The hottest Biology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

How Robins Got Their Name

Bird History • 99 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🔬 Science Nature Biology History Culture Environment
  1. Robins named in England were given human names like Robert and Robin due to their familiarity and endearing qualities.
  2. American settlers in North America applied the name Robin to birds with orange breasts despite being different species from the English robin.
  3. The name Robin has been widely adopted by various birds across different continents, showcasing the historical influence of English colonization and erasure of indigenous knowledge.

Everything Wrong With: "Illumina: The Measurement Monopoly" Part 8/8

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🔬 Science Genomics Biology Technology Business Analysis
  1. The misconception that the author is independently wealthy is addressed, highlighting the need for funding for their content creation activities.
  2. The discussion covers the vertical integration strategies of AffyMetrix and Illumina in the genomics industry.
  3. There is a desire for a less vertically integrated future in the sequencing industry, focusing on filling sequencers with reagents like qPCR machines.

Gompertz–Makeham law of mortality

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology Aging Genetics
  1. The Gompertz-Makeham law of mortality is a mathematical model used to describe age-specific mortality rates in human and other species, crucial in actuarial science and studying aging.
  2. The law was developed by Gompertz with an exponential model showing increased mortality rates with age, later extended by Makeham to include an age-independent mortality term.
  3. While widely used, the Gompertz-Makeham law has limitations, inspiring researchers to propose alternative models to better capture the complexity of mortality patterns, especially at advanced ages.
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Erika Update #5: DNA detective

Erika’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Research Engineering Biotechnology
  1. It's important to keep good track of custom DNA programs in biology for engineering purposes.
  2. Current DNA management lacks clear nomenclature and annotation, making it challenging to work with DNA sequences.
  3. Challenges in DNA management highlight the complexity of biological functions and the importance of handling sequences carefully and thoughtfully.

Is The Revio A Single Color System?

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Technology Innovation Analysis Biology
  1. The Revio possibly uses a single color system for sequencing, which could lead to improved efficiency and simplification of the fabrication process.
  2. The SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) varies significantly between nucleotides in the Revio, indicating potential differences in brightness.
  3. There is ongoing exploration to determine if the Revio sequencing system utilizes a one or two-color system, with a focus on experimental support and additional evidence.

Assembly Line of Enzymes

The Polymerist • 132 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🔬 Science Chemistry Biology Technology Environment Research
  1. Enzyme immobilization can reduce costs and increase accessibility of technology for commodity chemicals
  2. Cascade Biocatalysts technology offers better thermal stability, more reuse, and higher activity compared to conventional methods
  3. Immobilized enzymes can pave the way for a shift towards environmentally friendly and cost-effective synthetic processes in various industries

Codon: Notes on Progress #2

Asimov Press • 135 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🔬 Science Genetic Engineering Biology Climate change Health Impact Microbiome
  1. A newsletter provides curated insights on scientific progress in biology and future technologies.
  2. Recent advancements include nano-scale probes for space exploration, gene-editing for heart protection, and new gene therapy trials.
  3. Challenges in genetics, predictions of protein levels from DNA sequences, and advancements in microbiome research showcase ongoing developments in the field.

Paper Summary: The Koha Code - A Biological Theory of Memory

Sigil • 19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🔬 Science Neuroscience Biology Memory Learning Cognition
  1. The Koha model proposes that dendritic spines are computational units that scan for specific temporal codes in the brain.
  2. Excitatory and inhibitory neurons can form neural circuits that use lateral inhibition to suppress other neurons.
  3. Dendritic spines change shape to amplify or dampen signals, encoding temporal patterns and competing to become the 'winning neuron'.

Brains, Mammals, and the Brains of Mammals

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🔬 Science Evolution Anatomy Biology Neuroscience Genetics
  1. Our ancestors were successful in evolution, leading to our existence today. Every single one of us is part of a long line of evolutionary success.
  2. Mammals have evolved unique traits such as mammary glands, four-chambered hearts, and specialized teeth, making them distinct from other species.
  3. The mammalian brain has evolved to be large, well-connected, and specialized, with a balance between autonomy and integration, as shown in the structures like the forebrain and the corpus callosum.

Amphibian Milk

Natural Selections • 5 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🔬 Science Nature Research Evolution Biology
  1. The three clades of extant amphibians are Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata (salamanders and newts), and Gymnophiona (caecilians). Each group has unique characteristics and adaptations to their environment.
  2. Some caecilians provide parental care by offering highly nutritious skin for their babies to eat, and secreting a kind of milk-like substance that the young ones click and chirp for before collecting from their mother's cloaca.
  3. Milk is typically associated with mammals, but caecilian mothers also produce a form of milk for their young, showcasing similarities in parental care across different animal groups.

Erika Update #1: Getting projects started is hard

Erika’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🔬 Science Research Biology Experiments Publishing Genetics
  1. Starting projects can be challenging, but perseverance and a supportive environment are key to making progress.
  2. Mistakes are common in research, but being able to identify and correct them is crucial for success.
  3. Regular updates and reflections on the progress of a project can provide valuable insights and contribute to overall success.

