The hottest Biology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

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

Neurobiology Notes • 176 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🔬 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.

Rapid proteome-wide prediction of lipid-interacting proteins through ligand-guided structural genomics

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology Genomics Machine Learning Proteomics Bioinformatics
  1. Researchers developed a new tool called SLiPP that helps quickly find proteins that interact with lipids. This is important because lipids play key roles in cell functions and diseases.
  2. SLiPP uses machine learning to distinguish between protein pockets likely to bind lipids and those that won't. This makes it easier to identify potential targets for drug discovery.
  3. The tool has been successfully tested on different organisms, showing it can accurately predict lipid-binding proteins. This helps scientists explore new areas in lipid biology and disease research.

New tools for programming biology

The Century of Biology • 472 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology Genetics CRISPR
  1. CRISPR technology has revolutionized biology with its programmable gene editing capabilities, leading to rapid advancements and commercial interest.
  2. New tools like HACE for targeted genetic variation and technologies for RNA writing are expanding the toolkit for programming biology.
  3. Exploration of retrons as a tool for DNA production and genome editing reveals the potential for diverse applications in genome engineering.

Plagiarism: The philosophy, psychology and biology of why we don’t see eye to eye.

On Looking • 259 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy Psychology Biology
  1. Plagiarism is a significant issue in the creative industry, often going unnoticed or unpunished due to various factors like power imbalances and technological complexities.
  2. Our perception of images is influenced by a dynamic interplay of similarity and difference, with both forces being essential for creativity and artistic identity.
  3. Understanding plagiarism requires a multidisciplinary approach, considering philosophical, psychological, and biological perspectives on how people perceive and categorize similarities in creative works.
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Looking for your keys under the light

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 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.

Fast Biology

Asimov Press • 270 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology Physics Mathematics Experimentation
  1. The concept of viewing time differently through the lens of the Minute Man and the Millennium Man prompts questions about our understanding of speed and time in the world.
  2. Biological processes at the cellular level can occur at astonishing speeds, with enzymes performing millions of chemical reactions per second and protein 'motors' spinning thousands of times a minute.
  3. Scientists use innovative experiments to directly observe rapid biological processes, such as watching ATP synthase spin or tracking ribosomes moving along messenger RNA strands, to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of life.

Biomimicry versus Top-Down Engineering

Risk Musings • 573 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🔬 Science Genetics Biology Innovation Systems
  1. Nature builds from the bottom up through evolution and mutations, unlike top-down engineering in human systems.
  2. Biomimicry offers inspiration across various fields by learning from nature's efficient and resilient systems.
  3. Bottom-up building, like in the human brain, involves countless interactions that lead to emergent solutions, unlike enforced top-down strategies.

Making the Micropipette

Asimov Press • 322 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🔬 Science Biology Innovation Technology Research History
  1. The development of the micropipette was driven by the hazards and limitations of mouth pipetting.
  2. Innovators from different parts of the world each contributed to the modern micropipette's design and features.
  3. The history of the micropipette highlights the importance of simple tools and incremental improvements in scientific breakthroughs.

Friday Links

Niko McCarty • 39 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🔬 Science Chemistry Biology Technology Health Environment
  1. Forever chemicals are really tough to break down because of their chemical structure. Researchers are looking for ways to engineer microbes that can help eliminate these harmful substances.
  2. SGLT2 inhibitors can help the immune system clear out old cells, which could be important for health. There’s growing interest in how these inhibitors can benefit kidney treatment.
  3. Advances in cotton plant genomes could make it easier to breed better plants in the future. This could lead to improvements in cotton production and farming.

Wednesday Links

Niko McCarty • 39 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🔬 Science Biology Health Innovation Vaccines Research
  1. Joseph Lister invented the first micropipette in the 1850s, but it wasn't popular like Heinrich Schnitger's design in 1957. It's interesting how some inventions don’t get the recognition they deserve until later.
  2. A new vaccine strategy uses tiny particles to target specific cells with mRNA vaccines. This could make immunizations more effective and targeted.
  3. The FDA sometimes takes too long to approve products like sunscreens, which can affect public health. It's a reminder that safety can sometimes slow down progress.

