Holodoxa

Holodoxa explores the interplay between genetics, human behavior, literature, and culture through essays and book reviews. It delves into topics like reading habits, cancer research, consciousness, masculinity, and societal norms, offering insights from scientific, historical, and philosophical viewpoints to understand the human condition.

Reading and Literacy Cancer Research and Genetics Consciousness and Neuroscience Masculinity and Society Genetic History Bayesian Analysis Free Will Intelligence Mental Health Ethical and Social Issues Literary Analysis Urban Planning and Design Scientific Research Practices Childhood Cancer Behavioral Genetics

The hottest Substack posts of Holodoxa

And their main takeaways

Understanding Variation in PTEN

99 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🔬 Science Genetics Research Data Analysis Cancer
  1. Understanding genomic data variation and its effect is a significant challenge in genetic research.
  2. Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS) and Multiplex Assays of Variant Effects (MAVEs) are crucial methods to study how mutations impact protein function.
  3. MAVE data on PTEN has provided insights into its function, stability, and clinical implications, aiding in the understanding of PTEN variation.

Gene Discovery in Early-Onset Breast Cancer

99 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Research
  1. BRCA1 was a significant discovery in cancer genetics as it demonstrated the inheritance of cancer due to gene mutations passed down through generations.
  2. Competition and serendipity played roles in the discovery of BRCA1, showcasing the collaborative and competitive nature of scientific research.
  3. The race to identify, clone, and sequence BRCA1 involved notable scientists such as Mary-Claire King and Mark Skolnick, with Skolnick's team ultimately making the groundbreaking discovery.

A Century-Long Saga of Familial Colorectal Cancer

79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics Cancer Immunotherapy Prevention
  1. The study of Michigan and Nebraskan families led to the discovery of mutated mismatch repair genes causing hereditary colorectal cancers like Lynch syndrome.
  2. Mismatch repair genes play a crucial role in maintaining DNA integrity and preventing cancer development. Defects in these genes can lead to conditions like microsatellite instability.
  3. Individuals with Lynch syndrome have higher cancer risks associated with certain genes like MLH1 and MSH2, but a relatively good clinical outcome is observed with improved survival rates.

Genes Really Do Shape Social Outcomes

119 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🔬 Science Genomics
  1. Behavioral genetics can have a significant impact on shaping society and improving educational interventions by studying genetic contributions to social outcomes
  2. Studying the genetics of educational outcomes can improve research quality and empower precision interventions, providing biological insights for potential new drugs or learning theories
  3. Genetic studies, like genome-wide association studies (GWAS), are advancing our understanding of genetic influences on educational attainment, paving the way for more accurate prediction of social outcomes

Science and Its Discontents

139 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🔬 Science Research Innovation Metascience Replication Institutions
  1. Current systems for basic scientific research have weaknesses in terms of funding, publication incentives, and impact evaluation. Scientists often spend less time on actual research due to grant application efforts, and research impact is measured ineffectively.
  2. Systemic issues in research science include inefficiencies, triviality, and misaligned incentives, leading to concerns about technological stagnation and economic growth. The replication crisis is a notable problem, affecting various fields due to lack of reproducibility.
  3. Metascience, analyzing and improving scientific methodology, offers hope for enhancing the quality and efficiency of research. It encourages transparency, awareness of limitations, and informed decision-making by scientists, policymakers, and funders, despite facing obstacles in adoption.
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Literary Affluenza: F. Scott Fitzgerald's Prescience about Luxury Beliefs

99 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
📚 Literature Authors Novels Fiction Characters Themes
  1. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels explore the destructive impact of luxury beliefs and the allure of high status characters.
  2. Various theories attempt to explain our fascination with status and prestige, but fiction like Fitzgerald's offers a unique window into these complex dynamics.
  3. Fitzgerald's works, like 'The Beautiful and Damned,' serve as social commentary on wealth, status, and the moral dilemmas of the affluent, inviting readers to reflect on their own pursuits and values.

