The hottest Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Influential Mathematicians: Henri Lebesgue

Quantum Formalism • 39 implied HN points • 03 Aug 20
🔬 Science Mathematics Physics History
  1. Henri Lebesgue is known as the father of modern integration theory for formulating the theory of measure and giving the definition of the Lebesgue integral, which expanded mathematical analysis.
  2. Lebesgue's work on integration theory was crucial to the development of the Hilbert space formalism in quantum mechanics, demonstrating its influence on mathematical foundations of quantum physics.
  3. Lebesgue made major contributions in various mathematical areas beyond integration theory, including topology, potential theory, calculus of variations, set theory, and dimension theory.

Axial Discovery - Machine learning and DNA-encoded libraries

Axial • 29 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🔬 Science Machine Learning
  1. DNA-encoded libraries (DEL) use unique DNA barcodes to screen chemical compounds efficiently.
  2. Machine learning helps map out structure-activity relationships in DELs for virtual screening.
  3. Challenges in DELs include improving chemical diversity, developing better filters for virtual screening, and expanding screening criteria for more accurate models.

NextSeq 550 Flowcell Notes

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Instruments Materials Optics
  1. NextSeq 550 flowcell has a unique design where the gasket sits on the flowcell interface and the glass is thicker than other instruments, possibly for stability.
  2. The flowcell glass thickness is surprising and might impact the imaging process, requiring specific optics designed for it.
  3. The material of the channel spacer in the flowcell is unknown, leading to curiosity about its composition and potential patent research.

Lecture 7 Registration

Quantum Formalism • 19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 21
🔬 Science Quantum Computing Machine Learning
  1. Lie Groups play a key role in connecting the main parts of Differential Geometry to quantum computing, especially in the context of quantum gates forming Lie Group structures like U(n) and SU(n).
  2. Understanding Lie Groups and smooth manifolds is crucial in grasping the foundation behind Quantum Kernels and their relation to machine learning, including geometric deep learning.
  3. The mathematics covered in quantum formalism courses not only relate to physics and quantum computing but also have practical applications in areas like machine learning, expanding the relevance of the knowledge learned.
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QE, UAPs, Aliens and The Invisible War

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 29 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🔬 Science Physics Technology Military Astronomy Innovation
  1. After the Great Financial Crisis, defense spending has become a new form of quantitative easing, fueling an arms race and geopolitical tensions.
  2. Increased defense budgets across countries signal a shift towards investment in innovation and military capabilities.
  3. The emergence of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) raises questions about advanced technology, possible alien involvement, and the evolving nature of modern warfare.

It's a DARPA-filled Week

The Good Science Project • 18 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🔬 Science Technology Research Funding Computers
  1. Recent articles are discussing the different perspectives on the ARPA funding model for research.
  2. Eric Gilliam is starting a comprehensive project analyzing past DARPA projects, aiming to create a resource for funders in similar organizations.
  3. This week is filled with DARPA-related content for those interested in ARPA initiatives.

(Ad-free Video) Jennifer Doudna: Scientist and World Changer

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biochemistry Research Technology Ethics
  1. Jennifer Doudna played a key role in developing CRISPR, a powerful genetic tool that could greatly impact human health and genetics.
  2. Her work highlights the importance of fundamental research in science, which can lead to unexpected and significant advancements.
  3. Discussions around scientific discoveries like CRISPR are crucial as society must consider the ethical responsibilities that come with such powerful tools.

Axial Discovery - Epigenetic theory of aging

Discovery by Axial • 2 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Aging Research Health
  1. Aging may happen because our cells lose important information about how to function properly over time. This loss makes them age and not work as well.
  2. Scientists have found that it might be possible to reverse this aging by resetting the 'instructions' in our cells. This could make old cells act young again.
  3. There are still big challenges to make this work safely in living beings. We need to figure out how to control the process so it doesn’t cause problems like uncontrolled cell growth.

Objects in the Night Sky

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🔬 Science Astrophysics Cosmology Observation Astronomy Natural History
  1. On a clear night, the sky can reveal amazing cosmic views, including planets and stars. Sometimes, what we see in the sky can surprise us because it looks different than we expect.
  2. Using binoculars or telescopes can help us learn more about celestial objects. However, we might still make mistakes about what we see, like confusing planets for moons.
  3. Our observations can change with new information. Just because we see something one way doesn't mean it's the only way to understand it; learning the facts can change our view of what's in the sky.

