The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Year In Review - Everything Else!

ASeq Newsletter β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Genomics Sequencing Biotechnology
  1. Clinical sequencing is becoming a major part of the medical field, especially in areas like oncology and genetic disease testing. However, many clinicians still find it challenging to use these new testing methods.
  2. Protein sequencing is an emerging area with potential advancements on the horizon, particularly with new technologies like Nanopore. It's an exciting field that many are watching closely.
  3. Single cell analysis remains a hot topic, but companies like 10X Genomics are facing challenges with growth and patent issues. There are still many experiments and innovations happening in this space.

The Need To Pee

Living Fossils β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 06 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Health Psychology Anatomy Behavior
  1. Tycho Brahe's story shows how ignoring the urge to pee can have serious consequences for health, as it may lead to fatal infections. It's a reminder that some bodily needs shouldn't be ignored, even in social settings.
  2. The bladder fills and sends signals to the brain that motivate us to pee. This system is controlled by specialized cells that detect stretching, similar to how we feel full after eating.
  3. We have the ability to control when we pee, which helps us navigate social norms and situations. This skill allows us to prioritize different needs but can sometimes lead to difficult choices.

The Game of Diophantus

ThΓ‘i | Hacker | Kα»Ή sΖ° tin tαΊ·c β€’ 1 HN point β€’ 26 Jun 24
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics Cryptography History Astrology Physics
  1. Diophantus, an ancient Greek mathematician, is known for solving equations with two unknowns and his work formed the basis for modern cryptographic algorithms like ECC.
  2. The lost works of Diophantus, preserved during historical upheavals, resurfaced over centuries, impacting later mathematicians like Fermat, who posed the famous Last Theorem.
  3. The journey from Tycho, who pioneered data science with precise astronomical observations, to Kepler discovering that planetary orbits are ellipses, connects to the development of elliptic curves in mathematics.

Compute In The HiSeq X

ASeq Newsletter β€’ 43 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Technology Hardware Storage
  1. HiSeq X uses an external compute server compared to MiSeq's internal computer setup.
  2. HiSeq X has larger storage volumes in various RAID configurations than MiSeq.
  3. HiSeq X offers about 4x the compute performance of MiSeq, while NovaSeq 6000 is 7 times faster than HiSeq X.

Oxford Nanopore Simplex Overall Error Rate ~3%? (Best model - New dataset)

ASeq Newsletter β€’ 43 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Genomics Data Analysis
  1. The overall error rate of Oxford Nanopore Simplex is around 3%, higher than the claimed 0.5% by the company
  2. Filtering of data can significantly improve error rates, but with a potential throughput cost to consider
  3. Duplex reads show a lower error rate compared to Simplex, making it a preferable option despite a throughput hit
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4 Reads Per Cluster! Simultaneously Paired End-Sequencing!

ASeq Newsletter β€’ 36 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Genetics Bioinformatics Sequencing Biotechnology
  1. Illumina has a method to potentially double their instruments' throughput, but it may come with a slight decrease in accuracy.
  2. By simultaneously reading both the forward and reverse strands, Illumina can achieve four reads per cluster, doubling the throughput.
  3. Implementing the simultaneous paired-end sequencing approach may be challenging without sacrificing accuracy, but it opens up opportunities for increased throughput in the future.

The NextSeq 2000 Optical System

ASeq Newsletter β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Physics Chemistry Technology Engineering
  1. The NextSeq 2000 utilizes structured illumination to improve imaging quality. This technology allows for clearer images of very small features that were hard to see before.
  2. This updated information aims to reach a broader audience, moving from a previous platform to this one.
  3. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, highlighting the value in subscribing for more detailed insights.

Solveig Gold and Joshua Katz | The War on Science Interviews | Day 9

Critical Mass β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 25
πŸ”¬ Science Academic Freedom Scientific Integrity Social Issues Education reform Public Discourse
  1. The interviews discuss big issues in academia, like free speech and how social justice affects science. It's important to talk about these problems to help fix science and education.
  2. Many experts featured in the interviews believe that there are real dangers from cancel culture and misleading information in fields like medicine and gender studies. They want to expose these risks to people.
  3. The goal is to encourage discussion and make universities better for scholarship and science. They want to unite people to battle this ongoing conflict about how science is viewed and taught.

