The hottest Biology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

An Enigmatic Beast

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Conservation Etymology Evolution
  1. Mountain goats have an interesting history of naming, starting from their scientific name, Oreamnos americanus, which links them to mountains and lambs.
  2. Despite extensive research, scientists still struggle to figure out mountain goats' closest relatives, making them a bit of a mystery in the animal kingdom.
  3. There's a growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge, especially from Indigenous peoples, which can greatly enhance our understanding of animals like mountain goats.

Tuesday Links

Niko McCarty • 19 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🔬 Science Biology Medicine Technology Chemistry Research
  1. New AI models are being developed to design DNA sequences and create new antibodies. These advancements could help in understanding genetic activities better.
  2. Researchers have found a clever way to help microbes absorb molecules that usually cannot enter cells by attaching them to compounds that can. This could lead to new methods in biotechnology.
  3. Joining cancer trials might not help patients live longer, according to a study. It's important for patients to consider this when thinking about trial participation.

Western Civilization And Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genomics History Biology Humanity Philosophy
  1. Western civilization has thrived for about 2500 years, with many achievements in science and knowledge. This long history has shaped our understanding of complex topics like genomics.
  2. Key figures like Isaac Newton helped establish scientific methods, moving society away from superstition to rational thinking. This paved the way for discoveries in inheritance and DNA.
  3. Today, we can sequence human genomes more easily than ever before. This ability can change how we understand our biology and ourselves in profound ways.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Chemistry sets and the old-fashioned childhood

Demodexio • 132 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🚌 Education Chemistry Biology
  1. Chemistry sets used to be more dangerous, now they are heavily regulated for children's safety.
  2. We should invest more in structured education for kids in subjects like chemistry and biology to provide similar experiences.
  3. Children today have more limited freedom to explore outdoors, so it's important to offer structured outdoor education in schools.

My Little Cockroach

Banana Peel Pirouette • 79 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Evolution Urbanization Animal Behavior
  1. Cockroaches have been around for millions of years and are found on every continent except Antarctica, adapted to urban environments due to global commerce.
  2. Humans have a unique disgust towards cockroaches, though other pests like mice and pigeons coexist with us and are even celebrated in popular culture.
  3. Our fear and loathing towards cockroaches stem from the way they challenge our perceptions of hygiene and control over the environment, showing how closely intertwined our lives are with these creatures.

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.

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.

Economics and Evolutionary Psychology

David Friedman’s Substack • 143 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔬 Science Psychology Evolution Behavior Economics Biology
  1. Economics predicts individual behavior based on personal goals, while evolutionary psychology focuses on genes' goals for reproductive success.
  2. Evolutionary psychology sees the human mind as specialized modules shaped by Darwinian evolution for survival in hunter-gatherer environments.
  3. Behavioral inconsistencies in economics can be explained by beliefs in 'just prices' influenced by evolutionary psychology and ancestral trading practices.

From the Fossil Record - Awe

Living Fossils • 3 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🔬 Science Evolution Paleontology Biology Nature
  1. The team is taking a holiday break and won't be posting regularly for a bit. They want to keep readers engaged even during this time.
  2. They are sharing older posts to remind new readers of valuable content they might have missed. One highlight is a post about 'awe' that fits the holiday season.
  3. They welcome feedback from readers, whether it's about the new idea, suggestions for topics, or just holiday wishes. They are happy to hear from everyone.

The case for 1 mSv per day

Gordian Knot News • 212 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🔬 Science Radiation Biology Nuclear power Health Risks
  1. The recommended radiation exposure limit for the general public was 2 mSv/day until 1951, when it was changed to 3 mSv/week.
  2. A dose of 2 mSv/day is considered safe as it is based on biological repair mechanisms that can handle DNA damage from radiation and natural processes.
  3. Maintaining a limit of 2 mSv/day could prevent unnecessary evacuations and help make nuclear power a more economical and environmentally friendly energy source.

Eggs and scrambled chromosomes

De Novo • 121 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Research
  1. Growth of eggs from stem cells is challenging, but a new research approach involving injecting adult cell nucleus into a donor egg may offer an alternative.
  2. Chromosomes' proper segregation during meiosis II seems more efficient in inbred mice compared to hybrid mice, indicating the importance of genetic similarity in the process.
  3. Understanding the mechanism that aids proper segregation in inbred chromosomes could potentially lead to advancements in using the nuclear transfer method for human oocytes, though challenges like aneuploidy and efficiency still need to be addressed.

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.

How things come to be as they are

Overthinking Everything • 349 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🔬 Science Evolution Biology Technology Memes Patterns
  1. The theory of evolution explains the existence, creation, and extinction of things based on modifications and combinations of existing entities.
  2. Evolutionary processes are not confined to biological organisms but also apply to technologies, ideas (memes), and even inanimate objects like rocks.
  3. Understanding evolutionary theory can help in generating plausible explanations for how things came to be and in devising actions to shape the desired outcomes.