Xenobots: Self-Replicating Biobots

Solve Cancer in 365 days • 2 HN points • 14 Sep 24
🔬 Science Biology Technology Engineering Health Robotics
  1. Xenobots are made from frog cells and can swim, heal, and move in groups. They are different from regular robots because they are living organisms created by scientists.
  2. Researchers design Xenobots by separating skin and heart cells and using computer algorithms to find the best ways to make them move. This combines biology with engineering.
  3. Xenobots can self-replicate by using loose stem cells to create new Xenobots. They could help with pollution cleanup and even serve purposes in medicine, like repairing organs.

The NextSeq 2000 Optical System

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Physics Chemistry Technology Engineering
  1. The NextSeq 2000 utilizes structured illumination to improve imaging quality. This technology allows for clearer images of very small features that were hard to see before.
  2. This updated information aims to reach a broader audience, moving from a previous platform to this one.
  3. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, highlighting the value in subscribing for more detailed insights.

O-Day - Explaining Frank Polifka's Windhexe

Remote View • 216 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🔬 Science Technology Physics Engineering Chemistry Biology
  1. A technology called Windhexe can turn various materials into powder, even turning gravel to dust and reducing waste into powder.
  2. The Windhexe device functions by creating a tornado-like vortex in a chamber, causing materials to be smashed and pulverized into tiny particles.
  3. Windhexe technology has been used by different companies for processing food wastes, manufacturing debris, and even for drying materials quickly.

How to Imbue the Basic Models of Biology With a Positive Vision of the Future

Maximum Progress • 196 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Economics Evolution
  1. Basic biological models suggest a narrative of exponential growth followed by collapse.
  2. Biology offers a positive vision of the future through sustainable population growth without new resources, like Rubisco enzyme evolution.
  3. Evolutionary innovations, such as the human brain, enable sustainable growth and prosperity, creating a bridge between ecological and economic perspectives.

Love, Attention, Patience: The Secrets of Charles Darwin's Scientific Success

Meaning || Matter • 59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🔬 Science Evolution Naturalism Geology Biology Research
  1. Darwin's success was not just about genius; it was about his love for science, his attention to detail, and his patience in observing the world around him. He worked hard to collect data and make sense of it over many years.
  2. His groundbreaking theory of evolution came from his commitment to understanding nature and his experiences during his voyage on the Beagle. He took every opportunity to explore and study different species and their environments.
  3. Even when faced with challenges and doubts, Darwin continued to gather and analyze evidence, showing that persistence and curiosity are key to making important discoveries.

Transannular C–H functionalization of cycloalkane carboxylic acids

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🔬 Science Chemistry Biology Research Innovation
  1. New methods to make cyclic compounds called carbocycles are being developed. These methods are more efficient than traditional ones.
  2. Two new types of ligands help improve the ability to manipulate these compounds, making the process more controlled. This is especially important for challenging structures.
  3. The research shows that creating complex molecules can be done in fewer steps than before, which saves time and resources in drug development.

That GenomeWeb Article On Spatial Growth...

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology Technology Innovation Health Research
  1. New technology is emerging in the field of single-cell sequencing, making it easier to analyze large amounts of data. Companies like Parse and 10x are leading the way with new products.
  2. The market for bio-tech is growing, but there are signs it may slow down in the upcoming year. Keeping an eye on industry trends will be important.
  3. Illumina is preparing to launch new technology in 2025, which could have a big impact on gene expression studies. It's worth watching how these advancements will change research.

What Is Beauty?

