The hottest Biology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

A Roche Nanopore History

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Nanopore sequencing has a rich history, starting back in 1998 with important patents that set the stage for modern techniques. It’s a fascinating story of innovation and scientific progress.
  2. Lingvitae, founded by Preben Lexow, aimed to develop nanopore sequencing but faced funding challenges, affecting its ability to grow. This shows how essential money is for scientific advancements.
  3. Stratos Genomics had a better funding situation and was able to pursue similar nanopore sequencing ideas, demonstrating different paths for startup success in the biotech field.

AI peer review, microbial defence & clot busting strategies

The Strategy Toolkit • 8 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. New communication tools often get manipulated by people to send hidden messages. This has happened with many forms of media over time.
  2. Recent findings show that some researchers used hidden prompts in their academic papers to get positive AI reviews. These prompts were hidden in ways that people couldn't easily see.
  3. This kind of trickery shows how any automated process can be tricked, and it's important to be aware of such practices in scientific research.

Understanding Cancer

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Biology
  1. Robin Hesketh, a Cambridge biochemistry professor, has written a book, 'Understanding Cancer,' giving a concise primer on cancer for science undergrads or curious lay readers.
  2. The book emphasizes that cancer is a genetic disease and explains how somatic mutations accumulate over time, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastasis.
  3. While well-organized and informative, 'Understanding Cancer' may feel like a detailed outline rather than a narrative read, catering more to young biomedical science undergrads than casual readers.

Making Sense of Consciousness Part 3: The Pulvinar Nucleus

Rough Diamonds • 7 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The pulvinar nucleus is a key part of the brain that helps process different types of sensory information. It's thought to play a role in how we pay attention to what we see, hear, and feel.
  2. Damage to the pulvinar can lead to problems with awareness of one side of the body, known as hemispatial neglect. People may ignore things on that side because their brain isn't processing it correctly.
  3. Research shows that the activity of the pulvinar changes based on our confidence in what we perceive. Its role may connect to how aware we are of our surroundings and how well we can focus.

Consciousness is a consensus mechanism

resonantbrain • 4 HN points • 13 Apr 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Consciousness is a consensus mechanism where your past experiences shape your current reality.
  2. Understanding consciousness requires exploring not just the 'it' but also the 'I' - who is feeling and experiencing.
  3. Consciousness emerges from a constellation of experiences, creating a unique 'you' with each feeling.
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Codon Digest: GPT-4 Controls a Robot

Asimov Press • 90 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🔬 Science 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.

Graphene: New Comprehensive Study, Degradation, and Industry Trends

Tessa Fights Robots • 43 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Hanky-Panky in the Sea

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 24 Feb 22
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Rockfish have a unique way of mating that involves a dance and internal fertilization, which leads to them producing many offspring. Some can even reproduce at over 100 years old!
  2. Geoducks are known for their impressive reproductive abilities, releasing millions of eggs after males eject sperm into the water. They can produce these for over a century as well.
  3. Olympia oysters are hermaphrodites, starting life as males and switching between genders based on their environment. This means they have a different way of reproducing compared to other sea creatures.

(Ad-free Video) What's New in Science With Sabine and Lawrence

Critical Mass • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. There may be large reservoirs of hydrogen on Earth that could support a clean energy future with hydrogen fuel.
  2. The Vera C. Rubin Telescope in Chile is revealing more about the universe and helping scientists understand cosmic mysteries.
  3. AI might start to help design and improve coding systems, which could save energy in training models and even be useful in understanding the origins of life.

Testosterone: The Difference Maker

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The book 'T: The Story of Testosterone' by Carole Hooven explores the significant impact of testosterone on sex differences in morphology, behavior, athletic performance, and more.
  2. Hooven's work challenges social constructivist views on sex differences and presents evidence supporting biological influences.
  3. The book serves as a valuable resource for cultural commentators, shaping discussions on sex and gender differences and dispelling misconceptions about the biology behind them.