Baitballs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Marine Biology Wildlife Conservation
  1. Baitballs are when schools of fish, like herring and sand lance, gather together as a defense against predators. This helps reduce the chance of any single fish being eaten.
  2. When birds like gulls dive into the water, it often signals the presence of baitballs. Their activity gives hints about the underwater life that we usually can't see.
  3. Baitballs are important for the ecosystem because they provide food for many animals, including seals and birds. Observing these events can give insights into the health of marine life.

Natural Trans Fats

The Heart Attack Diet • 59 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Fitness Biology Research
  1. Trans-fats in dairy products from ruminants are naturally occurring and include conjugated linoleic acid and vaccenic acid, produced by bacterial action in the rumen.
  2. Putting seed oils in cow food can lead to the transformation of fats into trans-fats as a detoxifying defense mechanism by gut bacteria.
  3. Vaccenic acid found in human orbitofrontal cortex of patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia raises questions about its role in these conditions.

The Last Great Naturalist

Holodoxa • 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.

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 Fall and Rise of Science Writing

Asimov Press • 180 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🔬 Science Writing Journalism AI News Biology
  1. Science journalism is shifting towards automation using AI, but there is a potential for a renaissance in science writing led by scientists and physicians.
  2. Current news articles often follow a templated structure rooted in historical newspaper layout practices from the past.
  3. The future of impactful science writing lies in personal experiences and unique perspectives, which AI cannot replicate.

Cheating at Evolution

Eat Shit and Prosper • 159 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
🔬 Science Biology Microbiology Evolution Genetics Health
  1. Bacteria can share genes with each other quickly, helping them adapt and survive in their environment. This 'horizontal gene transfer' allows them to grab useful traits without the slow process of traditional evolution.
  2. Some animals eat feces to gain beneficial bacteria that help them digest tough foods and absorb nutrients. This behavior helps spread helpful microbes more quickly among their populations.
  3. Understanding how microbes influence our health could lead to new treatments for various diseases. Using healthy microbes from poop could potentially improve a person's well-being significantly.

Alternatives to Zookeeping

De Novo • 121 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🔬 Science Biology Biomedical Proteins Antibodies Research
  1. Synthetic biology can provide alternatives to traditional antibodies in biomedical research to improve progress and reproducibility.
  2. Current production and use of antibodies have intrinsic and extrinsic challenges, such as compatibility issues, cost, and reproducibility concerns.
  3. Moving towards new antibody technologies, like recombinant antibodies and phage display, could lead to better solutions in biomedical research, though adoption may require top-down support from funding agencies.

Graphene: New Comprehensive Study, Degradation, and Industry Trends

Tessa Fights Robots • 43 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Toxicity Applications Biology Industry
  1. A recent study highlighted the toxicity and degradation of graphene, raising concerns about its broad applications and potential hazards on the environment and human health.
  2. Further research is needed on the degradation of graphene-based nanomaterials to understand their environmental impact and health risks. Some compounds like humic acid and specific enzymes play a role in the biodegradation process.
  3. Graphene is a trending material in various industries, but there are growing concerns about its safety, likening it to the new asbestos or Glyphosate 2.0. Monitoring industry trends and applications of graphene is important for understanding its impact.

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.

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.

Scolding Crows

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Animal Behavior Environmental Science
  1. Crows are very protective of their young and can become aggressive towards humans and other animals that come too close to their territory. It's not uncommon for a crow to scold you if you're in their area.
  2. Crows have been observed to mob other predators, like hawks and eagles, to protect themselves and their young. This shows their smart and social behavior as they work together to fend off threats.
  3. Studies have shown that crows can recognize faces and remember individuals who pose a threat to them. They teach younger crows to scold these dangerous figures, demonstrating their ability to learn and pass on knowledge.

Of mice and men and eggs

De Novo • 165 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Research
  1. A study successfully produced eggs from male mice, resulting in baby mice with two biological fathers.
  2. Researchers converted male mouse stem cells to female cells by exploiting chromosomal instability and using a kinase inhibitor.
  3. This breakthrough suggests the possibility of growing eggs not only from women but also from men in the future.

Playing the game vs. finding a cheat code

De Novo • 99 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🔬 Science Biology Development Research Genetics
  1. Playing the game versus using cheat codes can be applied to various situations like growing oocytes and making Pokémon.
  2. Advantages of playing normally: it may take longer but strengthens understanding; button mashing can lead to quicker results but might have unforeseen issues.
  3. In different scenarios, like making natural products or evaluating computer code, deciding between conventional methods or shortcuts is crucial.

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