A Total and Complete Shutdown of... History

119 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Political Philosophy Human nature History Evolutionary Theory Cultural analysis
  1. Francis Fukuyama's 'The End of History' thesis discusses the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government.
  2. Fukuyama's concept of the 'Last Man' highlights the psychological quandary faced by individuals in advanced free-market democracies, emphasizing the need for societies to address human desires for recognition and meaning.
  3. Fukuyama argues that liberal democracies balance human impulses for freedom and equality, pointing out the importance of culture and economic development in shaping societies.

The Duchess of Hysterical Realism: Zadie Smith

79 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📚 Literature Author analysis Book review Contemporary Fiction
  1. Zadie Smith is a prominent author known for her unique and complex writing style that blends realism with absurdity, humor with tragedy.
  2. Hysterical Realism, a literary term coined by critics, is characterized by its emphasis on cleverness over real insight and a tendency towards exaggeration and absurdity.
  3. Despite criticisms, Zadie Smith's work continues to be prolific and influential in the literary world, showcasing her ability to provoke introspection and entertain readers.

Dispatches from the GWAS Era

79 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🔬 Science Genetics Research Health Diseases Discovery
  1. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) help understand how genes influence traits and diseases by identifying genetic variants associated with specific traits using large sample sizes and statistical tests.
  2. GWAS provide insights into biological mechanisms, heritability of traits, and can generate polygenic risk scores to predict disease risk based on genetic profiles.
  3. GWAS require large sample sizes and collaborative efforts, showcasing their ongoing utility in genetic research for discovering associations between genetic variants and complex traits.

Every Love Story is a Ghost Story

79 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
📚 Literature Author Biography Legacy Analysis Criticism
  1. David Foster Wallace was a highly influential writer known for his complex personal struggles and literary achievements.
  2. The biography 'Every Love Story is a Ghost Story' by D. T. Max offers a comprehensive look at Wallace's life, connecting personal experiences to his unique writing style and themes.
  3. Despite some shortcomings, the biography provides valuable insights into Wallace's deep honesty, his exploration of contemporary issues, and his literary legacy.

Is Literature Donna Tartt's Little Friend?

79 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
📚 Literature Novels Authors Critique Characterization
  1. Donna Tartt's novels blur the line between literature and commercial fiction, drawing attention to questions of value and literary merit.
  2. Tartt's work, including "The Little Friend," showcases elements of nostalgia, blending different styles and genres in a somewhat predictable manner.
  3. While praised for prose and aesthetic content, Tartt's novels, such as "The Goldfinch," may rely on derivative characters and trite tropes, potentially diminishing their literary contribution.

Technology Turns the Generational Clock

79 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🕹 Technology Technological Impact
  1. Generational analysis can provide insights and understanding of different age groups based on social and technological contexts.
  2. Technology has had a significant impact on generational changes, enabling individualism and altering life trajectories.
  3. While generational analysis can offer interesting data on differences among generations, causal connections to technology may not be strongly established, and some claims of causality should be scrutinized.

The Last Great Naturalist

99 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Behavior Genetics Conservation
  1. Life science research was pioneered by naturalists who explored and documented nature, influencing key scientific paradigms like evolution and genetics.
  2. E.O. Wilson, a revered naturalist and scientist, contributed significantly to fields such as myrmecology, sociobiology, and conservation.
  3. Wilson's work sparked debate in the scientific community, particularly around sociobiology, which explores the genetic basis of social behavior in animals, including humans.

What's the Point of Literary Criticism?

99 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
📚 Literature Criticism Analysis
  1. Literary criticism is a valuable exercise that involves analyzing and interpreting literary works.
  2. Good critics should focus on describing the form and content of a work rather than interpreting it in a way that limits its impact.
  3. Art, including literature, contains ideas and conveys values that are as important as the emotional experience it provides, making literary criticism essential for understanding and appreciating works of art.

Confronting Hereditary Talent and Its Social Consequences

99 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
📚 Literature Cultural Commentary Educational Policy Social Science Political Reform
  1. In his book _The Cult of Smart_, Fredrik deBoer argues against the notion that intelligence defines human worth, highlighting how society disproportionately rewards the academically gifted.
  2. DeBoer challenges the blank slate ideology, emphasizing the influence of genetic variation on cognitive traits over social or environmental factors, leading to implications in education and policy.
  3. DeBoer proposes societal reforms like universal healthcare and basic income to address the unequal distribution of inherited talents, challenging the idea of meritocracy as the ultimate goal for a fair society.

