Neurobiology Notes

Neurobiology Notes explores advancements in neuroscience focusing on brain preservation, neuroimaging techniques, neural connectivity, and memory encoding. It discusses innovative research methods, ethical considerations in brain banking, and the genetic basis of neurological and psychiatric conditions. The blog also covers technological progress in brain mapping and preservation strategies aimed at future revival possibilities.

Brain Preservation Neuroimaging Techniques Neural Connectivity Memory Encoding Brain Banking Ethics Genetics of Neurological Conditions Technological Advances in Neuroscience Preservation Strategy and Techniques

The hottest Substack posts of Neurobiology Notes

And their main takeaways

Loss Of U.S. Moral Authority Undermines Democracy Around The World, by Francis Menton

39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. Countries around the world are claiming to be democracies, but using tactics such as arresting opposition leaders to maintain power.
  2. The loss of U.S. moral authority contributes to the undermining of democracy globally.
  3. Leaders in various countries are abusing power by arresting opposition figures on flimsy charges to maintain control, raising concerns about democratic integrity.

Prediction: The M&A Wave Will Usher In a New Era of Oil & Gas Production in North America

39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. The new era of Oil & Gas production will bring energy abundance and potentially uplift 4 billion lives globally.
  2. Operators will transition from an Exploration & Production model to Portfolio Management, focusing on maximizing profitability and reducing carbon footprints.
  3. Supplier consolidation will lead to more innovation, increased accountability, and a shift towards real-time service delivery tracking in the industry.

Transport Recovery Rekindles Threat of Diesel Shortage By Irina Slav

39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. Moody's predicts diesel prices in the US to increase by over $1 from pre-pandemic levels to reach $4.50 per gallon, indicating a potential shortage.
  2. Global trade activities are increasing, leading to a rise in diesel demand, especially in transport and industry sectors.
  3. Despite efforts like central banks planning rate cuts, the market dynamics may lead to a diesel shortage due to tightening fuel markers and limited refining capacity.

Our Take, with Doug Sheridan

39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. Higher seasonal volatility leads to higher costs on systems with renewables due to increased generation and storage needs during peak demand times.
  2. Introducing seasonal variability in the grid leads to a significant increase in per-unit cost of generation, impacting daytime and nighttime costs differently.
  3. The extra battery and solar capacity required to service peak demand months results in higher capital costs, which are amortized over steady consumption, leading to a rise in unit generation costs.

FERC Nominees Can Avoid Pipeline Politics by Following the Law By Travis Fisher

39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. Congress has already answered major energy policy questions in statutes like the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, which can guide FERC nominees in their decision-making to avoid unnecessary intervention and political uncertainty.
  2. The Natural Gas Act emphasizes the importance of promoting natural gas delivery to consumers, cautioning against redefining key terms like 'public interest' to avoid undermining congressional mandates.
  3. FERC's responsibility for grid reliability and ensuring just and reasonable rates is closely tied to an abundant natural gas supply, impacting electricity prices and market competitiveness.
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Crying Crocodile Tears Over ‘Sue-and-Settle’

39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. EPA uses 'sue-and-settle' tactics to avoid congressional oversight and implement policies favored by special interests.
  2. The 'sue-and-settle' practice involves outside groups suing the government to push for certain actions, sometimes resulting in court 'consent decrees' with sealed details and costs.
  3. Efforts are being made, like the 'No Regulation Through Litigation Act,' to address and disincentivize the 'sue-and-settle' practice, which has resurfaced under the Biden administration.

Climateflation? Don’t Blame Biden For Inflation — It’s The Climate’s Fault

39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
  1. Inflation is being connected to climate change, claiming that global warming can drive prices up.
  2. Some believe that blaming inflation on climate change is not accurate, stating that climate change doesn't directly affect the economy.
  3. The rise in food prices in Europe is attributed to factors like restrictions on farming practices, instead of solely climate change.

