The hottest Biology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Invisible feedback loops: How the body shapes the brain

Brain Pizza β€’ 662 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience Cognition Health Biology Philosophy
  1. The brain is not separate from the body; they work together in complex ways. Understanding how they interact can give us better insights into health and disease.
  2. Various bodily factors like gut health, muscle activity, and fat can influence how our brain functions. This shows the importance of considering the whole body when studying the brain.
  3. Topics like cancer cachexia and the gut-brain axis highlight specific connections between body signals and brain function, which can impact cognitive health.

Why Biology and Cancer?

Solve Cancer in 365 days β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 27 Aug 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Biology Cancer Research Aging Health Systems Wellness Practices
  1. Aging and illness like cancer are tough realities that many people face in life. There's a strong desire to find better solutions to these problems.
  2. It's important to seek meaning and purpose in life beyond just money and status. Finding something impactful can reignite passion and motivation.
  3. Learning about biology and unconventional approaches to it can open new pathways to understanding health issues. This exploration could lead to breakthroughs in how we view and treat diseases like cancer.

Sequencing the Pfizer monovalent mRNA vaccines also reveals dual copy 72-bp SV40 Promoter

Nepetalactone Newsletter β€’ 1749 implied HN points β€’ 12 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Vaccines Genetics Biology Research COVID-19
  1. Sequencing of Pfizer vaccines showed dual copies of a 72-bp SV40 Promoter
  2. The assembly struggled to handle a 72-bp tandem repeat with 105bp insert sizes
  3. The data corrected the assumption of multiple vectors in Pfizer vaccines, indicating a single vector with an additional 72bp repeat
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MASHUP: Aboriginal Smokeless Nicotine, Quinine & Caffeine Therapy, African G6PD Deficiency

Grey Goose Chronicles β€’ 786 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Medicine Genetics Pharmacology History
  1. Aboriginal Australians have a unique way of consuming tobacco with varying effects and health benefits.
  2. Quinine has a rich history in colonial expansion and fighting malaria, while caffeine might hold potential as an antimalarial drug.
  3. Genetic conditions like G6PD deficiency in sub-Saharan Africans show adaptations to malaria, impacting medical treatments and outcomes.

Cracking biological emergence with mechanistic interpretability

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter β€’ 597 implied HN points β€’ 26 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Emergence Deep Learning
  1. Emergent properties in biology can be hard to connect, kind of like trying to understand a car by randomly taking it apart. Even as we learn about proteins and genes, connecting them to actual biological traits remains a challenge.
  2. Deep learning models like Alpha Fold are changing the game by revealing connections between micro and macro biological features, even if we don't fully understand how they do it. It's like having a model that can assemble a car based on its parts without exactly knowing how all those parts work together.
  3. Recently, there's been exciting work in mechanistic interpretability, which helps us understand how these deep learning models make sense of biology. This could lead to new insights and even virtual experiments that help us learn about cell behavior and gene interactions.

On RFK Jr., Atrazine and WiFi. Plus a puzzle for you!

An Insult to Intuition β€’ 1454 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jun 23
πŸ”¬ Science Technology Medicine Research Biology Physics
  1. Kennedy discussed the potential effects of Atrazine on organisms like frogs and mammals, sparking a debate on environmental toxins.
  2. The story shared analogies between a hypothetical alien civilization and current human societal challenges, emphasizing the importance of humility and balance.
  3. There was a discussion on the perceived health risks of WiFi radiation, highlighting the need for thoughtful consideration and humility in scientific discourse.

Why It Might Not Sink In Until You've Written It Down

Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1534 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Memory Note Taking Biology Inspiration
  1. Writing something down helps you remember it better, so it's not just about typing but also about physically writing.
  2. Observing nature can lead to interesting discoveries, like how birds charm worms using vibrations to catch them.
  3. Unexpected collaborations and interactions can lead to exciting outcomes, like gaining exposure to a wider audience through social media.

Debunking Pseudoscience: β€˜Multimodal Models of Animal Sex’

Reality's Last Stand β€’ 1434 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 23
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Gender Research Evolution Critique
  1. The paper debunks the traditional binary model of biological sex by proposing a multimodal model.
  2. Current efforts in academia are influencing scientific research on sex by incorporating political motivations in the study.
  3. The study fails to provide evidence for more than two sexes and is criticized for misinterpreting sex differences in genetics, endocrinology, morphology, and behavior.

