LIL Science

LIL Science, authored by a PhD in Immunology and Engineering, provides scientific analysis focusing on COVID-19, debunking misinformation such as 'Immunity Debt' and vaccine skepticism, detailing virus mutations, and suggesting hygiene and health measures. It includes updates on COVID-19 impacts, vaccines, and variant monitoring.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Immunity Virus Variants and Mutations Health Misinformation Public Health Recommendations Impact of COVID-19 on Different Populations Zoonotic Diseases and Transmission Genetic Research on Disease Susceptibility

The hottest Substack posts of LIL Science

And their main takeaways

Immunity Debt: The Conspiracy Theory Elevated to Popular Pseudoscience That Is Making Children Sick

1277 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Immune System Infections Conspiracy Theories
  1. The concept of 'Immunity Debt' is a dangerous and misleading idea that lacks scientific evidence.
  2. Exposure to pathogens does not weaken the immune system but can lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals.
  3. Post-COVID-19 immune system dysfunction can have serious consequences like increased rates of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Why Does COVID-19 Impact People Differently?

943 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Genetics Immune System Vaccination
  1. COVID-19 affects people differently, with factors like age, comorbidities, and exposure to the virus playing a role
  2. Genetics, such as blood type and HLA genotype, can impact susceptibility to severe COVID-19
  3. Research is ongoing to uncover genetic factors that influence COVID-19 severity, but prevention through vaccination, masks, and distancing remains key
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Which Arm Should You Get Your COVID-19 Booster In?

727 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Vaccination COVID-19 Research Public Health
  1. The arm in which you receive your COVID-19 booster might make a difference in your immune response.
  2. Getting the booster in the same arm as the previous dose could lead to higher neutralizing antibodies and specific T cells.
  3. Memory B cells may persist in the draining lymph node, potentially aiding quicker immune response upon re-exposure to the antigen.

How To Submit a Public Comment Re: Sars-CoV-2 Fall 2023 Updated Booster

628 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Disease Prevention Vaccination Immune System
  1. Public comments about Sars-CoV-2 Fall 2023 Updated Booster must be submitted by September 8th, 2023, 11:59 EST.
  2. To submit a public comment, go to the CDC website, find the Public Comments tab, follow the link to the Federal eRulemaking Portal, and search by docket number CDC-2023-0060.
  3. Advocates believe the booster should be widely available due to limited protection from existing vaccines, risks of reinfection, and potential long-term health impacts.

Accelerated Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in US Deer Populations

471 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🔬 Science Virology Evolution Public Health
  1. SARS-CoV-2 can evolve quickly in deer populations and may become very different from current variants.
  2. Zoonotic transmission is the spread of a virus between humans and animals, which can lead to new variants that may be problematic for human immunity.
  3. Monitoring wildlife for zoonotic diseases is crucial to prevent the emergence of highly divergent variants that could infect humans.

Update on Locally Acquired Malaria in the United States - July 12th, 2023

491 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases Prevention Treatment Vaccination Public Health
  1. Locally acquired cases of malaria have been diagnosed in Florida and Texas for the first time since 2003.
  2. Transmission of malaria within the United States is very rare, with efforts focused on increasing vector control in affected areas.
  3. Taking preventive measures like controlling mosquitos at home and seeking medical care if symptoms develop is advised in areas where malaria has been detected.

WSJ: Are Vaccines Fueling New Covid Variants?

648 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
  1. XBB.1.5 variant is spreading in the US and is expected to be more transmissible, not necessarily more immune evasive.
  2. Vaccination reduces virus variants by reducing virus replication, and the human immune system is complex beyond just antibodies.
  3. Opinion suggesting vaccines fuel Covid variants is biased and lacks scientific support; real-world data shows vaccines still reduce severe disease and hospitalization.

Genetic Variations that Predispose People to Severe COVID-19, Cause of Acute Deadly Hepatitis in Children Likely Identified, SARS-CoV-2 Origin Still Being Investigated

471 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🔬 Science Genetics Infectious Diseases Research Virology
  1. Research has identified genetic variations that make people more likely to have severe COVID-19.
  2. The likely cause of acute deadly hepatitis in children has been identified as a combination of viruses and genetic predispositions.
  3. The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still under investigation, with reports detailing activities in China preceding the pandemic.

Analysis: Florida Department of Health's Vaccine Guidance

648 implied HN points • 08 Oct 22
  1. The Florida Department of Health issued new vaccine guidance based on a study about cardiac-related deaths after mRNA vaccination.
  2. The guidance claims an 84% increase in cardiac-related deaths among males 18-39 after vaccination.
  3. The lack of supporting evidence and incomplete data in the report raises concerns about the validity of the analysis and its potential impact on public health.

On Leaving Twitter

373 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
  1. The user is leaving Twitter due to ethical concerns and harmful content
  2. The platform's security issues posed as a threat to National Security
  3. Twitter has faced a surge in hate speech and data breach concerns

Welcome

786 implied HN points • 27 Mar 22
  1. The author is a PhD scientist turned entrepreneur with expertise in Immunology and Engineering.
  2. The author started sharing content to combat misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. The author's content will not include solicitation to buy anything, medical advice, or stock tips.

UPDATED: Analysis of Florida Department of Health: Guidance on Childhood Vaccines

157 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
  1. Florida Department of Health's guidance on childhood vaccines has faced scrutiny for being in opposition to official recommendations from ACIP, CDC, and AAP.
  2. Research has shown that childhood vaccination against COVID-19 significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and post-COVID symptoms.
  3. The decision to vaccinate children against COVID-19 is supported by major organizations like the FDA, CDC, ACIP, and American Academy of Pediatrics based on clinical trial data and risk-benefit analysis.

Who are you LaughterInLight?

235 implied HN points • 10 Apr 22
  1. LaughterInLight emphasizes the importance of focusing on the content and information provided rather than the identity of the person sharing it.
  2. It is crucial to verify scientific information from sources by looking at data, peer-reviewed publications, and multiple sources.
  3. Being aware of red flags, logical fallacies, and expertise validation are key in debunking misinformation in the scientific realm.