2023 Energy Literacy In Review – OpEd

79 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
  1. Crude oil is crucial for aviation, product manufacturing, and civilization development.
  2. Renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels provide occasional electricity but cannot manufacture products for humanity.
  3. The usage of crude oil is essential for creating a wide range of everyday products and components, supporting economies and societies.

Democrats turn on Biden SEC chair over increased regulation

79 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
  1. Some House Democrats are criticizing SEC Chair Gary Gensler for his increased regulation in certain financial industries, calling him a 'politician masquerading as a regulator.'
  2. Rep. Ritchie Torres questioned Gensler's authority over the cryptocurrency market and highlighted the importance of considering dynamic changes in the economy when implementing regulations.
  3. Biden administration officials expressed concerns over proposed changes to SEC's Custody Rule, emphasizing the need for Congress to weigh in on regulatory decisions.

'Costly’ ESG standards, climate policies will ultimately reduce food and energy supplies: report

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. ESG standards and climate policies may lead to reduced food and energy supplies, impacting agriculture and world food security.
  2. Net-zero climate-control policies are projected to increase operational costs for farmers by 34%, potentially raising household grocery bills by $1,300 per year.
  3. The report highlights concerns that green energy sources like wind and solar are costly, intermittent, and may not be reliable alternatives for farmers compared to traditional methods.

The EV Farce And The Race For More Taxpayer Subsidies, WRITTEN BY ROSS CLARK ON FEB 7, 2024. POSTED IN LATEST NEWS

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Despite heavy subsidies and tax benefits for electric vehicles, the market struggles with low demand and challenges like slow charging and limited range.
  2. Manufacturers face mandates to sell more zero-emission vehicles, leading to potential fines, even though people are not enthusiastic about buying these cars.
  3. Calls for more taxpayer-funded subsidies for the electric vehicle industry continue despite the lack of consumer interest and existing fiscal incentives.

Wind Power Giants Warn of Another Challenging Year Ahead By Tsvetana Paraskova - Feb 07, 2024, 8:00 AM CST

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Wind industry, especially offshore wind, faced challenges in 2023 like cost increases, quality issues with turbines, and project delays.
  2. Major wind power companies like Orsted, Siemens Energy, and Vestas are suspending dividends and making cost-cutting moves to combat losses and uncertainty in 2024.
  3. Siemens Energy's wind turbine-making unit, Siemens Gamesa, is expected to post a significant loss in 2024 due to quality problems in its onshore wind business.

The climate nervous breakdown continues 07 Feb 2024 | News Roundup

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. The climate challenge has shifted from denial to despair, as highlighted by Dezeen.
  2. Research about the mental health effects of slow-onset climate change suggests that gradual changes may not lead to mental health crisis.
  3. Moving to regions less affected by extreme climate events, like the Midwest, could foster a more relaxed approach to climate change.

Trial Of Mann v. Steyn, Part IV: The Defense Case February 06, 2024/ Francis Menton

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. The trial of Mann v. Steyn involves key witnesses like Stephen McIntyre and others, each presenting crucial evidence that challenges Mann's work and ethics.
  2. The proceedings in the courtroom are intricate and not all parts are visible to the viewers at home, with some segments being muted, impacting the overall transparency.
  3. The defense case addresses issues of data manipulation, selective emphasis on results, and ethical concerns, creating a narrative of scientific misconduct that raises questions about the integrity of the entire process.

Time to retire the term ‘renewable energy’ from serious discussion and energy policy directives

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. The classification of energy resources as 'renewable' and 'non-renewable' lacks coherence and can be misleading, hindering good resource choices.
  2. The concern with energy resources should focus not only on whether they are renewable, but also on their sustainability and impacts in the near term.
  3. The terms 'renewable' and 'non-renewable' are outdated and may blur in the future, leading to more confusion than clarity in energy policy discussions.

