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

Big Green Gears Up to Oppose Duke’s NC Gas-Fired Power Plants

39 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Big Green is actively opposing Duke Energy's plans to build new gas-fired power plants in North Carolina due to concerns about CO2 emissions and reliance on natural gas.
  2. Duke Energy aims to enhance its energy grid by retiring coal plants, incorporating more solar and wind energy, and increasing natural gas units to meet growing energy demands.
  3. Skepticism exists around Duke Energy's plan to incorporate hydrogen technology into its natural gas plants as a means to reduce emissions, with concerns about cost and feasibility of such unproven technology.

renewables: Expensive Nightmare to Nowhere

39 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Plans for eliminating coal involve increasing regulations and high government spending.
  2. Government subsidies for renewables and closures of coal power plants have led to a drastic rise in electricity prices.
  3. The shift towards renewables is costly and unsustainable, causing national deindustrialization and impacting living standards.

Federal Shipping Regulations Sank One of America's Biggest Offshore Wind Projects

59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. Federal shipping regulations, particularly the Jones Act, caused the cancellation of a major offshore wind project.
  2. The Jones Act, a protectionist law, restricts competition by requiring American-built ships for operations between U.S. ports.
  3. Impediments like the Jones Act hinder the Biden administration's goal of increasing electricity production from offshore wind.

Biden’s Media Intimidation Crusade Takes a Turn for the Worse

59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration is making efforts to intimidate media outlets into censoring information that could portray the president negatively, leading to a recent House Judiciary Subcommittee investigation into government involvement in social media censorship.
  2. President Biden's reelection campaign is intensifying efforts to combat 'misinformation' on social media by recruiting hundreds to monitor platforms, focusing on the economy as a key concern.
  3. Various federal agencies under the Biden administration are implementing tactics to suppress information seen as detrimental to the president's image, creating a culture reminiscent of Orwellian control mechanisms.

41 Inconvenient Truths on the "New Energy Economy"

59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. Hydrocarbons currently supply over 80% of world energy, showcasing the massive scale of reliance on oil.
  2. Transitioning to a 'New Energy Economy' faces immense challenges, including the need for drastic scale-up of renewable energy sources.
  3. Energy efficiency and technological advancements have increased energy demand, showing the complex dynamics of the energy sector.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Is LNG dirtier than coal? It’s complicated. By Benjamin Storrow

39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. The debate over whether LNG is dirtier than coal is complex, with opinions divided among environmentalists, researchers, and industry experts.
  2. Studies have shown that while LNG may contribute more to planetary warming than previously thought due to the process of liquefying it, it can still help reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal in certain situations.
  3. Factors like methane leaks, differing emission characteristics of coal and gas, and regional infrastructure and age of power plants play significant roles in determining whether LNG is a better alternative to coal for reducing emissions.

Time For A Climate Exit

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. The COP28 meeting in Dubai is criticized for its extravagance and hypocrisy, with world leaders flying in and burning carbon fuels while discussing climate initiatives.
  2. The agenda at COP28 in Dubai includes controversial plans for energy rationing, depopulation, and restrictions on personal freedoms like movement and consumption.
  3. Proposals like the Green New Deal, Net Zero Emissions targets, and reliance on wind-solar energy are viewed as impractical and could lead to severe consequences like electricity crises and food shortages.

The Cult Of Climate Fanatics At COP28 Is Stripping Away Your Freedoms

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. Private jets emit ten times more pollutants than commercial planes, yet many COP28 attendees fly in on private jets.
  2. Pope Francis highlighted the need for ecological transition and elimination of fossil fuels, focusing on multilateralism.
  3. Concerns at COP28 about tackling climate change lead to drastic proposals like removing meat from diets, which could lead to worldwide famine.

ALARMISMBAD SCIENCE JOURNALISM No, CNN, Climate Change is Not Costing the U.S. Billions

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. CNN's assertion that climate change is costing the U.S. billions per year is refuted with data showing no increase in extreme weather events.
  2. Rising costs of weather-related damages are primarily due to factors like increased population, property values, and coastal development, not just climate change.
  3. Claims linking higher temperatures and extreme weather events to increased costs lack substantial evidence, with data showing no significant increase in severe events.

Trade Association Data Shows Texas Oil, Gas Employs Almost 500,000 People

39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. In 2023, the Texas oil and natural gas industry employed almost 500,000 people, as reported by the Texas Oil & Gas Association.
  2. The sector with the most employees was support activities for oil and gas operations, followed by gasoline stations with convenience stores and crude petroleum extraction.
  3. For every direct job in the Texas oil and gas sector, two additional Texas jobs are created, showcasing the industry's economic impact.

