Natural Selections

Natural Selections explores the intersection of evolution, science, and societal issues, challenging conventional wisdom and prompting reevaluation of accepted norms. It discusses biological differences, privacy, censorship, education, and environmental concerns, often emphasizing the importance of questioning, creativity, and scientific inquiry.

Evolution Societal Issues Biological Differences Privacy Censorship Education Environmental Concerns Scientific Inquiry

The hottest Substack posts of Natural Selections

And their main takeaways

Letter from Harvard

10 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🔬 Science Research Funding Medical Science Cancer Research Public Policy Higher education
  1. The end of federal funding for research can hurt students, especially those from low-income families, making it harder for them to contribute to important medical advancements.
  2. A lot of scientific research relies on federal money, and cuts can disrupt ongoing projects and harm future innovation, making it a complex issue beyond just budget cuts.
  3. Having more people involved in science is great, but it raises questions about how to fund it fairly. We need to ensure that decisions on funding are made wisely and not based on popularity.

Kill Your Pathogens

5 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Nutrition Fitness Biology Disease
  1. Humans are really good at adapting to different environments, but the germs and parasites that make us sick can't handle as much as we can. This is why we can often beat them by making our bodies a less friendly place for them.
  2. One way to fight off infections is to let your body have a fever. Instead of taking medicine to bring it down right away, try to ride it out as it helps eliminate germs by raising your body temperature.
  3. Another tip is to dry fast, which means not eating or drinking anything for a while. This forces your body to use up old cells and resources, making it harder for pathogens to survive.

Why I Am Voting for Trump

107 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideology Government Social Issues Public Policy Media
  1. Trump is independent and doesn't answer to the old power structures in politics. Many people prefer his honesty over politicians who seem insincere.
  2. He is focused on health, including food safety and pharmaceutical practices. The idea is to support real, science-based approaches instead of relying on big companies.
  3. Trump's policies during his first term led to better job creation and a focus on small businesses, which many believe is crucial for American families and the economy.

Not the First Female President

18 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Executive orders Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. Definitions of sex should clarify that females are those who produce eggs and males produce sperm. It's about biology, not ideology.
  2. The recent executive order emphasizes 'immutable' biological sex, arguing against perspectives that suggest sex is not binary.
  3. Critics misunderstand the order, thinking it could legally declare everyone as female, which isn't true or scientifically accurate.

Remembering the Palisades

12 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Nostalgia Childhood Urban Development
  1. The Palisades was a vibrant neighborhood with places like Mort's Deli and The Hot Dog Show, creating a sense of community and fond memories.
  2. Significant changes, including fires, have destroyed many landmarks in the Palisades, leaving a lasting impact on the residents and the area's character.
  3. The aftermath of such disasters raises questions about housing and recovery for people who have lost their homes in an already expensive city.
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Interconnection

20 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political Behavior Media influence Social movements
  1. The writer reflects on how political differences can strain friendships. They recognize that sharing opinions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or even the end of a relationship.
  2. They observe that fear and anxiety can be perpetuated through stories—like how people were scared during Covid and are now fearful of political changes. This behavior seems to repeat regardless of the specific fear.
  3. The writer emphasizes the importance of having honest conversations with friends, even when opinions differ. They hope for mutual understanding instead of being divided by politics.

Improving K-12 Education in America

14 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🚌 Education Curriculum Health Teachers Administration
  1. K-12 education should include more hands-on experiences like field trips and creative classes such as art and music. Students learn better when they can explore the world around them.
  2. Schools need better schedules and healthier environments. Later start times and more recess can help kids focus and stay active during the day.
  3. Teachers should have the freedom to teach in different ways, and they should be well-qualified in their subjects. This creates a better learning experience for students.

Pharma Darlings

11 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Pharmaceuticals Obesity Diet Public Health
  1. New weight loss drugs like GLP-1 RAs are popular, but they come with risks and might not be as safe as people think. There are concerns about muscle loss and other health issues.
  2. The food we eat is often unhealthy and can contribute to weight gain and poor health. Many foods are processed with chemicals that are not good for our bodies.
  3. Instead of relying on quick fixes like pills, focusing on better eating habits and exercise could lead to healthier lifestyles. Simple changes like controlling carbs and eating more protein can make a difference.

Reason for Optimism

15 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Political Ideology Media influence
  1. People have different beliefs based on the information they receive. It's important to remember that just because someone thinks differently, it doesn't mean they're foolish.
  2. Science is a process of exploring truths and correcting mistakes, and we should not blindly trust anyone claiming to be the ultimate authority on it.
  3. Despite the chaos in politics and society, there's a reason to be hopeful. Many individuals from different backgrounds are coming together to work for a better future.