Sinking Coastal Lands Will Exacerbate the Flooding from Sea Level Rise in 24 US Cities, New Research Shows

39 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. Flooding in 24 US cities will worsen due to sinking coastal lands, affecting up to 500,000 individuals and one in every 35 properties by 2050.
  2. Minority communities will face disproportionate impacts, especially in the Gulf Coast region, with African Americans expected to make up over half of the vulnerable population by 2050.
  3. Structural adaptations like protective walls and raising buildings can help mitigate flooding risks, but a combination of both structural and natural solutions is necessary for effective protection.

The Many Lawsuits Challenging Woke SEC’s Climate Disclosure Reg

39 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. Republican-led states and companies are filing lawsuits to challenge the SEC's new climate disclosure regulations, aiming to overturn the new rules that target fossil fuel companies.
  2. The lawsuits are consolidated in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, with various groups arguing against the SEC's authority and the impact of the regulations on businesses and free speech.
  3. Conservative groups are pressuring Congress to overturn the SEC rule, labeling it a 'radical climate agenda' that hinders innovation and creates unnecessary paperwork.

Officialdom Responds to Doubts That a Renewables-Based Electricity System Will Work, From the MANHATTAN CONTRARIAN Francis Menton

39 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. The proposed response to the climate crisis of replacing fossil fuels with wind and solar energy may not be effective, as it is not practical for a stable electricity system.
  2. Critics are few in mainstream media and officialdom, but there is a push to keep discussions on renewables in the public eye.
  3. Public relations efforts and responses from official organizations around the world try to promote renewables and address criticisms, but often fall short in providing convincing arguments.

Protesting German Farmers Have Exposed The Globalist’s Net Zero Tyranny

59 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. German farmers are protesting government plans to phase out agricultural subsidies, causing nationwide demonstrations and roadblocks with tractors.
  2. The farmers' anger goes beyond taxes and subsidies, stemming from long-standing resentment towards green agendas threatening the future of German agriculture.
  3. The government's attempts to undermine the protesting farmers as far-right insurgents have been rebutted by their diverse political affiliations and growing public support.

F-150 Production Halted, Ford Temporarily Lays Off 9,700 Workers

59 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Ford temporarily halting production of the F-150 truck caused a significant impact, including laying off 9,700 workers.
  2. Apple is ramping up testing of its self-driving car, focusing on increasing miles driven and enhancing autonomous technology.
  3. Tesla settled a lawsuit by agreeing to pay $1.5 million for improper hazardous waste disposal, emphasizing the importance of proper waste management practices.

Britain Dumps Another Net-Zero Gimmick Forcing firms to sell green tech is the same as making people buy it.

59 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Forcing firms to sell green technology is equated to making people buy it, causing them to possibly incur additional costs.
  2. The attempt to sneak in costly mandates for environmental purposes was met with resistance from consumers and manufacturers.
  3. The unraveling of net-zero policies in the UK serves as a cautionary tale that the true costs and challenges of achieving carbon targets cannot be concealed from the public.

Junk Science Alert: Met Office Set to Ditch Actual Temperature Data in Favour of Model Predictions

79 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
  1. The Met Office plans to replace the method of calculating climate change trends, opting for a blend of 10 years of data and model predictions instead of the standard 30-year period.
  2. The proposal is criticized for being driven by a political agenda rather than scientific accuracy, as it attempts to declare the passing of climate thresholds using questionable methods.
  3. This shift highlights the complexities between climate science and political motivations, as well as the ongoing challenges in accurately forecasting temperature trends.

U.S. clamps down on oil and gas firms releasing potent greenhouse gas A new rule restricts releases of methane from companies that have leases to extract fossil fuels from federal lands

39 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
  1. A new rule implemented by the U.S. government aims to restrict the release of methane by oil and gas companies operating on federal and tribal lands.
  2. Cutting methane emissions is crucial for combating climate change, as methane has a significant impact as a greenhouse gas, trapping a substantial amount of heat in the atmosphere.
  3. The new rule will require oil and gas companies to limit methane leaks, prevent waste of natural resources, and pay federal fees for emitted methane, aiming to mitigate environmental damage and protect taxpayers' interests.

