The hottest Biology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Genetic Certainty and Mechanistic Ambiguity

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

New tools for programming biology

The Century of Biology • 472 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Introducing Cancer Genomes

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Inside Job: Secret Histories in the National Museum

Asimov Press • 186 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History holds millions of specimens, including a secret history of bioweapons experiments conducted by the U.S. military.
  2. Many animal specimens collected during military conflicts reveal connections between warfare and biological research programs, showing how these historical events influenced scientific endeavors.
  3. The presence of everyday specimens in the museum, like insects and rodents, can unveil hidden stories about government actions and ecological research, suggesting that even small details can have significant implications.

Links for 2023-02-17

Axis of Ordinary • 117 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Building AGI for law to assist lawyers with complex legal questions and unique work products.
  2. Discovery about mammalian brain development and evolution in relation to neocortex.
  3. Frontiers of AI-powered experimentation at the convergence of multiple technologies.
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An Enigmatic Beast

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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
  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.

Ten Useful Concepts

The Ruffian • 454 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🚌 Education Biology
  1. Vampire Problems involve big life decisions with little data to go on
  2. Legibility is about making societies understandable for rulers, but can overlook the important things
  3. Minus K represents the willful ignorance and avoidance of understanding oneself and others under stress

The Case for 2 mSv/day. 2.0.

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The historical dose limit for radiation exposure was set at 2 mSv per day, based on a time when no harmful effects were clearly detected. This suggests that at this level of exposure, there might not be significant health risks.
  2. Our body has a strong system for repairing DNA damage caused by radiation and natural processes. Most DNA issues are fixed quickly, which means low-level radiation may not lead to serious health problems.
  3. If we accept that 2 mSv per day is safe, it could change how we manage nuclear power. It may allow for safer operations and reduce unnecessary evacuations, ultimately making energy cheaper and more sustainable.

‘Lab leak’ in the biological warfare century – clear and present danger

Heterodox STEM • 56 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The idea that COVID-19 came from a lab leak has been heavily debated, but there's strong evidence suggesting it originated naturally. Many scientists have already concluded that the virus did not come from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
  2. Misinformation about vaccines and the origins of COVID-19 can create distrust in science, making it harder for public health efforts to succeed. It's essential to rely on accurate information to manage potential biological threats.
  3. The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines are crucial for defending against future biological attacks. These vaccines can be produced quickly and efficiently, which is vital for protecting public health.

Looking for your keys under the light

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 671 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

My Little Cockroach

Banana Peel Pirouette • 79 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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 Biology
  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.

Biomimicry versus Top-Down Engineering

Risk Musings • 573 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Erika Update #1: Getting projects started is hard

Erika’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Ralph Baric is Innocent

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 13 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. It's important to avoid jumping to conclusions about people in news stories. Quick judgments can harm our understanding.
  2. Investigating complicated scientific issues, like the origin of viruses, needs careful and thorough analysis.
  3. Bad media reporting can lead us away from the truth and misunderstandings about important topics.

The Total Dose Cult

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Total dose of radiation can be misleading. It's not just about how much radiation someone gets, but also how quickly they receive it.
  2. People exposed to radiation over a long time can have different health risks compared to those who are exposed quickly. The way their body processes radiation can vary.
  3. When discussing radiation harm, it's important to consider the rate at which people are exposed. This helps to get a clearer understanding of potential risks.

SNT: Frequently asked questions.

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The SNT model divides radiation exposure into daily doses for better tracking of cancer risk. This helps in understanding how each day's exposure can affect long-term health.
  2. SNT is considered conservative in its estimates, as it tends to predict higher cancer risks compared to other models. This is seen as useful for safety regulations.
  3. There is resistance to SNT in the scientific community, with many experts favoring a different model called LNT. This makes it challenging to implement a new standard for evaluating radiation risks.

Action Potentials for February

Neurobiology Notes • 78 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. A study found that naturally occurring place cells do not have higher excitability than non-place cells
  2. Heterozygous states can have biological effects even in diseases traditionally thought of as 'dominant'
  3. Increasing social isolation is a public health crisis, comparable to the health impact of smoking and heavy drinking

Could AI's Dream Of Synthetic Sheep?

SCIENCE GODDESS • 78 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Links for 2023-03-10

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Biology
  1. First demonstration of a learning-based method for human locomotion with Transformers
  2. Diffusion Policy outperforms other robot learning methods by 46.9%
  3. GPT-4 by Microsoft Germany will be multimodal and released soon

Making the Micropipette

Asimov Press • 322 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Baitballs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

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

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Fast Biology

Asimov Press • 270 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Natural Trans Fats

The Heart Attack Diet • 59 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Biology
  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
  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.

What Science Can Learn from Car Mechanics

Asimov Press • 251 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Applying the Five Whys technique helps to identify the root cause of complex problems effectively.
  2. Investigating and understanding the root cause of diseases like diabetes requires in-depth research and methodology.
  3. In science, it's crucial to focus on finding root causes in biology and medicine to advance our understanding of complex diseases.

Constructing space-filling curves

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained • 90 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Space-filling curves, like the Hilbert curve, can fill a whole area by connecting points in a specific way through iterations. They start small and grow by adding more points and connections at each step.
  2. Different seeds can lead to different types of curves. Each seed can be developed using two choices for how to connect the points, leading to many possible variations.
  3. The process used to create these curves can also be reversed. By looking at a curve and breaking it down, you can see how it was made step by step.

Oh Good, Screwworms Are Back

Marginally Compelling • 29 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Screwworms are a dangerous pest that can harm livestock and humans by laying eggs in their open wounds. Their return is a worrying issue that many are talking about.
  2. Scientists once used a method called the sterile insect technique to eradicate screwworms, which involved breeding and sterilizing them to reduce their population.
  3. Current problems like Covid and ineffective management have allowed screwworms to make a comeback, turning a solved issue into a potential new crisis.

Talking science with the UKRI CEO

Science Forever • 59 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

A Protein Printer

Asimov Press • 322 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Biology is not Bigotry

Critical Mass • 77 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Biological sex is generally defined by the type of reproductive cells, making it binary in nature. This means there are typically only two sexes: male and female.
  2. Self-identity does not change biological sex; feelings and gender roles are different from biological facts. Someone can express their gender in various ways, but that does not alter their biological sex.
  3. Discussions around sex and gender should not overshadow the primary mission of organizations focused on free thought and secularism. It's important to separate scientific understanding from ideology.

Welcome to Asimov Press

Asimov Press • 232 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Biology evolved from a field of study to a problem-solving tool in the last century.
  2. Advancements in biotechnology are making impactful changes, such as reducing energy in laundry.
  3. Asimov Press aims to spread ideas on biology, emphasizing simplicity, high-impact solutions, and mechanistic reasoning.

Cheating at Evolution

Eat Shit and Prosper • 159 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
🔬 Science Biology
  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.