Metamorphosis

5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Identity Metaphysics Epistemology Nature Change
  1. Frogs start as tiny tadpoles and then change into frogs, showcasing a natural transformation. This idea can also help us understand our own growth as we change from childhood to adulthood.
  2. The Ship of Theseus serves as a metaphor for identity and change. Just like the ship can have all its parts replaced and still be considered the same, we too can change but still remain uniquely ourselves.
  3. Humans have a long childhood where we learn by observing and imitating. Unlike frogs, we don't undergo a physical metamorphosis, but we do experience a significant evolution in skills and abilities as we grow.

Boundaries

6 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Environmental Policy Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Nature often defies clear boundaries. Things like rivers and lakes change over time, making it hard to say exactly where one starts and another ends.
  2. Humans try to impose strict borders on nature, like property lines, but those boundaries can fail. Nature is fluid and doesn't always fit into our definitions.
  3. The idea of what makes an individual can be fuzzy too. Our actions and connections blend with those of others, showing that we are part of a larger network.

Bad Storms, Bad Science

12 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🔬 Science Climate Science Environmental Studies Scientific Method Data Analysis Research Ethics
  1. Climate science often relies on models that may not fully prove human actions are the main cause of temperature increases. It's important to question what we assume about these models.
  2. Some media outlets present conclusions about climate change as facts, which can mislead people. They may not explore other possible reasons for climate events.
  3. True science should consider multiple explanations for observations instead of insisting on a single cause. It's essential to keep an open mind in scientific discussions.

Things That Caught My Eye #8:

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.

Sugar Plum Adjacent

6 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Baking Holidays Nutrition
  1. Christmas is a time for warmth and family, filled with special memories and traditions from childhood. It can include fun decorations and delicious homemade treats.
  2. Even during the holiday season, there's room in our diets for both nutritious meals and sweet indulgences. Enjoying a tasty ginger cookie or fudge isn't a crime!
  3. The recipes shared, like Brown Sugar Ginger Crisps and Mexican Chocolate Fudge, are simple and bring a delightful sweetness that can be shared during celebrations.

Let us Aspire

8 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Human flourishing Craftsmanship Artistic expression Social Critique
  1. Many people today earn money but don't create or build things anymore. Instead of making, we're becoming consumers, often just using technology without creating anything meaningful.
  2. Having pride in workmanship and making things is important for our happiness. Engaging physically with the world can lead to personal fulfillment and a deeper connection to our communities.
  3. Instead of focusing on breaking systems, we should strive to create and build. Craftsmanship and making beautiful things can lead to a new era of human flourishing.

Objects in the Night Sky

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.

Technocrats in Science Skin Suits

9 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🔬 Science Scientific Method Postmodernism Technology Education Philosophy
  1. The Fermi Paradox asks why we haven't found other advanced life in the universe, despite many potential planets existing. This raises concerns about the survival of intelligent life and whether it tends to self-destruct.
  2. Postmodernism challenges the idea of objective reality and rationality, which can harm scientific progress. It makes it harder for people to engage with science critically and effectively.
  3. Technocrats can manipulate the science narrative because many people lack a strong understanding of the scientific method. This creates a risk where those in power might misuse science for their own agendas.

Highlights from Natural Selections in 2024

4 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Science Parenting Education Politics
  1. Motherhood is a powerful experience that many view negatively, but it can actually be exhilarating and fulfilling. It's important to embrace the joy and significance it brings.
  2. Big Food and Big Pharma are under scrutiny for promoting unhealthy products and quick-fix solutions. People should be cautious and learn to think critically about their dietary choices and health.
  3. Science and education should be reclaimed from those who misuse them for their agendas. It's important to practice skepticism and independent thinking in a world filled with misinformation.

Fostering Free Expression in Higher Education

4 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🚌 Education Free speech Higher education Academic Freedom Social justice Civic engagement
  1. Universities should adopt the Chicago Principles, which support free speech and allow everyone to express themselves without fear of backlash. This helps create a safer space for open discussion.
  2. Administrators and faculty should encourage respectful disagreement and avoid ruling with fear. They should treat students as partners in learning, allowing for mistakes and corrections.
  3. Students should embrace diverse ideas and experiences, rather than seek comfort in familiar beliefs. Engaging with different perspectives helps broaden understanding and growth.

Things That Caught My Eye #7

4 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🔬 Science Biology Research Education Technology Language
  1. Scientists found that a dye in Doritos can make mice's skin transparent, helping to study them while alive. It's a strange but useful discovery for research.
  2. Written language and the alphabet took a long time to develop, with alphabetical order coming much later than the letters themselves.
  3. Boys and girls react differently to poor teaching, and this may influence how schools approach education for each gender.

You Go Girl

24 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Entertainment Society Norms Identity
  1. Different cultural events can reveal surprising similarities.
  2. Surface appearances and illusions play a big role in drag and Barbie shows.
  3. Pushing boundaries in social norms should be done thoughtfully to avoid negative consequences.