Import AI 364: Robot scaling laws; human-level LLM forecasting; and Claude 3

Import AI β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Robots Generative models Biology
  1. Scaling laws are transforming the world of robotics - more data, bigger context windows, and more parameters in models lead to significant improvements quickly.
  2. Advancements in AI forecasting show that language models can match human capabilities in predicting binary outcomes, suggesting a future of accurate forecasting by AI systems.
  3. New datasets like Panda-70M for video captioning and models like Evo for biological predictions are pushing the boundaries of AI and demonstrating the power of generative models in various domains.

Numlock News: January 18, 2024 β€’ Stellar Streams, Tetrapods, Richard Feynman

Numlock News β€’ 766 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Space Biology Data Privacy Astronomy Physics
  1. The National Baseball Hall of Fame faced a significant financial decline in revenue and attendance in 2022.
  2. Walmart's financial services became a target for scammers, leading to billions of dollars in fraud.
  3. Biologists are concerned about the extinction of tetrapod species, with around 856 currently missing and presumed extinct.

Mechanisms too simple for humans to design

Telescopic Turnip β€’ 274 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 25
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Evolution Genetics Technology Artificial Intelligence
  1. Living organisms, like butterflies and bacteria, are incredibly complex, yet humans struggle to replicate them fully because they are surprisingly simple in construction. It's like trying to build a working insect but only using a few basic parts.
  2. The information contained in the genomes of living beings is often much less than what we assume. For example, the human genome contains less useful information than what fits on a CD, showcasing how nature efficiently packs information.
  3. Natural evolution leads to a balance where simpler designs can survive better, while human-made technologies often have complex specifications and high error rates. This means some amazing designs in nature might be too bizarre for humans to create intentionally.

Reverse Genetic Systems

A Biologist's Guide to Life β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 23 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Virology Genetics Statistics
  1. There are two main theories about the origin of SARS-CoV-2: one is that it came from animal trade, and the other is that it originated in a lab. Each theory has its own set of details that scientists are still investigating.
  2. Understanding the origins of the virus requires knowledge of both biology and complex statistical methods. These methods help researchers weigh the evidence carefully, which is crucial for arriving at the most likely explanation.
  3. The evidence increasingly suggests that the virus may have come from a lab, especially noting the features like the furin cleavage site that were put into a reverse genetic system. This raises important questions about how we study viruses and their potential risks.

Planarian: The Immortal Flatworm

Solve Cancer in 365 days β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 03 Sep 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Regeneration Intelligence Research
  1. Planarians are unique flatworms that can regenerate any part of their body, even after being cut into many pieces. This shows amazing capabilities, as they can grow back perfectly.
  2. These worms also challenge our ideas about intelligence. They can transfer learned information across their bodies, suggesting that intelligence might not just reside in the brain.
  3. Scientists are exploring how the electrical patterns in planarians can guide regeneration and influence cellular behavior. Understanding this could lead to advances in human healing and possibly control over our own biology.

Will space travel force us to think dynamically about radiation harm?

Gordian Knot News β€’ 124 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Radiation Health Biology Physics
  1. Space travel could change how we understand radiation harm. Instead of just focusing on the total dose of radiation, we might need to consider how our bodies repair damage over time.
  2. Current models for analyzing radiation risk might not be suitable for space conditions. This means we may need new methods to ensure astronaut safety during missions.
  3. NASA's practices suggest that the traditional ideas about radiation limits might be too strict. If we can adapt these rules, it could help both space travel and the use of nuclear energy on Earth.

The Renaissance in Biology

Solve Cancer in 365 days β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 01 Sep 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Genetics Bioengineering Cell Biology
  1. Biology can be understood like hardware and software. While genes represent the hardware, we need to pay attention to the bioelectric signals, which act like the software, guiding how cells function.
  2. Traditional approaches focused too much on altering genes without comprehending the complexities of how these changes affect everything else in the body. We often miss how the interactions among different cell signals can impact health.
  3. By understanding bioelectricity, scientists might find better ways to tackle diseases. Instead of random discoveries, aligning the right signals could lead to effective treatments and innovations in biology.