Meet The Dems Balking At Biden’s Anti-Energy Eco-Unfriendly Agenda

39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Several House Democrats expressed concern about Biden's pause on approving new LNG export terminals, joining Republicans in a bipartisan move.
  2. The Democrats highlighted the impact of limiting LNG exports on national security, the economy, and clean energy goals, urging the U.S. to lead in LNG production and global emissions reduction.
  3. Legislators are divided, with Senate Republicans introducing a bill to overturn the policy, while Senate Democrats representing gas-producing states have not provided a clear stance.

Australian PRESS RELEASE – National Rally Against Reckless Renewables – 6 Feb 2024 – Parliament House 10am Eric Worrall

39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. The rally against reckless renewables in Australia is grassroots and represents diverse regional communities adversely affected by government's rollout of renewables. They call for the suspension of renewable energy projects and lifting the ban on nuclear power.
  2. The government's push for renewables is criticized for being unreliable, unaffordable, and environmentally damaging, with calls for urgent scrutiny through a Senate Inquiry.
  3. The rally urges for the establishment of a responsible and sustainable energy network that prioritizes the well-being of the environment, communities, and the nation's future.

New study says the world blew past 1.5 degrees of warming four years ago How scientists are using an unexpected organism — sea sponges — to refine climate projections.

39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. A new study suggests that the world reached 1.5 degrees of warming in 2020, much earlier than anticipated, hinting at faster warming trends. The discovery was made using sea sponges as a valuable source of climate data due to their slow growth and longevity.
  2. Historical ocean temperature records are limited and unreliable, dating back to the mid-19th century, presenting challenges in accurately understanding pre-industrial climate conditions. Sea sponges offer a more reliable way to analyze past ocean temperatures, providing insights into climate change trends.
  3. Sea sponges, unlike coral, are simple organisms that build their skeletons by pumping seawater in and out, making them ideal for temperature studies. They offer a clearer and more stable record of ocean temperatures, useful for tracking global warming patterns.

Climate Sanity Spokespeople

39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses a varied group of people who advocate for global energy fairness, practical environmentalism, and electricity abundance for all.
  2. The list includes a wide range of professionals like economists, scientists, engineers, lawyers, policy experts, and authors, all supporting similar causes.
  3. There are many notable names listed, such as Robert Bryce, Roger Pielke Jr., Michael Shellenberger, Judith Curry, and more, emphasizing a diverse and influential network of climate sanity spokespeople.

Cop28 president says there is ‘no science’ behind demands for phase-out of fossil fuels

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. There is debate around the necessity of a phase-out of fossil fuels for restricting global heating to 1.5C, with claims that there is 'no science' supporting this action.
  2. More than 100 countries already support a phase-out of fossil fuels, but there is disagreement among nations at Cop28 on the approach to take.
  3. The importance of a clear roadmap for the phase-out of fossil fuels to achieve sustainable development and address climate change is emphasized by climate experts.

The Montana climate kidsand judicial activism

79 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
  1. Montana's energy industry is significant in American efforts to reduce foreign oil dependency.
  2. A judicial decision in Montana favored a climate pressure group involving kids, sparking controversy and criticism.
  3. The case highlights concerns of judicial activism and political influence in Montana's legal system.

New Study Suggests Global Warming Could be Mostly an Urban Problem

79 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
  1. A new study suggests that global warming might be predominantly an urban problem due to urban heat island effects.
  2. The study indicates that past estimates of global warming may have been influenced by solar activity, possibly underestimating the sun's role in global warming.
  3. Research findings challenge the idea that climate change science is settled, highlighting the need for further scientific investigation into the causes of global warming.

The Band of Debunkers Busting Bad Scientists Stanford’s president and a high-profile physicist are among those taken down by a growing wave of volunteers expose faulty or fraudulent research papers

79 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
  1. A growing number of scientists around the world are volunteering to expose faulty or fraudulent research papers, which has led to a significant increase in retractions over the years.
  2. The pressure to publish papers for career advancement can sometimes push researchers to prioritize interesting findings over truth, leading to fraudulent data in academic studies.
  3. Data detectives, like the trio behind Data Colada, play a crucial role in maintaining scientific integrity by uncovering fraud in research, even though their work often faces challenges, including lawsuits and pushback from the scientific community.

King Charles Delivers Highly-Politicised Speech to Support Collectivist Net Zero Project

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. King Charles delivered a politically charged speech at COP28 supporting the Net Zero project, emphasizing the need for nature restoration and sustainable agriculture.
  2. The speech highlighted a shift towards collectivist initiatives and called for cooperation between public and private sectors, which may involve significant financial transfers.
  3. Despite the concerns raised about climate emergencies, some scientific data suggests no clear positive trend in extreme weather events, questioning the urgency for drastic action.

