing a consistent theme of inaccuracy in science reporting.
  2. The journalists at Science Magazine showed bias and ignored evidence that contradicted their reporting, leading to criticism for unethical practices.
  3. Researchers pointed out flawed research and misleading behavior from virologists, highlighting the importance of ethical journalism and integrity in science reporting.

The surreal numbers

Infinitely More • 41 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🔬 Science Mathematics Numbers Recursion Infinity
  1. The surreal numbers unify various number systems into one comprehensive system.
  2. Surreal numbers are generated through a recursive process of completion and ordering.
  3. The surreal number generation rule involves separating existing numbers into lower and upper sets to create new numbers.

Lynn Margulis and her ground breaking research

the rohn report • 59 implied HN points • 22 Jul 21
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Research
  1. The biosphere operates through symbiosis, not competition or predation. Cooperation and getting along have been key to the development of complex life forms on Earth.
  2. Lynn Margulis' groundbreaking research on endosymbiosis challenged traditional Darwinian principles and highlighted the importance of symbiotic relationships in evolution.
  3. Symbiosis, not just natural selection through predation, is a major driver of evolutionary change and has shaped the diverse and interconnected world we live in.

Dorian Abbot: What I would change at NSF

Critical Mass • 16 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Research Policy Technology Education Funding
  1. The National Science Foundation (NSF) should focus more on funding high-quality scientific research. This means evaluating projects based on merit rather than identity politics.
  2. Some specific areas for change include revising the NSF's vision and core values to align them with their original purpose.
  3. There is a call to eliminate offices and initiatives that prioritize diversity and inclusion over scientific merit, like the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering.

Why Doesn’t My Model Work?

The Gradient • 36 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🔬 Science Machine Learning Data Analysis Research Models Errors
  1. Machine learning models can sometimes seem good but fail when applied to real-world data due to complexities that cause overfitting without being obvious
  2. Issues with machine learning models are increasingly reported in scientific and popular media, impacting tasks like pandemic response or water quality assessments
  3. Preventing mistakes in machine learning involves using tools like the REFORMS checklist for ML-based science to ensure reproducibility and accuracy

Ultima Genomics - More Reads Per Bead?

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🔬 Science DNA Sequencing
  1. In DNA sequencing, methods that ensure one bead and one template per droplet can significantly increase throughput.
  2. Ultima Genomics has been working on a method that allows 100% of beads to have product from a single template, potentially doubling throughput.
  3. Ultima's approach shows promise in reducing polyclonal rates, potentially offering an advantage over existing platforms.

Flying Rats or Models of Evolution?

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 18 Nov 21
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Animal Behavior Urban Ecology Natural History
  1. Pigeons are often seen as dirty or bothersome, yet they play an important role in urban ecosystems by cleaning up food waste. Instead of just seeing them as pests, we should recognize their contributions to keeping our cities cleaner.
  2. Pigeons are surprisingly intelligent and adaptable birds. They learn from each other, can navigate long distances, and have been used in important historical events, like carrying messages during wars.
  3. Charles Darwin studied pigeons to understand natural selection better. He saw how humans influenced their breeding, which helped him develop ideas about evolution that still matter today.