Kill Your Pathogens

Natural Selections β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 27 May 25
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Medicine Nutrition Fitness Biology Disease
  1. Humans are really good at adapting to different environments, but the germs and parasites that make us sick can't handle as much as we can. This is why we can often beat them by making our bodies a less friendly place for them.
  2. One way to fight off infections is to let your body have a fever. Instead of taking medicine to bring it down right away, try to ride it out as it helps eliminate germs by raising your body temperature.
  3. Another tip is to dry fast, which means not eating or drinking anything for a while. This forces your body to use up old cells and resources, making it harder for pathogens to survive.

Sex in Biology Signature Campaign

Heterodox STEM β€’ 156 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 25
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Evolution Ecology Genetics Research
  1. Some biology societies have stated that sex is not simply male or female, which has caused confusion.
  2. A group of biologists has written a letter saying that sex should actually be defined by gamete type, meaning there are two sexes.
  3. They are asking other biologists to sign this letter to support their view and clarify the definition of sex.

Complex systems emerge from simple rules

Tecnica β€’ 55 HN points β€’ 28 Jul 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Physics Chemistry Emergence Complexity
  1. Complex systems can develop from just a few simple rules, like in the Game of Life. It shows how starting with basic ideas can create amazing patterns and interactions.
  2. Emergence means that new, complex properties appear from simpler components interacting together. This is true for nature, biology, and even technology like AI.
  3. Human thoughts and actions also have an emergent nature. We often wonder where our ideas come from and what rules guide our decisions.

Epistemic Hell

Secretum Secretorum β€’ 1768 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Health Physics Medicine Biology Research
  1. Through history, reasoning based on limited information has led to dangerous outcomes, like chronic cyanide poisoning and scurvy.
  2. Some scientific problems, like understanding heredity, have been challenging due to complexity and the need for exceptional datasets.
  3. To escape epistemic hells, radical ideas, serendipity, unlearning prior knowledge, and persistence are vital.

Lungs

Microanimism β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 24 May 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Microbiology Evolution Health
  1. Biological systems like lungs demonstrate asymmetry and imperfection, showcasing the complexity of biology over mathematical perfection.
  2. Microbial worlds in our lungs and in the atmosphere interact in complex ways, affecting our health and environment.
  3. The evolution and existence of lungs are deeply intertwined with microbial life, showcasing a long history of collaboration for the sustenance of life.

Macbeth

Microanimism β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 30 May 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Virology Health
  1. Viruses are ancient, existing before cellular life and influencing the history of biology and life today.
  2. The presence of viruses is widespread, from biblical references to everyday life, emotions, and biological processes.
  3. The text explores themes of guilt, perfection, and the intertwining of life and death through a poetic and philosophical lens.

But Seriously, Why The F*ck Do Giraffes Have Long Necks?

Insight Axis β€’ 612 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 23
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Genetics Evolution Knowledge Environment
  1. Giraffes have long necks to better reach food on tall trees, increasing their chances of survival and passing on their genes.
  2. In the true story of giraffes' evolution, genes are the main characters that hold knowledge for survival in their environment.
  3. Humans, unlike giraffes, can create their own knowledge using their minds, allowing them to survive in diverse environments and even outer space.

Kat Kitay: The Origin of Cyborgs

Do Not Research β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 11 Dec 23
πŸ”¬ Science Technology Biology Evolution Genetics Social Impact
  1. Donna Haraway introduced the concept of 'cyborg' in 1985 as a response to the rising technological world order
  2. Human evolution has been driven by technological advancements since ancient times, shaping our species' survival and success
  3. The modern digital revolution is pushing us towards a new kind of evolution where gene-editing technologies and digital pressures play crucial roles

Fight the Anti-Narrative with Pro-Science

A Biologist's Guide to Life β€’ 42 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Vaccines Public Health Research Methods Technology
  1. Using 'anti' labels in discussions can over-simplify and misrepresent people's true beliefs. It makes conversations harder and ignores important details.
  2. Questioning vaccines or other technologies doesn't mean being against them; it can be a way to improve them. Critics should be heard instead of labeled negatively.
  3. Curiosity and open-mindedness in science can lead to better understanding and advancements. Engaging with skepticism might help scientists and the public work together more effectively.