Celebrating the Cheater

23 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎾 Sports Gender identity Gender Equality
  1. Men and women have different physical capacities due to biological differences.
  2. Separate men's and women's divisions in sports exist because of these differences.
  3. Allowing individuals to self-assign their sex in sports can lead to unfair competition and cheating.

Stark and Exposed

21 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Architecture Nature Society Wellness
  1. The modern way is to sanitize and control your surroundings to avoid imperfections and surprises.
  2. Trusting experts and following standardized aesthetics can lead to a sterile living environment.
  3. Balancing controlled indoor spaces with exposure to nature and elements can bring vitality and appreciation for life.

The pendulum swings

16 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Privacy Youth Masks Generational Change
  1. Masks outdoors did not make sense as airflow disperses pathogens and sunlight is healing.
  2. Privacy is important for introspection and personal growth, allowing time for reflection before sharing reactions.
  3. Young people who once shared everything online are now seeking privacy by hiding behind masks, highlighting a transition in behavior.

Defend what is yours

14 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
  1. The bald eagle, once endangered, has seen a population increase due to conservation efforts.
  2. Gulls fiercely protect their young from eagle predators, showing persistence and care.
  3. Gulls actively pursue and confront threats to protect their offspring, providing a lesson in determination.

Eat street food

7 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Street Food Culture Microbiome Travel
  1. Travel offers mind-expanding experiences, even if uncomfortable at times, leading to memorable moments and reflection.
  2. Eating street food while traveling can provide a glimpse into local culture, fostering connections, and offering unique culinary experiences.
  3. Sampling street food can impact your gut microbiome positively, contributing to better health and enhancing your overall travel experience.

On a bus

7 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Human condition Lifestyle Global Perspectives
  1. Observations from a bus ride in Ecuador highlighted the disparity in wealth and opportunities between people
  2. The toll booth workers' daily lives spark questions about freedom, joy, and aspirations in the face of monotonous and toxic work
  3. Scenes along the road reveal the repetitive nature of tasks and the search for meaning in various forms of work and entertainment

My Father

17 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Family Memoir Food Travel Traditions
  1. The author reflects on her father's life, memories, and impact after his passing.
  2. The father was a strong and adventurous person, eager to teach his children but kept many of his thoughts to himself.
  3. He had a love for nature, mathematics, food, and life, leaving a lasting impression on his family.

Brains, Mammals, and the Brains of Mammals

6 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🔬 Science Evolution Anatomy Biology Neuroscience Genetics
  1. Our ancestors were successful in evolution, leading to our existence today. Every single one of us is part of a long line of evolutionary success.
  2. Mammals have evolved unique traits such as mammary glands, four-chambered hearts, and specialized teeth, making them distinct from other species.
  3. The mammalian brain has evolved to be large, well-connected, and specialized, with a balance between autonomy and integration, as shown in the structures like the forebrain and the corpus callosum.

Corruption takes on many forms

13 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Corruption Bureaucracy Travel Memoir
  1. Corruption manifests in various ways, from bureaucratic hurdles to hidden agendas.
  2. Dealing with bureaucratic corruption can be challenging and sometimes requires compromises.
  3. Transparent broken systems are preferable to hidden corruption that manipulates reality and information.

The Age of Censorship

16 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Censorship Education History Literature Art
  1. Fact-checking organizations and big tech increasingly engage in censorship, affecting what information is allowed online.
  2. Changes made by sensitivity readers and censors to works of authors like Roald Dahl interfere with historical understanding and creative autonomy.
  3. The traditional education system favors certain types of learners, leading to an imbalance in perspectives and a failure to cater to the diverse needs of students.

It is dark inside your head

14 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. Our brains work in darkness, but sunlight still plays a role.
  2. Near Infrared (NIR) light penetrates our bodies and brains, promoting health.
  3. Subcellular melatonin, produced by NIR exposure, acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body.

Amphibian Milk

5 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🔬 Science Nature Research Evolution Biology
  1. The three clades of extant amphibians are Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata (salamanders and newts), and Gymnophiona (caecilians). Each group has unique characteristics and adaptations to their environment.
  2. Some caecilians provide parental care by offering highly nutritious skin for their babies to eat, and secreting a kind of milk-like substance that the young ones click and chirp for before collecting from their mother's cloaca.
  3. Milk is typically associated with mammals, but caecilian mothers also produce a form of milk for their young, showcasing similarities in parental care across different animal groups.

Things that caught my eye #5

6 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing Economy
  1. The author reflects on creating fake marketing schemes in their youth.
  2. They were drawn to Publishers Clearing House mailings in the '70s and '80s.
  3. The author found these mailings both horrifying and captivating.

Things that caught my eye #6

4 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🔬 Science Environment Anatomy Authors
  1. Research suggests it's better for the environment to buy conventionally grown food than grow it yourself.
  2. Shoulders have an interesting origin connected to skeletal evolution.
  3. Author Edith Wharton's work gets a new appreciation over time.