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Aesthetics Art Literature Biology Sexuality History
  1. Sexual attraction plays a big role in art and beauty. It has been important in history but seems less central in today's discussions about aesthetics.
  2. Richard Prum's theory explains that beauty in the animal world, like a peacock's tail, comes from sexual selection rather than just survival needs. Animals choose mates based on beauty, which shapes what traits get passed down.
  3. Culture and biology are deeply connected when it comes to beauty and desire. This idea can be seen in literature from ancient times, where beautiful characters are often depicted as more desirable than strong ones.

Knowing the Gods, Knowing the Smalls

Microanimism • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🔬 Science Nature Biology Ecology Climate Pollution
  1. The setting described is unique and surreal, with rose bushes and mysterious elements creating a vivid picture.
  2. The story delves into a narrative involving gods, non-gods, and their impact on a strange world, with themes of environmental change and conflict.
  3. An invitation to explore more by subscribing, offering a 7-day free trial to access additional content on Microanimism.

Erika Update #10: Honestly, it’s often faster to do it by hand

Erika’s Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology Technology Data Analysis Research Programming
  1. Sometimes doing tasks by hand can be faster than trying to automate them with scripts.
  2. Automating tasks may not always be worth the effort if the tools or processes are not complete or efficient.
  3. Overcomplicating things with automation can lead to wasted time and effort if the benefits are not substantial.

The Need To Pee

Living Fossils • 16 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Health Psychology Anatomy Behavior
  1. Tycho Brahe's story shows how ignoring the urge to pee can have serious consequences for health, as it may lead to fatal infections. It's a reminder that some bodily needs shouldn't be ignored, even in social settings.
  2. The bladder fills and sends signals to the brain that motivate us to pee. This system is controlled by specialized cells that detect stretching, similar to how we feel full after eating.
  3. We have the ability to control when we pee, which helps us navigate social norms and situations. This skill allows us to prioritize different needs but can sometimes lead to difficult choices.

Literally Imagine Dragons

Eat Shit and Prosper • 259 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🔬 Science Chemistry Biology Environmental Science Earth Science Microbiology
  1. Chlorophyll and heme are both essential chemicals in life, with similar structures that play key roles in energy production and oxygen transport. Chlorophyll helps plants make energy from sunlight, while heme carries oxygen in our blood.
  2. There's a mysterious porphyrin with vanadium at its center found in crude oil. It could belong to an ancient life form, and studying it may reveal new insights into the history of life on Earth.
  3. The idea of a lost type of microbial chemistry, possibly allowing for 'silanogenesis', imagines how ancient creatures might have used silicon compounds like silane for energy, similar to how some modern microbes produce methane.

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.

Genetic Certainty and Mechanistic Ambiguity

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🔬 Science Genetics Cancer Biology Research Health
  1. Genetic information is essential for understanding diseases, but it is just the beginning - further research is needed to unravel how genetic errors impact proteins and disease mechanisms.
  2. Studying cancer syndromes can provide insights into tumor suppressor genes and the genetic risks associated with cancer development.
  3. The discovery of the VHL gene linked to von Hippel-Lindau disease illustrates the complexity of disease mechanisms, such as how disruption of a ubiquitin ligase can lead to cancer and the tissue-specific patterns of risk in affected individuals.

A Protein Printer

Asimov Press • 322 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology Technology Chemistry DNA Proteins
  1. A protein printer is a new technology that can convert digital bits into physical molecules, potentially revolutionizing biology.
  2. The protein printer could make proteins without using DNA or cells, thus reducing costs significantly.
  3. Engineering a protein printer involves reimagining the ribosome to quickly convert digital bits into physical molecules with high precision.

Introducing Cancer Genomes

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🔬 Science Genomics Cancer Biology Genetics
  1. The new channel 'Cancer Genomes' on Holodoxa will explore topics like hereditary cancer syndromes and precision oncology.
  2. The author aims to make the complex subject matter accessible to readers with a high school level understanding of biology.
  3. Aside from cancer genomics, the author's Holodoxa channel covers various other science topics like genetics and social outcomes.