Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning $8 / month

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning explores the intersections of genetics, history, and culture through diverse topics. It delves into genetic ancestries, the impacts of ancient civilizations, evolutionary science, and the historical roles of empires and migrations in shaping modern humanity and its genetic landscape.

Genetics and Ancestry Evolutionary Science Historical Civilizations and Empires Cultural and Religious Influences Human Migrations and Conquests Genomic Technologies and Discoveries Societal and Civilizational Transitions

The hottest Substack posts of Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

And their main takeaways

Beyond the Pale: Irish cultural uniqueness past Rome's reach

463 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💾 History Europe Genetics
  1. Irish cultural uniqueness is deeply rooted in their historical resistance to aligning with Roman norms, particularly in the realm of religion and organization.
  2. The genetic analysis shows that the Irish share close genetic ties with the British populations, highlighting their shared ancestry and debunking the notion of a significant genetic difference between them.
  3. The distinctiveness of Irish culture, including practices like polygyny, and their gradual integration of Christianity at their own pace, sets them apart in the European context.

The longer I live, the wronger I get to be

674 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Data Analysis
  1. In the field of human population genetics, interesting times can lead to significant advancements and significant shifts in understanding.
  2. The concept of intelligence as influenced by single 'IQ genes' has been refuted in favor of the understanding that intelligence involves thousands of genes with small effects.
  3. Historical inaccuracies regarding the ancestry of European Jews, the dynamics of human evolution out of Africa, and the role of natural selection in human evolution have been corrected with new scientific discoveries and insights.

Hans, are we…. the admixed ones?

446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics Population Ancestry History
  1. There is a lack of definitive research on the genetic history of Germany compared to other European countries like Britain or Estonia.
  2. Germany's past with race science, notable figures like Hans Günther, and the overshadowing of the Nazi era, has impacted the nation's exploration of human population genetics.
  3. Historical migrations, such as those of Corded Ware populations, have contributed significantly to the genetic makeup of Northern Europe, with influences from Neolithic farming populations.

The two Indo-European revolutions and Germania’s rise

274 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Genetics Archaeology
  1. The rise and fall of different cultures in pre-Roman Germany was influenced by successive trends in artifacts and genetics, highlighting a transition from Bronze Age patriarchies to new ruling elites.
  2. The Beaker revolution in Central Europe saw the replacement of Corded Ware male lineages dominated by R1a with a rise in the R1b haplogroup, indicating a shift in ruling elite and population dynamics.
  3. The Beaker people's expansion from western Germany led to genetic subsuming of previous populations in Britain and Ireland, contributing to the formation of proto-Germanic tribes in antiquity.
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RKUL: Time Well Spent 03/03/2024

171 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Evolutionary biology Genetics Anthropology Ancient History Podcasts
  1. Parents can now screen embryos during IVF using whole genome sequencing to check for hundreds of conditions, keeping families safe.
  2. The presence of maternal grandmothers has been linked to higher survivorship among grandchildren, showing the evolutionary importance of menopause.
  3. Research on ancient DNA and AI may offer valuable insights into human history, potentially surpassing the impact of ancient DNA studies.

When Slavs Rush in: the Fall of the Latin Balkans

417 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
💾 History
  1. The Balkans were predominantly Latin-speaking during the Roman Empire's rule, with a significant influence from Illyrian Emperors.
  2. The fall of Latin Balkan civilization led to the rise of the Slavs, who absorbed the former Roman inhabitants.
  3. The barbarian Slavs, known for their primitive lifestyle, played a significant role in the transition from the ancient to the medieval world in the Balkans.

Time Well Spent - 2/2/2024

205 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Themes Data Discussion
  1. Parents can now screen embryos for conditions using whole genome sequencing during IVF.
  2. Interest rates in the US are at a peak, which could signal a future recession.
  3. Reading books on finance and economics can provide insights into past financial crises and market behavior.

Genghis Khan: they don’t make stars like they used to

429 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
💾 History Genetics
  1. In 2003, research revealed that a significant number of men worldwide are direct descendants of Genghis Khan, showing how a single lineage can rapidly expand across generations.
  2. The genetic legacy of powerful individuals like Genghis Khan can have a lasting impact on populations through prolific breeding and intermarriages.
  3. Studies on Y-chromosomal lineages, like those associated with Genghis Khan, indicate social selection through behaviors like conquest and harem-building driving the sudden expansion of specific genetic lineages.

Shaka Zulu: The Last of the God-Kings

566 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
💾 History Leadership Colonialism
  1. Humanity's transition from foragers to farmers and the formation of mass societies is a recent development in our long history.
  2. Most humans today descend from the group that migrated out of Africa in the last 60,000 years and transitioned from foraging to farming.
  3. The story of Shaka Zulu exemplifies the violent and inevitable transition of humanity from foragers to warlike farmers, leading to the formation of mass societies.

Current status: it’s complicated

789 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🔬 Science Evolution Genetics
  1. Human evolutionary science has shifted from complex models to explain the intricacies of our origins.
  2. Advances in genetics, DNA analysis, and paleoanthropology have revolutionized our understanding of human evolution.
  3. The concept of a single, simple origin of modern humans from Africa has evolved into a more complex and rich tapestry of multiple populations and dynamics.

Our explosive past: on cataclysms and demographics

623 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🔬 Science Genomics Evolution
  1. 74,000 years ago, a volcano eruption at Lake Toba in Indonesia had significant global impact.
  2. Genetic studies show interbreeding between Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans.
  3. Modern non-Africans share common ancestry from a small isolated group that expanded out of Africa around 40-45,000 years ago.

You’re so Turk and you don’t even know it

446 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
💾 History Empires Influence Culture
  1. The Turks had a unique approach to conquest, assimilating the cultures of those they conquered instead of destroying them.
  2. Turkic influence spanned over 1,500 years across vast territories, impacting cultures from Europe to China.
  3. Turks played a significant role in shaping Eurasian culture, spread Islam, and extended civilization rather than causing decline.