Why Do BRCA Mutations Cause Breast Cancer?

59 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. Organotropism in cancer refers to the specific organs that certain mutations are more likely to affect, shedding light on the complexity of cancer development.
  2. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have distinct clinical presentations, with BRCA1 mutations associated with more aggressive disease and poorer outcomes.
  3. Interpretation of genetic data, like BRCA mutations, is challenging, but advancements in understanding variant effects can improve risk assessment for hereditary cancer.

A History of Meritocracy

79 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💾 History Meritocracy Criticism Origins
  1. Meritocracy is the idea of distributing social and economic advancement based on talent, skill, and effort rather than kinship or power.
  2. Adrian Wooldridge's book presents a historical defense of meritocracy, addressing its origins, modern status, and contemporary challenges.
  3. Wooldridge discusses the flaws of modern meritocracy, like the perpetuation of privilege, but believes these issues can be resolved with better meritocratic practices.

The Illusion of Shared Power and the Elite-eat-Elite World

59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🚌 Education Philosophy Science Politics History Literature
  1. The book 'The Machiavellians' explores a unique political tradition that dissects politics pragmatically, focusing on power and manipulation.
  2. Democratic elitism, discussed by figures like Gaetano Mosca, argues all societies are ruled by a minority elite, manipulating the masses through various means.
  3. The idea of the 'iron law of oligarchy' by Robert Michels emphasizes how organizations tend to become oligarchic over time, exploring the dynamics of leadership and power.

Story: Adaptation or Spandrel?

79 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Fiction Evolution Psychology Sociology
  1. Humans rely on stories to make sense of the world, whether derived from reality or imagination, and storytelling may have played a vital role in human survival and development.
  2. Storytelling has a unique structure that simplifies the complexity of life and allows for the synchronization of countless minds, shaping societies, movements, and institutions.
  3. The debate on whether storytelling is an adaptation or a spandrel is significant in understanding human nature, with arguments for both sides pointing to storytelling's impact on cognitive functions, social cohesion, and group dynamics.

Podcatch-22: An Aural Review

99 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎙 Podcasts Review Information Overload
  1. Podcasts offer a diverse range of topics and engaging formats like interviews and roundtable discussions, enabling listeners to expand their knowledge efficiently.
  2. Balancing podcast consumption is crucial; too much irrelevant content can be detrimental. Quality and content relevance should be key considerations.
  3. Mediums like podcasts can impact the message, but the extent varies. Active reading may be superior for retention, but passive listening also offers exposure to sophisticated ideas, which is valuable.

Trapped in the Experience Machine with David Foster Wallace

79 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
📚 Literature Novels Authors Cultural analysis Postmodernism Fiction
  1. David Foster Wallace's essay 'E Unibus Pluram' highlights the influence of postmodernism and television on literature, cautioning against an over-reliance on irony and detachment.
  2. The concept of the Experience Machine, as discussed by Robert Nozick, questions our preference between artificial happiness and real, challenging experiences, reflecting on our modern fascination with technology.
  3. Fiction, particularly novels, can serve as a balanced experience machine that enhances psychological well-being, fosters meaningful connections, and offers a training ground for the mind.

The Mathematics of Literature

79 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
📚 Literature Mathematics Analysis Structure Narrative Metaphors
  1. Math and literature are more interconnected than commonly thought, with Sarah Hart's book exploring the relationship between the two disciplines in depth.
  2. Once Upon a Prime delves into how mathematics influences different aspects of literature, from fundamental structures like plot and rhyme scheme to using mathematical metaphors and deploying math creatively in storytelling.
  3. Hart's book is a mix of engaging content, with some parts feeling like random trivia, leading to a reading experience that can be a bit scattered but ultimately offers unique insights into the blend of math and literature.

The Present is Female

99 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Social Issues Education Literature Ideology
  1. In many ways, men have fallen from their prominent position, with concerns rising about the social and economic well-being of boys and men.
  2. There are significant disparities between men and women in education and the labor market, with girls outperforming boys in school and fewer men participating in the workforce today than in 1979.
  3. Biological and psychological differences between genders, such as differences in brain development and social behaviors, play a role in observed disparities between males and females.