Codon Digest: GPT-4 Controls a Robot

Asimov Press • 90 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetic Engineering Bioinformatics Microbiology Biology
  1. GPT-4 controlled a lab robot to conduct chemical reactions, showcasing the potential of using natural language to automate experiments.
  2. Skin microbes were engineered to activate the immune system to fight tumors when applied to the skin, offering a novel cancer treatment approach.
  3. Tobacco plants were genetically modified to produce moth sex pheromones, providing a natural way to repel male moths from crops and protect them.

Natural Product Synthesis in the 21st Century: Beyond the Mountain Top

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🔬 Science Chemistry Biology Prediction Automation Therapeutics
  1. Natural products and drugs have similarities but drugs are a balance between complexity and accessibility for optimization.
  2. Molecular complexity in drugs is increasing to improve IP coverage, binding affinity, and effectiveness for chronic diseases.
  3. Embracing enabling methods, computational modeling, and deep exploration of complex chemical space can revolutionize natural product synthesis for therapeutic goals.

Could AI's Dream Of Synthetic Sheep?

SCIENCE GODDESS • 78 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🔬 Science AI Biology Chemistry Technology Research
  1. The term 'hallucination' in the context of AI does not imply consciousness, but rather refers to AI systems stating untruths or false information.
  2. AI's ability to 'hallucinate' new proteins opens up possibilities for innovative developments in synthetic biology and drug discovery.
  3. There is speculation about whether AI could one day imagine and create entirely new forms of life based on alternative biochemistries, like synthetic sheep or silicon-based life.

The Cloud for Biology

LatchBio • 39 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🔬 Science Biology Data Management Cloud Computing Biotechnology Research
  1. Storing and transferring large sequencing files in biology can be challenging due to the lack of user-friendly storage solutions like AWS S3.
  2. Integrating and tracking sample metadata in biology is vital but often hindered by unintuitive systems and lack of system integrations.
  3. Setting up data pipelines and computational workflows for biology data analysis is labor-intensive, requiring user-friendly interfaces and tools.

Links #5

Splitting Infinity • 19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🔬 Science Technology Climate Biology Physics Health
  1. Developing countries like Nigeria and Rwanda are adopting advanced technologies like cryptocurrency and drone networks, showcasing potential for growth.
  2. Innovative solutions like pneumatic canopies for climate control are being considered for equatorial megacities facing heatwaves due to climate change.
  3. Advancements in technology such as gondola systems for cities and improved desalination methods show promise for future urban development and sustainability.

Everything Wrong With: "Illumina: The Measurement Monopoly" Part 4/8

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biology Chemistry Physics Engineering Technology
  1. The term 'TechBio' may seem superficial, but technology development in biology is complex and involves a mix of disciplines.
  2. The first qPCR machine from 1992 involved intricate instrumentation like photomultiplier tubes and a variety of electronic components.
  3. The development of technology in biology requires navigating complexity and balancing biochemistry and detection techniques to meet market demands.

Talking science with the UKRI CEO

Science Forever • 59 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🔬 Science Research Innovation Biology Technology Education
  1. UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) is an organization formed by merging various research councils and bodies to drive progress in research and innovation across disciplines efficiently.
  2. UKRI CEO, Ottoline Leyser, discusses the importance of associating with Horizon Europe for research collaborations and the challenges of aligning UK & EU funding mechanisms.
  3. Focusing on expanding research excellence and innovation nationwide, UKRI implements programs like the Strength in Places Fund and Innovation Accelerator pilots to drive local capacity building and economic growth.

The MiSeq's Cameras And The Economics of DNA Sequencers

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🔬 Science Biology Technology Economics Imaging Innovation
  1. DNA sequencers are expensive due to economies of scale, unlike digital cameras that benefit from mass production.
  2. Cheap DNA sequencers could greatly benefit society, but creating them poses technical and sociological challenges.
  3. The cost of components for DNA sequencers, like cameras in the MiSeq, can be broken down to see how much they contribute to the overall expensive price.

Transhumanists vs. Mysterians on The Posthuman Condition

Extropic Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🔬 Science Technology Biology Philosophy Psychology Neuroscience
  1. The piece discusses the contrast between Transhumanists and Mysterians in their views on the Posthuman Condition.
  2. It highlights the error in labeling Extropians as 'posthumans' when they actually describe themselves as transhumanists.
  3. The essay stresses the importance of considering cultural and psychological consequences of changing human nature when discussing transhumanist ideas.

Discovery and design in bio

Digital in bio • 19 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🔬 Science Biology Artificial Intelligence Research & Development Evolution Genetics
  1. Biology is complex and evolving, with AI playing a crucial role in advancing our understanding and abilities in the field.
  2. Biological research consists of two main pillars: discovery and design, with a focus on broadening our knowledge and engineering biology to suit human needs.
  3. Collaboration between academia, research organizations, and commercial entities is key to pushing forward progress in AI-driven biology.

Sense, Reference, and "What is a Woman?"

Ethics Under Construction • 2 HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Language Gender Biology Debate Semantics
  1. Language is complex and words can have multiple meanings depending on context. Understanding the sense and reference of words is crucial.
  2. The concept of 'woman' can have different meanings based on social or biological contexts. Recognizing these different senses is important for productive discussions.
  3. Biological sex may be irrelevant in many situations, but there are contexts, like athletics, where it remains important. Balancing different senses of 'woman' is key to resolving debates about gender identity.