The Mantis Shrimp Edition

Why is this interesting? β€’ 241 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Zoology Marine life Animal Behavior Ecology
  1. Mantis shrimp can punch very fast, making them the fastest strikers in the animal world. It's incredible how quickly they can hit their targets.
  2. These shrimp are very protective of their territory and will aggressively defend their space against intruders.
  3. Their powerful punches are so strong that they can even break glass, showing just how strong these small creatures really are.

A Bridging of Dimensions

α΄‹ΚŸα΄€α΅Ύs β€’ 628 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Mathematics Biology Neuroscience Consciousness
  1. Former government officials have revealed details about UFO crash retrieval programs involving non-human intelligence and advanced materials.
  2. The use of topological materials in UFO technology could explain exotic properties, like strange isotopes and materials able to deform into higher dimensions.
  3. Connections between the human brain's multi-dimensional functions and UFO phenomena could suggest a link between consciousness and unexplained aerial phenomena.

Reproducibility starts with good communication

Briefly Bio β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jul 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Communication Research
  1. Good communication is key to making experiments reproducible. If scientists can't share their methods clearly, it’s hard for others to repeat their work.
  2. Many methods of communication in science are outdated and not effective. This can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes in reproducing experiments.
  3. Tools that help streamline communication in science can improve reproducibility. A better system can replace complicated and unclear documentation.

Why The Sky Smells Great

Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1303 implied HN points β€’ 25 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Nature Health Biology Psychology Weather
  1. The smell of fresh air can impact our mood and health, like boosting immune cells when exposed to aromatic forest scents.
  2. Weather changes can create distinct smells, like the pre-storm smell of ozone or the earthy petrichor after rain.
  3. Our sense of smell may have deeper cultural and biological connections that we are still exploring.

Urban Umwelt in Awe of Animals

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Ecology Animal Behavior Urban wildlife
  1. Animals have unique ways of sensing their world that we often can't understand. For example, dogs like Taylor use their amazing noses to gather information that goes beyond what we can perceive.
  2. The concept of 'umwelt' shows that each species experiences their environment differently. This means animals interact with their surroundings in ways that are complex and rich, not simple or automatic.
  3. Learning about how animals sense the world can help us appreciate their lives and experiences more. It reminds us that our way of sensing things isn't the only way and that every creature has its own valuable perspective.

Paul Stamets on Fungi, Heterodoxy and Systems

rebelwisdom β€’ 687 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 23
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Ecology Evolution Psychology
  1. Fungi play a critical role in ecosystems, being essential for survival and offering various benefits to humans.
  2. Mycelium networks demonstrate resilience and adaptability, showing how diversity and innovation can emerge from minorities and unconventional thinking.
  3. Psilocybin mushrooms provide not just physical effects, but also potential societal and spiritual benefits, connecting different cultures and promoting collaboration over conflict.

Genius in turbulent times

Logging the World β€’ 418 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics History Biology Diversity
  1. Genius can be found in lesser-known figures like Kolmogorov, who made significant contributions to mathematics and other fields.
  2. Kolmogorov's work on probability theory and the Kolmogorov-Arnold theorem had a lasting impact on mathematics and even underpins modern AI algorithms.
  3. Kolmogorov's life was not only marked by academic achievements but also by navigating personal challenges, such as opposing Lysenkoism and living as an openly gay man in Stalinist Russia.

Nature to the North

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Ecology Wildlife Conservation Environmental
  1. Seeing hundreds of bald eagles feeding at once is a spectacular sight. They gather to feast on fish when conditions are just right.
  2. Some tree stumps can stay alive and continue to grow even after being cut down. This shows how interconnected nature can be through shared resources.
  3. Sea stars, which faced a severe disease, are now showing signs of recovery. Those that survived may pass on stronger genes to help their species adapt.

Why wasn't preservation with the goal of potential future revival started earlier in history?

Neurobiology Notes β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Technology History Neuroscience Cryonics
  1. Despite preservation with the goal of future revival not being proposed for most of human history, in 1962, Evan Cooper and Robert Ettinger independently introduced the concept of cryonics.
  2. Factors influencing the delay in proposing preservation with future revival include a need for optimism in technological progress, willingness to take risks, and advances in preservation technology.
  3. Other possible reasons for the delayed start include societal restrictions, advancements in information theory, and the idea that preservation does not need to be perfect to be pursued.