Tokyo Vice

59 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books TV Series Japanese culture Urban life
  1. Japanese culture often portrayed in American media with exoticism and violence, influencing perceptions of young men
  2. Memoir 'Tokyo Vice' by Jake Adelstein covers his investigative journalism in Japan, focusing on crime and vice stories, but may contain embellishments for effect
  3. Michael Mann's adaptation 'Tokyo Vice' as a TV series adds compelling narratives and characters, making it a more engaging watch compared to the memoir

The Polemicist's Dilemma

59 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Debate History Criticism Society Literature
  1. Polemics are rampant in modern discourse and have a long history, but it's essential to navigate them carefully and focus on high-quality arguments rather than defaulting to base instincts.
  2. Current narratives of political grievance in America have roots in the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and have led to a deep polarization, making it crucial to understand these origins to navigate discourse effectively.
  3. Polemics have lost persuasiveness in modern times due to technological influences and societal changes, urging a shift towards promoting complex ideas, embracing humility, and addressing real-world issues.

Quarterly Roundup for 2023: Books, Podcasts, AI Developments, Prediction Markets, and Previewed Posts

59 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Books Podcasts AI Prediction Markets Writing
  1. The author shares their favorite books of 2023 and aims to read more fiction in the future. Recommendations are welcomed!
  2. The author discusses their favorite podcasts and shares new and interesting podcast recommendations they've been enjoying.
  3. The author explores recent AI developments, including large language models, chatbots, and text-to-image generators, encouraging others to experiment with these resources.

Praetorian PTEN: Protecting Cells from Cancer

39 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🔬 Science Genetics Cell Biology Cancer Research Molecular Biology
  1. PTEN acts as a crucial barrier against cancer growth by regulating cell growth and proliferation.
  2. The structure of PTEN, spanning 105 thousand DNA base pairs on chromosome ten, reveals its functional capabilities and how it interacts with cellular components.
  3. PTEN's loss of function, often due to mutation, influences the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, impacting cellular signaling and potentially leading to tumorigenesis.

To The Metaverse and Beyond...

59 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Metaverse Virtual Worlds Technology Economy Innovation
  1. Matthew Ball defines the metaverse as an interconnected network of 3D virtual worlds that will revolutionize online experiences.
  2. The metaverse will require new technologies like cloud computing and AI, and pose governance challenges around privacy and competition.
  3. Ball's insights suggest the metaverse will impact education and various sectors, but technical obstacles need to be overcome first.

The Oft Forgotten Final Melville Novel

59 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Classic Analysis Critique Themes
  1. The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade by Herman Melville is his final and complex novel, exploring themes of human nature, deception, and faith in America.
  2. The novel is experimental and ambiguous, lacking a clear plot, presenting dialogues that challenge perception and reliability of language.
  3. Melville's exploration of social trust in the novel highlights how trust is fragile, influenced by emotions and authority figures, reflecting social and cultural norms.

The Biology of Behavior and The Mystery of Subjective Experience: Review of Behave

79 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🔬 Science Biology Behavior Human nature Determinism Ethics
  1. Robert Sapolsky's book 'Behave' delves into the biology behind human behavior and argues for determinism, suggesting that all human actions have causes rooted in the physical world.
  2. The hard determinist perspective challenges common ideas of merit and responsibility, particularly in the context of human behavior, raising questions about the implications for societal management of issues like criminal justice.
  3. Despite the constraints on human agency imposed by biology and other factors, it is beneficial to continue treating individuals as at least partially responsible for their choices to maintain the effectiveness of existing social and psychological mechanisms.

The Stuff of Thought and Feeling

59 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🔬 Science Psychology Evolutionary Psychology Behaviorism Psychometrics
  1. Paul Bloom's book 'Psych' offers a comprehensive overview of modern psychology focusing on foundational concepts and influential psychologists.
  2. The book addresses controversial psychological ideas and presents commentaries on existing research, making it accessible yet thoughtful.
  3. Readers may find particular value in the Foundations and Differences sections, and while the book lacks in-depth methodology discussions, it provides a solid introduction to the field.

