Trevor Klee’s Newsletter

Trevor Klee's Newsletter explores a wide array of topics primarily focusing on the intersection of biology, philosophy, and the impact of historical and contemporary societal transformations. It delves into personal anecdotes to illustrate broader themes, discusses scientific advancements, and critiques various aspects of culture, science, and ethics.

Philosophy and Society Biological Sciences Personal Anecdotes Cultural Critique Scientific Advancements Ethical Philosophy Societal Transformations

The hottest Substack posts of Trevor Klee’s Newsletter

And their main takeaways

When your family becomes inverse strangers

2910 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Family Relationships Memories
  1. As people grow older, they tend to spend less time with their parents and siblings, shifting towards spending more time with friends, kids, and spouse.
  2. Due to limited time spent with family, individuals may feel like inverse strangers, knowing intimate details yet unable to rely on each other for everyday support.
  3. Memories and interactions within a family become fragmented snapshots over time, creating a sense of distance and unfamiliarity among family members.

Viking Therapeutics has an $8 billion market cap with 27 full time employees. This is their story.

373 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💼 Business Biotech Investment Startups Pharmaceuticals Economics
  1. Success in biotech often involves licensing and developing existing molecules, rather than creating completely new ones.
  2. To thrive in biotech, it's crucial to strategically select candidates and navigate clinical trials efficiently with the available resources.
  3. Viking Therapeutics' success was built on wisely choosing profitable indications, selecting the right molecules, and executing their development program effectively.

On the preciousness of life

1865 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. Life is precious and should be valued
  2. Taking unnecessary risks can have serious consequences
  3. As we grow older, we tend to appreciate life more and see the importance of safety
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You live in a world that philosophy built

3283 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Science Society History Knowledge Ethics
  1. The Catholic Church venerated Aristotle and opposed Galileo because they trusted ancient philosophy over new scientific ideas.
  2. Living in a world where science evolves, we give more weight to current evidence than ancient texts or philosophers.
  3. Lessons from history remind us of the importance of valuing empirical evidence over established theories.

Ground squirrel microbiomes are neat, unlike human microbiomes

597 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🔬 Science
  1. Human microbiomes might not be as beneficial as previously thought
  2. Ground squirrels have a cool microbiome that helps them hibernate and maintain muscle mass
  3. Ground squirrels use their gut bacteria to recycle nitrogen and build muscle mass while hibernating

Something interesting is happening in Tulsa

2611 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Community Society Social justice Urban Development Philanthropy
  1. Tulsa, Oklahoma is experiencing positive transformations due to the efforts of wealthy individuals and community foundations.
  2. The Tulsa Tomorrow program aims to attract young Jewish individuals to Tulsa by offering job opportunities, social events, and resources to fulfill their dreams.
  3. Wealthy individuals in Tulsa have made significant investments to improve the city, showing visible impact in contrast to certain bureaucratic challenges faced by other cities.

How to apply for MassHealth: an 18 step guide

1044 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics
  1. Qualifying for MassHealth requires being low income and a Massachusetts resident.
  2. The application process for MassHealth can be complicated and time-consuming.
  3. Accessing and completing the application may require navigating challenges and inconsistencies in the system.

The Tao of Fetch

447 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
  1. Some dogs are deeply fulfilled by tasks ingrained in their nature, like fetching.
  2. Understanding a dog's behavior should consider their innate instincts and not just human-like comparisons.
  3. The bond between humans and dogs involves mutual shaping of behaviors and needs.

Looking for your keys under the light

671 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🔬 Science Research Biology Models Healthcare
  1. When searching for something, we tend to look where it is easiest to see, even if it might not be the best place to find it.
  2. This behavior can lead to wasting time and effort on ineffective or inefficient search strategies.
  3. It is important to be mindful of not getting stuck looking in familiar or visible places, but to explore all possibilities.

Bloody Mary was not exceptionally bloody

522 implied HN points • 20 May 23
💾 History
  1. Queen Elizabeth I and her sister Bloody Mary had misleading sobriquets.
  2. The label of being 'bloody' is often applied based on who is killed, not just the act of killing.
  3. Throughout history, rulers have been considered tyrants based on who they oppress or kill, rather than the number of victims.

Definitions have consequences

597 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Language Ethics Definitions Intelligence Purpose
  1. Definitions can have significant consequences, especially when redefined in academic contexts.
  2. The term 'artificial general intelligence' can be misleading due to unclear definitions of 'intelligence' and 'general'.
  3. Understanding the consequences of how terms are defined is crucial in avoiding misunderstandings and panic.