Pennsylvanians Blast Bucks County Climate Lawfare Targeting Energy Producers by Mandi Risko Mar 27, 2024 in News And Opinion

39 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
  1. Pennsylvanians are criticizing Bucks County's climate lawsuit against energy producers, calling it hypocritical and nonsensical.
  2. Businesses and industry in Pennsylvania argue that the lawsuit will increase consumer costs, harm workers, and not address real energy challenges.
  3. The legal process around the lawsuit was secretive, with no public discussions, raising questions about its integrity and motivation.

Activist Scientist, Junk Climate Science Finally On Trial, WRITTEN BY LARRY BELL ON FEB 5, 2024.

59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. Serious court challenges are now arising against the 'science' used to support costly climate alarm-premised projects, such as 'net carbon neutral' initiatives.
  2. The iconic 'hockey stick' graph, central to the argument for urgent global climate action, has faced scrutiny for omitting significant historical temperature periods and questionable data manipulation.
  3. Lawsuits involving defamation allegations against climate scientists have led to substantial legal costs, raising concerns about the overwhelming financial implications of debating climate science in courts.

‘Electrify Everything’ Slammed Again By Ninth Circuit, Reaffirms Its Natural Gas Ruling

59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Berkeley's petition to rehear a case regarding a ban on natural gas appliances, a blow to the 'electrify-everything' movement.
  2. The push to electrify everything poses a risk to the affordability, reliability, and resilience of the electric grid by adding significant new load and making it dependent on weather-dependent sources like wind and solar.
  3. The movement to ban gas appliances is fueled by wealthy individuals and NGOs, including dark-money entities, and recent legal decisions in California have invalidated gas bans in cities like Berkeley, Seattle, and Eugene.

Oil (General) GREEN NEW DEAL = BLIZZARD OF LIES

79 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. The Green New Deal is criticized as a massive legislative boondoggle driven by some politicians and activists without clear solutions in mind.
  2. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind presents challenges such as infrastructure needs and community opposition.
  3. The energy sector, particularly oil, is facing significant changes and uncertainties under the Biden administration, with implications for the country's future.

Steve Ambler: The carbon tax was never worth the cost Canada's carbon tax has been implemented in a particularly inefficient way

39 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
  1. Economists generally see a carbon tax as efficient for reducing emissions, but it must be implemented carefully to be effective.
  2. Meeting net zero emissions by 2050, as per the Paris Agreement, will be extremely challenging due to the varied nature of emissions sources and potential insufficient impact of policies.
  3. The current mix of policies in Canada for reducing emissions, including a high carbon tax, may be inefficient and costly, especially considering the global nature of the issue.

We Must Have More Natural Gas Pipelines To Avoid Freezing

79 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. Natural gas is crucial for winter heating, and insufficient pipeline infrastructure can jeopardize energy reliability and economic security.
  2. Experts emphasize the need for more natural gas pipelines by 2035 to prevent potential energy crises during extreme weather conditions.
  3. Legal challenges and regulatory hurdles hinder the rapid expansion of energy infrastructure, calling for a delicate balance between growth and environmental protection.

Wood Pellets Aren’t CO2 Neutral, Emit More Than Coal… Double Of Natural Gas

59 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. Wood pellets are not CO2 neutral and emit more CO2 than coal or natural gas, doubling natural gas emissions
  2. The act of burning trees, even when they are supposedly part of the natural carbon cycle, contributes to a rapid release of stored CO2 and impacts climate negatively
  3. Burning wood emits significantly more carbon dioxide compared to fossil fuels like coal and gas, making it a non-climate-friendly energy source

Europe’s Largest Wind Farm Facing Bankruptcy

99 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
  1. Europe's largest wind farm is facing bankruptcy due to challenges in the wind industry and power purchasing agreements.
  2. The wind farm is forced to buy power on the spot market when wind is insufficient, leading to increased costs during low wind power.
  3. This situation highlights the limitations of wind power, where high wind supply reduces the product's value, impacting energy consumers who end up bearing the costs of intermittency.