Scoring Rules

Abstraction • 19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🔬 Science Forecasting
  1. Proper scoring rules encourage honest and accurate forecasting by penalizing dishonesty and over/under-confidence.
  2. Improper scoring rules do not incentivize forecasters to report their true beliefs, leading to suboptimal forecasting incentives.
  3. In practice, proper scoring mechanisms like Brier scoring help distinguish skill from noise over multiple rounds and promote honest, calibrated forecasting.

Ultima Unpatterned Flowcells

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Technology Research Innovation
  1. Ultima has transitioned to using unpatterned flowcells, which are cheaper and possibly work well with minor drawbacks.
  2. Ultima's manufacturing using unpatterned flowcells involves surface treatment and spin coating to attach and shrink beads for better identification and access.
  3. The occupancy and loading efficiency of Ultima's unpatterned flowcells suggest a potential capacity for 8 billion reads per run, showing advancements since their 2022 preprints.

Your Brain is Wrong About Probability

The Palindrome • 2 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🔬 Science Probability Behavioral Mathematics Decision-making Game Theory
  1. Our brains often misunderstand probability, leading us to make poor decisions. We think past events can change future outcomes, but each event is independent.
  2. In games like poker, winning one hand might be luck, but winning consistently is about skill and understanding the odds.
  3. Chasing losses, like believing you're 'due' for a win after losing, can lead to financial problems. It's important to recognize that bad luck doesn't influence future chances.

I still think it's very unlikely we're observing alien aircraft

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 22 HN points • 14 Jun 23
🔬 Science Astronomy Skepticism Physics Evidence Aliens
  1. Some think there might be alien aircraft on Earth due to the vastness of the universe and numerous reports.
  2. Eyewitness reports of strange aircraft are taken seriously and are difficult to explain.
  3. Old observations suggesting alien aircraft have been debunked, lack of conclusive evidence is a key factor against their existence.

The Power of the Earth

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Geothermal Energy Renewable Energy Energy transition
  1. Geothermal energy, originating from the Earth's core, offers a clean and abundant energy source.
  2. Innovative drilling methods using millimeter waves show potential to revolutionize deep geothermal projects.
  3. Geothermal power has the potential to provide continuous, clean energy on a global scale, but requires further technological advancements and support from governments.

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

Critical Mass • 4 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔬 Science Physics Quantum Life Environment Technology
  1. A new podcast series will discuss exciting science stories every month, featuring experts Sabine Hossenfelder and Lawrence Krauss. They're both knowledgeable and will provide unique perspectives on current events in science.
  2. The discussions aim to go beyond the simple headlines and hype, offering deeper insights into topics like quantum computing, climate change, and more. This approach helps clarify complex issues that often get oversimplified in the news.
  3. The podcast emphasizes that science is a collaborative effort, showcasing how scientists debate and build on each other's ideas. This makes the podcast not just informative but also a peek into the dynamic world of scientific discourse.

In This Best of All Possible Worlds

The Unabashed Observer • 1 HN point • 05 Apr 24
🔬 Science Technology Health History Climate Education
  1. Modern life is filled with miracles we often overlook, like the exponential growth in computing power and the decreasing cost of technology.
  2. Access to a variety of fresh produce throughout the year at affordable prices showcases the advancements in global supply chains and the decrease in food costs over time.
  3. Advancements in medicine, transportation, and overall quality of life have led to longer and healthier lives for many, showcasing the progress humanity has made over the centuries.

Corridor numbers, Fibonacci numbers, and Pascal’s triangle

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained • 12 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🔬 Science Mathematics Geometry Chess Induction
  1. Corridor numbers count ways to take diagonal steps down a corridor with fixed width. The numbers in each box form Fibonacci numbers when summed vertically.
  2. Fibonacci sequence is generated by summing the previous two terms. In the context of corridor numbers, Fibonacci numbers represent different routes to specific boxes.
  3. Pascal's triangle has rows starting and ending with 1, where each entry is the sum of two nearest entries from the row above. Circular Pascal arrays relate to corridor numbers and can produce Fibonacci numbers when subtracting specific entries.

Transfinite recursive constructions

Infinitely More • 23 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🔬 Science Mathematics Recursion
  1. Recursions can express fundamental relations in various contexts like mathematical sequences and modelings like the Fibonacci sequence.
  2. Many familiar arithmetic functions can be defined by recursion, showing a deeper fundamental aspect of their operations.
  3. Defining functions by recursion can be legitimate for natural numbers, but may fail for real numbers due to multiple or no solutions.