Functional protein mining with conformal guarantees

Axial β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Bioinformatics Molecular Biology Machine Learning Genomics Proteomics
  1. A new method is developed for predicting protein functions using something called conformal prediction. This makes the predictions more reliable and provides a clear way to understand risks when selecting proteins.
  2. The approach helps in annotating genes and predicting enzyme functions more accurately without needing new training models. This is great for speeding up research in life sciences.
  3. It also offers a smart way to reduce the number of proteins needing full analysis, making the process quicker and cheaper while still keeping good accuracy.

Transannular C–H functionalization of cycloalkane carboxylic acids

Axial β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Chemistry Biology Research Innovation
  1. New methods to make cyclic compounds called carbocycles are being developed. These methods are more efficient than traditional ones.
  2. Two new types of ligands help improve the ability to manipulate these compounds, making the process more controlled. This is especially important for challenging structures.
  3. The research shows that creating complex molecules can be done in fewer steps than before, which saves time and resources in drug development.

Clam Slamming

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 29 Sep 21
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Ornithology Ecology Behavior Environmental
  1. Gulls drop clams from heights to crack them open, showing they learn and get better at doing this as they grow older. They choose harder surfaces to help break the clams more easily.
  2. Crows also use a similar technique to open walnuts and adjust their drop heights based on how many times they have already dropped the nut. This shows their intelligence in problem-solving.
  3. Sometimes, using this dropping method can lead to accidents, like when a poet was supposedly killed by a turtle dropped by an eagle. It's a reminder to be careful about falling objects!

Birth of protein folds and functions in the virome

Axial β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 24 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Virology Genetics Molecular Biology Bioinformatics
  1. A lot of viral proteins have unique structures, showing there's still much to discover in the viral world. More than half of these proteins are structurally different from anything we've seen before.
  2. Some viral proteins are surprisingly similar to human proteins, which allows viruses to trick our cells. This understanding could lead to new ways to combat viral infections.
  3. Using advanced techniques to study protein structures is really powerful. It can reveal function and relationships that traditional methods might miss, helping us understand viruses better.

Of Douglas fir and History

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 19 Mar 21
πŸ”¬ Science Botany Ecology Natural History Cultural History Environmental Science
  1. Douglas fir trees are not just beautiful; they play a significant role in the natural history of their environment. People can connect with nature by observing the wildlife that feeds and nests in these majestic trees.
  2. The naming of the Douglas fir reflects a rich history of exploration and study, showing how different cultures, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, have interacted with and valued the tree. Names can tell us stories about a place and its people.
  3. Learning the scientific names of plants can make people feel more connected to nature. It encourages curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us.

Unbiased mapping of cereblon neosubstrate landscape by high-throughput proteomics

Axial β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 24 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biochemistry Proteomics Drug Discovery Molecular Biology Cancer Research
  1. A new method helps find powerful compounds that can target hard-to-reach proteins for drug development. These compounds are called molecular glue degraders, and they can help break down unwanted proteins in the body.
  2. The study found many new targets for these compounds, including some that haven't been studied much before. This expands the potential for developing new treatments for diseases like cancer.
  3. The researchers created a process that combines different scientific techniques, making it easier to design and improve these drugs. This means we might see more precise and effective medicines in the future.

In vivo photoreceptor base editing ameliorates rhodopsin-E150K autosomal-recessive retinitis pigmentosa in mice

Axial β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Gene Therapy CRISPR Molecular Biology
  1. Researchers are using CRISPR technology to fix a genetic mutation that causes a type of blindness in mice. This mutation is in the rhodopsin gene, which is important for vision.
  2. Timing is really important for the treatment to be effective. Treating mice earlier resulted in better preservation of their eyesight compared to treating them later.
  3. Despite progress, there are challenges in translating this therapy for humans. The mutation is rare, making it tough to conduct clinical trials, and the therapy needs further development for success.

How to Engineer Therapeutic AAVs

LatchBio β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Gene Therapy Bioinformatics Machine Learning
  1. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are used for gene therapy because they can deliver therapeutic genes safely without causing disease in humans. They're like little delivery trucks that send important genetic information to specific parts of the body.
  2. Dyno Therapeutics created a new version of AAV called Dyno bCap1, which is much better at getting to the brain and avoiding the liver, showcasing how engineering can significantly improve these therapies.
  3. By using machine learning, scientists can design better AAVs by predicting how changes in their structure affect their ability to deliver genes. This makes the process smarter and helps create more effective treatments.