The role of Claudin-1 in fibrotic disease

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Claudin-1 is a protein that plays a key role in fibrotic diseases. When it gets exposed outside its normal area in tissues, it can trigger harmful processes that lead to excessive scarring.
  2. Research shows that targeting Claudin-1 could be a promising way to treat fibrosis in different organs. Approaches like using specific antibodies have shown positive results in reducing fibrosis in animal studies.
  3. Future studies need to focus on understanding how Claudin-1 works in detail and testing these new treatments in humans. This could lead to better options for people suffering from fibrotic diseases.

Lynn Margulis and her ground breaking research

the rohn report • 59 implied HN points • 22 Jul 21
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The biosphere operates through symbiosis, not competition or predation. Cooperation and getting along have been key to the development of complex life forms on Earth.
  2. Lynn Margulis' groundbreaking research on endosymbiosis challenged traditional Darwinian principles and highlighted the importance of symbiotic relationships in evolution.
  3. Symbiosis, not just natural selection through predation, is a major driver of evolutionary change and has shaped the diverse and interconnected world we live in.

Buses Are For Commuting Not Polluting

Living Fossils • 6 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Biology
  1. Complex systems like transportation networks can create unintended effects, which means just because they cause pollution doesn't mean that's their goal.
  2. Birds and buses have functions, but we can't always tell what they were designed for based on what they do; one must look deeper to understand their true purpose.
  3. Some people might ignore logic about these systems just to attack others and blame them for negative outcomes, even when those effects were not intended.

Flying Rats or Models of Evolution?

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 18 Nov 21
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Pigeons are often seen as dirty or bothersome, yet they play an important role in urban ecosystems by cleaning up food waste. Instead of just seeing them as pests, we should recognize their contributions to keeping our cities cleaner.
  2. Pigeons are surprisingly intelligent and adaptable birds. They learn from each other, can navigate long distances, and have been used in important historical events, like carrying messages during wars.
  3. Charles Darwin studied pigeons to understand natural selection better. He saw how humans influenced their breeding, which helped him develop ideas about evolution that still matter today.

The Need To Pee

Living Fossils • 16 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

The NextSeq 2000 Optical System

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Transannular C–H functionalization of cycloalkane carboxylic acids

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Clam Slamming

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 21
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Gulls drop clams from heights to crack them open, showing they learn and get better at doing this as they grow older. They choose harder surfaces to help break the clams more easily.
  2. Crows also use a similar technique to open walnuts and adjust their drop heights based on how many times they have already dropped the nut. This shows their intelligence in problem-solving.
  3. Sometimes, using this dropping method can lead to accidents, like when a poet was supposedly killed by a turtle dropped by an eagle. It's a reminder to be careful about falling objects!

An N terminomics toolbox combining 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde probes and click chemistry for profiling protease specificity

Axial • 37 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The paper introduces an expanded toolbox of reagents for profiling protease substrates and specificity using chemoproteomic methods.
  2. The work demonstrated high N-terminal selectivity with little intrinsic sequence bias beyond a requirement for a backbone amide at position 2.
  3. The 2PCA toolkit enables a broad range of applications in protease biology research by providing selective N-terminal labeling reagents that are easy to implement.

Hair Ice

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 79 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Hair ice is a unique ice formation that looks like fine white hair and is created by a winter-active fungus called Exidiopsis effusa. It grows on decaying wood and is visible in certain cold conditions.
  2. The fungus helps to shape the hair ice by breaking down lignin in the wood, allowing the ice to grow in a delicate, curly form. This process demonstrates a fascinating relationship between nature and fungi.
  3. Hair ice can only be found in a specific northern latitude range and adds beauty to winter walks, reminding us to appreciate the small wonders in nature around us.