My Battle With the Church of England Over its Obsession With ‘Climate Change’

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. The author expresses frustration with the Church of England's focus on climate change, believing it to be misguided and based on personal opinion rather than factual evidence.
  2. Efforts to hold the Church accountable for spreading what the author views as untruthful information about climate change were met with resistance and dismissal from Church leadership.
  3. The Church's dismissal of the author's complaints, lack of accountability, and adherence to climate policies without considering factual accuracy left the author feeling disillusioned with the Church of England.

The Climate Summit Embraces A.I., With Reservations

59 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
  1. Artificial intelligence is being seen as a valuable tool to combat climate change but the significant energy it requires is a cause for concern.
  2. The United Nations is collaborating with Microsoft on an A.I.-powered tool to monitor countries' efforts to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
  3. A.I. technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, but its energy consumption could lead to increased emissions if not managed properly.

The Nuclear Option: A Pragmatic Shift at COP28

59 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
  1. Over 20 nations, led by the United States, advocate for a significant increase in nuclear energy at COP28, marking a pivotal shift in global energy discourse.
  2. The growing acceptance of nuclear power by countries like the U.S., Japan, and European nations highlights its efficiency and reliability, contrasting with impractical renewable energy solutions.
  3. The Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy at COP28 emphasizes the essential role of nuclear energy in reaching global net-zero emissions by 2050 and maintaining energy stability and economic prosperity.

Virginia Environmental Groups Form New Data Center Reform Coalition, Call for More Industry Oversight

59 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
  1. Virginia Environmental Groups have formed a Data Center Reform Coalition to demand more industry oversight and regulation due to the environmental impacts of data centers.
  2. The concentration of data centers in Virginia is immense, hosting major tech companies and contributing significantly to internet traffic, but this growth comes with challenges related to energy, water, and land use.
  3. Legislators in Virginia need to reexamine the impacts of data centers on the environment, electricity grid, and communities, and consider implementing more state oversight and regulations to address these concerns.

Weekend reads: More allegations at Harvard; plagiarism euphemisms; citation cartels in math

39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. Harvard faced allegations of research misconduct and plagiarism, raising concerns about academic integrity
  2. Euphemisms for plagiarism were discussed, shedding light on how language can minimize the seriousness of academic dishonesty
  3. Citation cartels in math were highlighted, showcasing how collaborations can manipulate rankings in academia

Here’s What The White House Isn’t Saying About Its Moratorium On Approving Natural Gas Export Hubs

39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. The White House's decision to pause approvals for new LNG export terminals is not addressing the potential increase in global emissions or the shift in buyers to less environmentally friendly sources like Russia and Qatar.
  2. President Biden's move on LNG export hubs could have geopolitical consequences, affecting alliances and NATO, especially in Europe where American gas is vital for maintaining political support in conflicts like the Ukraine war.
  3. The administration may face criticism for not considering the long-term effects of the approval pause, which impacts major capital investments and could lead to unpredicted consequences in the energy sector.

ECB Announces Increased Focus on Climate Risk, Green Transition

39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. The ECB is enhancing its focus on climate risk and green transition in response to the increasing impact of the climate crisis on the economy and financial system.
  2. The ECB's new initiative outlines key areas of focus including the impact and risks of the green transition, physical risks of climate change, and risks associated with nature loss and degradation.
  3. ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to the changes in the economy and financial system brought about by a warmer climate and natural capital degradation.

New York Democrats want to ban CO2 fracking in state budget BY KATE LISA NEW YORK STATE

39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. New York Democrats are pushing to ban CO2 fracking in the state budget to protect public health and the environment.
  2. State lawmakers are introducing new legislation to expand the ban on fracking practices that could harm the environment.
  3. Environmental advocates and lawmakers are concerned about the use of CO2 in fracking, emphasizing the need for regulations to prevent potential risks.

Some Mountain West states rely heavily on fossil fuel revenues to pay for schools, roads

39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. Fossil fuels provide 90% of energy-related revenues in Mountain West states, funding important services like schools and roads.
  2. Heavy reliance on fossil fuels poses a challenge due to climate change concerns, as production and revenues are expected to decline in the future.
  3. There is a need for diversification in local economies away from fossil fuels to ensure sustainable funding for public services in these regions.

Five Reasons Why Climate Skepticism And Dissent Are Important

59 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. The issue the political left rages about is often a cover for power accumulation - like with climate change discussions.
  2. Real science requires skepticism and dissent to grow and evolve, and prevent poor policy decisions.
  3. History shows that settled science can be proven wrong, so skepticism is crucial to avoid catastrophic mistakes.