Greenhushing on the rise as backlash against ESG grows: ‘It’s like an unhealthy marriage’

39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
  1. ESG criteria are still important, but companies are shying away from using ESG terms due to fears of greenwashing accusations and regulatory scrutiny.
  2. The trend of 'greenhushing' has emerged where companies are reducing their communications on ESG and sustainability topics, leading to a decline in the use of ESG-related terms in the industry.
  3. Backlash against ESG, particularly in the US, has led to companies facing political pressure to limit their ESG initiatives and communication, impacting the marketing efforts and job titles related to ESG.

New Study: Nuclear Power Is Humanity's Greenest Energy Option Land-hungry biomass, wind, and solar power are set to occupy an area equivalent of the size of the European Union by 2050.

79 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
  1. Nuclear power is the most land-efficient energy option, requiring very little space compared to wind, solar, and biomass energy sources.
  2. Implementing the Net Zero by 2050 roadmap will demand sacrificing significant agricultural and wild lands for energy production, with nuclear power being the most sparing of land use.
  3. The study shows that nuclear power is a viable solution for providing emissions-free electricity 24-7, while minimizing environmental impact and land usage.

A Three-University Conspiracy? (Or eight billion supporting fossil fuels)

79 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
  1. The text discusses a conspiracy theory suggesting three US universities are producing propaganda for the fossil fuel industry, influencing politicians and contributing to emissions.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of energy density and the demands of eight billion consumers for affordable, reliable energy sources like fossil fuels.
  3. The real focus should be on addressing the climate industrial complex, involving wind, solar, and EV/battery industries, as they may be the ones hindering progress towards sustainable energy solutions.

Fossil Fuel Divestments Over Last Decade Have Now Reached $41 Trillion More than 1,600 institutions like universities, pension funds and governments have now divested from fossil fuels.

79 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
  1. Over 1,600 institutions have divested $41 trillion from fossil fuels over the past decade.
  2. The divestment movement has gained momentum in the last five to six years, with a significant increase in commitments.
  3. The success of divestment has been driven by people power, leading to a shift towards renewable energy and making a financial impact.

UK Carbon Price Drops to Record Low, Sparking Clean Energy Investment Concerns

59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. The UK carbon price dropping to record lows raises concerns about investments in clean energy
  2. High carbon permit prices are vital for motivating investments in decarbonization efforts
  3. Carbon pricing plays a crucial role in discouraging CO2 emissions and funding alternative energy sources for the net-zero transition

Power loss forces BP to shut biggest US Midwest refinery

59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. A power loss at the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana led to a plant-wide shutdown and evacuation of non-essential workers.
  2. The restart of the refinery depends on restoring power and assessing any damage, a process that can be complex and time-consuming.
  3. The refinery outage caused a spike in gasoline and diesel prices in the area, impacting both fuel supply and crude oil prices.

Trial Of Mann v. Steyn, Part III: More On Damages; Simberg And Steyn's First Witness February 02, 2024/ Francis Menton

59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. Defamation law is complex, varies by state, and may require proof of 'special damages,' like lost wages or expenses related to the defamation.
  2. Some defamation cases may allow arbitrary awards of 'general damages' by juries without specific monetary proof of harm.
  3. In the Mann v. Steyn trial, issues around plaintiff Mann's claimed damages and defense witnesses like Professor Wyner have come to the forefront.

ExxonMobil Just Set The Climate Alarm Lobby on Fire Again

59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. ExxonMobil filed a lawsuit against activist investor groups challenging frivolous shareholder initiatives, setting the climate alarm lobby on fire. The lawsuit could impact future climate alarm and ESG-related initiatives.
  2. The company chose to file a lawsuit rather than go through the regular appeals process governed by the SEC due to changes that appeared biased towards activist investors. This move was to prevent abuse and save resources.
  3. When systems are intentionally destroyed or changed, stakeholders will seek alternative ways to address issues. ExxonMobil's decision to block proposed resolutions was within its rights and not surprising given the circumstances.