Cemeteries: A Great Place for Geodorks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Cemeteries are interesting places for geology lovers. You can find unique rocks and stones used in tombstones that tell stories about the local geology.
  2. Different styles of tombstones, like treestumps, have special meanings. They often include symbols that represent aspects of life, such as doves for peace or frogs for resurrection.
  3. Visiting cemeteries can be a calming experience. They offer quiet spaces to explore nature, observe wildlife, and enjoy beautiful sights like lichens and weathered stones.

Protein Sequencing And Nanopore Current Ranges...

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Protein sequencing using nanopores is a topic of interest, with a recent study highlighting a large state space of 10^25 and using an Oxford Nanopore's R9.4.1 pore with a range of ~10pA.
  2. Investigating patents can provide insights into the current range for DNA sequencing and can spark further contemplation about the future of protein sequencing using nanopores.
  3. The detailed post on protein sequencing and nanopore current ranges is available for paid subscribers, emphasizing the exclusivity of the content.

Western Civilization And Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

The Cloud for Biology

LatchBio • 39 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Kill Your Pathogens

Natural Selections • 5 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Biology
  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.

The Ideological Subversion of Biology

Critical Mass • 40 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Biology is facing threats from political ideologies that limit research areas and scientific communication.
  2. The article dispels myths about biology, sex, gender, race, and indigenous knowledge.
  3. Scientists need to speak out against ideological influences in science to maintain its integrity and progress.

Real-Time Multistep Asymmetrical Disassembly of Nucleosomes and Chromatosomes Visualized by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Researchers used a special microscope to watch how nucleosomes and chromatosomes come apart in real-time. This lets us see important details about how these DNA structures change.
  2. The study found that the disassembly process is not symmetrical; some parts come off before others. This shows a new way that DNA is accessed for various functions.
  3. Linker histone H1 plays a big role in how these structures disassemble. When H1 is present, it makes the process slower and changes the way the nucleosomes fall apart.

Real-time Spatial Sequencing

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Real-time spatial sequencing involves obtaining a full time course of RNA as it's transcribed and cleared from cells.
  2. Challenges include releasing RNA from cells without damaging them, determining porous array density, and developing a sequencing method.
  3. Potential solutions include using electroporation or biological nanopores, adjusting array density, and utilizing real-time sequencing approaches.

Tales from the Field Part 1

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 26 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment.
  2. Field work in ecology involves getting close to organisms to study them in their natural habitat.
  3. Every data point in ecology involves a living thing and an ecologist immersed in nature.

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

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

That GenomeWeb Article On Spatial Growth...

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Antipode – Chapter 24

Natural Selections • 3 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Frogs like the Mantella laevigata are very social and complex animals. They have unique ways of courting and parenting, which include choosing the best spots for their eggs and protecting their young.
  2. In Madagascar, there are no dangerous snakes, but natural elements like water and lightning pose real risks. Traveling and working in remote areas can make emergencies harder to manage.
  3. Living in a different culture helps you see life from a new perspective. You realize the essentials and find that people everywhere share similar joys and struggles.

Always

The Strategy Toolkit • 17 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Finger length ratios can be linked to exposure to testosterone in the womb and may have correlations with autism, left-handedness, dyslexia, and other brain-related traits.
  2. Research into the fetal origins of adult disease suggests that fetuses optimize development for short-term gains, potentially leading to long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
  3. Evidence from studies on animal brains and organs in different dietary environments supports the hypothesis that early life conditions can have lasting impacts on health, with implications for public health strategies.

About v1

The Century of Biology • 27 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The rapid progress of biology is driven by advancements in DNA technology and communication.
  2. The newsletter aims to highlight exciting new research in genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.
  3. The newsletter does not focus on peer review but instead aims to share exciting discoveries and findings.

Your self

The Strategy Toolkit • 26 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Data is valuable, but not the only answer - combining mysteries, facts, and numbers leads to better understanding.
  2. Using historical data for predictions can be risky - correlation does not always imply causation.
  3. Human evolution is ongoing - recent studies show an acceleration in mutations due to environmental changes.