An Overview Of The HiSeq X Optical System

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🔬 Science
  1. The HiSeq X optical system uses TDI imaging to scan across the surface and build up an image line by line.
  2. The system reads out 4 different emission colors which complicates the imaging process.
  3. Various components like ND filters, Powell lens, laser shutter, and dichroic mirror/filter play key roles in enabling accurate imaging on the HiSeq X optical system.

Superb Halos

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🔬 Science Optics Meteorology Physics Geography History
  1. Atmospheric ice crystal optics can create superb halos that are visually stunning and fascinating.
  2. Halos are optical phenomena caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere, with different types like the 22° Halo.
  3. Kenneth Libbrecht, known as the "pope of snow crystals," released a monograph explaining the formation of ice crystals and snowflakes.

Everything Wrong With: "Illumina: The Measurement Monopoly" Part 4/8

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biology Chemistry Physics Engineering Technology
  1. The term 'TechBio' may seem superficial, but technology development in biology is complex and involves a mix of disciplines.
  2. The first qPCR machine from 1992 involved intricate instrumentation like photomultiplier tubes and a variety of electronic components.
  3. The development of technology in biology requires navigating complexity and balancing biochemistry and detection techniques to meet market demands.

Things That Caught My Eye #8:

Natural Selections • 4 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Nutrition Astronomy Ecology Anthropology Botany
  1. Indigenous people often fed muscle meat to their dogs, focusing on eating nutrient-rich organs instead. This shows they had important knowledge about nutrition that many of us overlook today.
  2. The skeletons of large game animals were usually found as broken bone chips, which indicates a careful use of all parts of the animal for nutrition, especially the marrow.
  3. There is a curiosity about whether Earth ever had a ring like the other large planets in our Solar System, and this raises questions about our planet's history.

Bringing Up An Old EBay MiSeq

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Bought an old MiSeq on eBay, faced issues like getting reagents from Illumina and shipping to Japan but managed to resolve them
  2. Had to reset the password for the MiSeq, managed it by using a Linux system to reset and configure passwords
  3. Prepped PhiX control, ran a sequencing run with over-clustered results, but was able to get 20+ bases aligned to PhiX

The Insufficient Weirdness Hypothesis

Gradient Ascendant • 20 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🔬 Science Future AI Science fiction Artificial Intelligence Forecasting
  1. The future is consistently weirder than expected because of unknown unknowns and unusual juxtapositions.
  2. AI development and outcomes are expected to be highly weird and unpredictable, not following a smooth exponential path.
  3. Weird and unexpected scenarios are more indicative of potential future risks to consider rather than conventional outcomes.

Strategically delusional

Optimally Irrational • 15 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🔬 Science Cognitive Biases Psychology Deception Evolutionary biology Communication
  1. Many people tend to overestimate their abilities and standing relative to others because they derive pleasure from thinking they are better than they actually are.
  2. Overconfidence can lead to costly mistakes in the real world, even though it might offer benefits in social interactions where it can influence others' behaviors.
  3. Self-deception, fueled by the belief in our own lies, may help us deceive others more effectively, especially in situations where credibility is crucial.

3 Million Barrels of Oil Per Batt!

Aether Pirates of the Matterium! • 3 HN points • 26 Feb 23
🔬 Science Energy Electric Vehicles Environmental Impact Energy consumption
  1. It takes a lot of oil to produce and charge an electric vehicle battery, potentially more than the amount it would save over its lifetime.
  2. The total energy cost of producing and using the Tesla Model S Long Range battery pack, including environmental factors like disposal and fires, is equivalent to about 3,088,431 barrels of oil.
  3. Factors like lithium extraction, transportation, factory construction, and battery recycling all contribute to the overall energy cost of electric vehicle batteries.

A Most Curious Slug

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Natural History Zoology Conservation
  1. The slug _Arion rufus_ is often seen as a garden pest today, but it was once considered an intriguing species. In the past, scientists like Tracey Storer appreciated its uniqueness and collected it for study.
  2. This slug was first spotted in Detroit in 1912 and has since spread to other areas like Seattle, where it has become a common problem for gardeners.
  3. Despite being viewed negatively, slugs have interesting adaptations, such as their ability to cover themselves in slime for protection. Some people are even starting to be kinder to them instead of killing them outright.

A Realistic Look at Quantum Computing

Bzogramming • 22 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🔬 Science Quantum Computing
  1. Quantum computers face significant engineering hurdles that limit their practical applications
  2. Quantum systems have a time-reversibility property, making them a type of reversible computer
  3. Reversible computing involves creating gates with the same number of inputs as outputs, like the CNOT gate