Maarten Boudry | The War on Science Interviews | Day 3

Critical Mass β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 25
πŸ”¬ Science Academia Scholarship Free speech Scientific Integrity Cultural Issues
  1. There will be 20 interviews released that discuss serious issues affecting science and academia. Each interview will focus on different topics related to the current state of science.
  2. The conversations bring attention to problems like cancel culture and the impact of social justice activism in academic fields. These issues are seen as threats to scientific progress.
  3. The initiative aims to spark discussions about restoring trust and excellence in science. It's important to address both internal and external challenges facing the scientific community.

An N terminomics toolbox combining 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde probes and click chemistry for profiling protease specificity

Axial β€’ 37 implied HN points β€’ 12 Dec 23
πŸ”¬ Science Chemistry Biology Research Proteins Methods
  1. The paper introduces an expanded toolbox of reagents for profiling protease substrates and specificity using chemoproteomic methods.
  2. The work demonstrated high N-terminal selectivity with little intrinsic sequence bias beyond a requirement for a backbone amide at position 2.
  3. The 2PCA toolkit enables a broad range of applications in protease biology research by providing selective N-terminal labeling reagents that are easy to implement.

Hair Ice

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 21
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Ecology Climate Nature
  1. Hair ice is a unique ice formation that looks like fine white hair and is created by a winter-active fungus called Exidiopsis effusa. It grows on decaying wood and is visible in certain cold conditions.
  2. The fungus helps to shape the hair ice by breaking down lignin in the wood, allowing the ice to grow in a delicate, curly form. This process demonstrates a fascinating relationship between nature and fungi.
  3. Hair ice can only be found in a specific northern latitude range and adds beauty to winter walks, reminding us to appreciate the small wonders in nature around us.

Guest Post: Beatriz Villarroel on her personal experience with "Guilt by Association" harassment in Astronomy

Critical Mass β€’ 52 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 23
πŸ”¬ Science Astronomy Harassment Ethics Research Academia
  1. Beatriz Villarroel shares her personal experience with 'Guilt by Association' harassment in Astronomy.
  2. She advocates for respect of human rights in academia.
  3. She emphasizes the importance of legal due process and rehabilitation, rather than extrajudicial condemnation.

Lattices

Infinitely More β€’ 33 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics
  1. A lattice is an order relation where every pair of elements has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound.
  2. In lattices, the join of two elements is the larger of them and the meet is the smaller of them.
  3. Every linear order, set of positive integers, Boolean algebra, and field of sets can be considered lattices.

Cemeteries: A Great Place for Geodorks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 19 Aug 21
πŸ”¬ Science Geology Natural History Ecology Biology Urban Studies
  1. Cemeteries are interesting places for geology lovers. You can find unique rocks and stones used in tombstones that tell stories about the local geology.
  2. Different styles of tombstones, like treestumps, have special meanings. They often include symbols that represent aspects of life, such as doves for peace or frogs for resurrection.
  3. Visiting cemeteries can be a calming experience. They offer quiet spaces to explore nature, observe wildlife, and enjoy beautiful sights like lichens and weathered stones.

The 15 Hats Problem

Metarational β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 23 Apr 21
πŸ”¬ Science Puzzle Strategy Mathematics Logic
  1. The 15 Hats Problem is a complex brain teaser that involves guessing the color of hats based on a strategy involving bitwise XOR operations.
  2. Strategies for simpler versions of the problem, like 3 hats, helped in understanding and developing a winning strategy for the 15 hats scenario.
  3. The key to solving the 15 Hats Problem involves clever observations about modular arithmetic, powers of 2, and the use of bitwise XOR operations.

Protein Sequencing And Nanopore Current Ranges...

ASeq Newsletter β€’ 29 implied HN points β€’ 02 Mar 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Chemistry Technology Research Innovation
  1. Protein sequencing using nanopores is a topic of interest, with a recent study highlighting a large state space of 10^25 and using an Oxford Nanopore's R9.4.1 pore with a range of ~10pA.
  2. Investigating patents can provide insights into the current range for DNA sequencing and can spark further contemplation about the future of protein sequencing using nanopores.
  3. The detailed post on protein sequencing and nanopore current ranges is available for paid subscribers, emphasizing the exclusivity of the content.

Are We Getting Dumber?

Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Intelligence Fertility Genetics Psychology Data Analysis
  1. There is a negative correlation between IQ and fertility across the world, suggesting a decline in intelligence over time.
  2. More developed countries show a weaker decline in intelligence compared to less developed nations.
  3. Embryo selection for intelligence could potentially offset the decline in intelligence, especially in wealthier countries.