A Biologist's Guide to Life

A Biologist's Guide to Life by Alex Washburne explores various aspects of biology, the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific process, and the intersection of science with public policy and ethics. It critically examines evidence, debates surrounding the pandemic's origin, the role of scientists in society, and the evolution and functionality of biological systems.

COVID-19 Origins and Response Scientific Ethics and Reform Evolution and Function of Biological Systems Public Policy and Health Scientific Communication and Censorship Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

The Pathogenic Academic Lobby

99 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🔬 Science Academic Research Virology Ethics
  1. The history of the COVID-19 pandemic traces back to controversial research on potentially pandemic pathogens conducted by influential scientists before the pandemic began.
  2. A group called Scientists For Science, formed by key researchers, lobbied for the continuation of risky research on enhancing potentially pandemic pathogens, prioritizing academic pursuits and funding over clear benefits or safety precautions.
  3. The public may not be aware of the ongoing conflicts of interest, power struggles, and lobbying efforts within the scientific community regarding high-risk research, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical guidelines in handling dangerous pathogens.

The Path of Heterodoxy

87 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Academia Pandemic Immunity
  1. Being unconventional in the academic world can lead to resistance and pushback from those in power, but staying true to your discoveries and principles is important.
  2. Challenging orthodox beliefs and standing by your heterodox views may result in alienation and hostility, but it can also lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
  3. Navigating the path of heterodoxy requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to face criticism and rejection, but in the end, it can lead to finding a community of like-minded individuals and true allies.
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The Fauci Paradox

63 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Research Pandemic response National Security Policy
  1. The Fermi Paradox suggests that the lack of contact with extraterrestrial life may be due to specific probabilities hindering civilizations' advancement.
  2. Nuclear weapons and diseases are identified as vulnerabilities to human civilization, posing potential threats to societal stability.
  3. The Fauci Paradox highlights the need for closer regulation and oversight in scientific research to prevent catastrophic risks that could endanger humanity.

eLife's Suppression of Science

51 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🔬 Science Peer Review Academic Publishing Research Ethics
  1. Peer review in the scientific community can be flawed, biased, and influenced by power dynamics, leading to the suppression of scientific findings.
  2. Scientific papers can face unfair rejection based on personal biases, conflicts of interest, and editorial decisions.
  3. The current scientific publishing system may hinder the open discussion and publication of research that challenges established beliefs or powerful stakeholders in the field.

Even Enzymes Evolve

24 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🔬 Science Evolution Enzymes Proteins Genomics
  1. Enzymes evolve through mutations in DNA that lead to changes in proteins.
  2. Proteins define traits, and understanding their evolution helps us comprehend life's diversity.
  3. Evolutionary biology provides a framework for understanding genetic changes in organisms, including the origin of antibiotic resistance.