Fossil fuels and frustration at COP28

59 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. Delegates at COP28 in Dubai are hoping to make progress in the fight against climate change, but frustration is growing due to the summit being held in facilities funded by oil money.
  2. There is skepticism and outrage over the fact that a major oil producer, the United Arab Emirates, is hosting the negotiations for COP28, with concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
  3. Despite challenges, COP28 is expected to draw global attendees to work on limiting emissions, increasing renewable energy, and aiding developing countries in climate adaptation, highlighting the need for global cooperation alongside individual country efforts.

Fossil fuel lobbyists pour into COP28 The world's most important climate conference is a veritable who's who of polluter-funded climate delay.

59 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. Fossil fuel lobbyists are heavily present at COP28, potentially hindering progress on climate policies.
  2. New transparency rules at COP28 require attendees to disclose their corporate ties, shedding light on the influence of fossil fuel representatives.
  3. The conflict at COP28 is evident as leaders trying to address the climate crisis include those profiting from the fossil fuels causing the issue.

House Poised to Defund EPA Carbon Endangerment Finding

59 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. The House is considering defunding the EPA's carbon endangerment finding from 2009, which labeled carbon dioxide as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act.
  2. Recent Supreme Court decisions have impacted the Obama-era clean power policies, questioning the legality of the EPA's regulatory schemes.
  3. There is a concern over the growing demand for energy not being met adequately in the U.S., leading to increased electricity prices and challenges in addressing energy shortages.

Biden administration sets new rule for monitoring on-road GHG emissions

59 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration has set new rules for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions on roads, which includes targets for CO2 emissions reductions.
  2. States and metropolitan planning organizations are required to establish targets for reducing CO2 emissions on highways and major roads, aligning with the administration's goal to cut carbon pollution in half by 2030.
  3. The new rule faces opposition from some states and congressional Republicans, who argue about the administration's authority in imposing such mandates.

The U.S. energy consumption debate is all wrong. Here’s why.

59 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. Policymakers should focus on energy abundance rather than tradeoffs in U.S. energy consumption.
  2. Energy consumption and economic growth are closely linked, challenging the idea of energy scarcity.
  3. Energy abundance requires diverse energy sources and innovation, hindered by regulations like NEPA.

Ofgem Announces New Rules To Clear Delayed Projects And Reduce Waiting Time For Energy Grid Connections

59 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. Ofgem has announced new rules to speed up electricity grid connections and remove stalled or speculative projects from the queue, moving away from the 'first-come, first-served' system
  2. The new rules aim to clear the backlog of energy projects that could generate nearly 400GW of electricity, exceeding the needed capacity for the British energy system
  3. Strict milestones will be implemented to terminate stalled projects blocking the queue for high-voltage transmission lines, facilitating fast-tracking of viable projects for net zero goals

World Cereal Production Set To Hit Record High In 2023

39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. The UN Food & Agricultural Agency reported a slight decrease in cereal output in 2022, still the second-highest on record.
  2. The value of agricultural output reached a record high in 2021, excluding inflation effects.
  3. In 2023, there was another record-high in cereal production, contradicting media claims of extreme weather impacting food supply.

Europe’s Greens are on the ropes

39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. Europe's Greens are facing challenges due to farmer backlash and a surge of right-wing parties, jeopardizing the Green Deal.
  2. The upcoming EU election may result in the Greens losing a significant number of seats, impacting their influence on climate policy decisions.
  3. To survive in a world of green backlash, the Greens aim to stay committed to their green agenda, negotiate strategically, and maintain optimism for the future.

Why are people climate change deniers? University of Bonn and IZA study reveals unexpected results

39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. Climate change deniers may not bend facts to excuse harmful behavior as previously thought, surprising researchers.
  2. Some individuals downplay climate change to justify their actions through motivated reasoning, which helps maintain a positive self-image while continuing harmful behavior.
  3. Denial of human-made climate change can be tied to political identity for certain groups, making them resistant to changing their beliefs even in the face of comprehensive information.

Hollywood’s in hot water. While many of its biggest stars have lent their voices and faces to the fight against climate change, others have become the poster children for wasteful living and unregula

39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. Celebrities are buying credits to offset their emissions caused by private jet usage, trying to contain environmental and PR damage.
  2. Carbon offsetting involves investing in renewable energy, reforestation, and projects to reduce emissions, but experts debate its effectiveness in addressing the root of the climate crisis.
  3. The best way to combat climate change is by reducing emissions first, instead of relying solely on carbon offsetting, which may lead to greenwashing.

Europe’s Greens are on the ropes

39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. Europe's Greens are facing challenges from farmers' resistance and a surge of right-wing movements, jeopardizing the EU's climate goals
  2. The Greens are at a crossroads, needing to decide whether to compromise on their ideals to salvage parts of their Green Deal or risk being sidelined
  3. To maintain influence in the upcoming EU election, the Greens must navigate partnership decisions strategically and stay committed to their green agenda