The Envy Box: Class-Status Obsession in Prestige TV

59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Television Social Commentary Human nature Satire
  1. Television shows like The White Lotus and Succession focus on class and status hierarchies rather than masculine megalomania of the past
  2. Prestige TV provides a window into the minds of elites and the anxieties surrounding the relentless pursuit of status
  3. Viewers can interpret these shows as straightforward satire, a critique of elite culture, a form of self-satisfying entertainment, or an exploration of human nature

2022 Reading Retrospective

59 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
📚 Literature Book recommendations
  1. Setting reading goals and tracking progress on platforms like Goodreads can help increase reading volume, improve knowledge retention, and facilitate engaging discussions with a book-loving community.
  2. Reflecting on your reading experiences can provide insights, help build a to-be-read list, and motivate more enriching reading habits.
  3. Balancing the types of books read, such as non-fiction and fiction, can contribute to a more well-rounded reading experience, aiming for a manageable number of books read annually can deepen understanding and retention of the content.

The End of Solitude?

79 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
📚 Literature Essays Criticism Technology Education Cultural analysis
  1. William Deresiewicz's collection of essays 'The End of Solitude' covers various themes like technology's impact on culture, higher education issues, and reflections on Jewish identity.
  2. Deresiewicz questions the effects of technology on solitude, argues about the problems with higher education focusing on academic elites, and suggests a reevaluation of cultural and intellectual practices.
  3. The book delves into topics often missing from mainstream discourse, highlighting the importance of the humanities and showcasing a blend of influences through essays that challenge readers.

The Heart Wants Inequality: The Inconvenient Truth of Mate Preference and Its Relevance to Today's Sexual Politics

59 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Feminism Sexuality Social Issues Philosophy Art
  1. Human mating dynamics are influenced by sexual selection and assortative mating, leading to significant social effects over time.
  2. The distribution of socially desirable or economically valued traits is profoundly unequal due to people's freedom to choose their mates, calling for a possible remedy of the mating market's externalities for equality.
  3. Debates on the 'right to sex' are complex within feminist theory, with arguments around consent, agency, objectification, and traditional gender roles.

Baldwin vs Buckley

59 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Debate History Literature Politics Race
  1. The 1965 Cambridge Union debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley is considered significant in the discourse about race in America, despite some limitations in its impact on racial politics at that time.
  2. Nicholas Buccola's book, 'The Fire Is Upon Us,' provides a detailed analysis of the Baldwin vs Buckley debate, focusing on their biographical sketches, written works, and positions on race and politics.
  3. Baldwin's and Buckley's ideas on race, politics, and society from the mid-20th century still resonate in contemporary discussions, though there are critiques about their approaches and implications for modern racial discourse.

What Can Apes Teach Us About Gender?

79 implied HN points • 03 Jul 22
🔬 Science Gender Evolution Biology Behavior
  1. Frans de Waal's book 'Different' explores the biology behind sex and gender differences in humans and society, offering a balanced perspective between social constructionists and biological determinists.
  2. De Waal emphasizes that understanding the biological influences on gender does not prescribe certain behaviors, but rather describes the natural variations in gender expression among primates.
  3. The author caution readers that activism for social equality needs to be informed by a proper understanding of biology, highlighting the importance of balancing science with social issues.

A Dormant Army Within

2 HN points • 03 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment Immune System Drug Development
  1. The immune system has key components like T cells which play a crucial role in fighting cancer by harnessing latent immunity.
  2. Researchers like James Allison and Tasuku Honjo have made significant contributions in understanding how cancer evades the immune system and how immune checkpoints like CTLA-4 and PD-1 can be targeted to enhance immune response against cancer.
  3. Cellular immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-(L)1, has shown great potential in treating various cancers, with some patients showing long-term remissions and ongoing innovative developments in this field.

Queen of Ambivalence or Cringe Sellout? Sally Rooney Mania and What it Means for Literary Culture

59 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
📚 Literature Author analysis Contemporary Fiction Literary culture Cultural Commentary
  1. Sally Rooney is a successful author catering to a reliable, educated, and unsettled young audience with her works
  2. Rooney's novels are critiqued for being carefully crafted to target the cultural sensitivities and social norms of today's young adults
  3. The sincerity and motives behind Rooney's writing style and themes, as well as her success, are questioned and seen as a performance art piece