The hottest Biology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Looking for a New NIH Director

The Good Science Project • 29 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. NIH Directors historically have had similar backgrounds, typically with PhDs or MDs and extensive academic experience.
  2. Consider expanding the pool of potential NIH Director nominees beyond traditional criteria to include those with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  3. Look for a potential NIH Director who excels at identifying talent, has broad interests, is open to new ideas, and is willing to push for meaningful reforms.

4-S model

The Century of Biology • 27 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Technology is changing our relationship with biology.
  2. A model of read, write, edit helps understand DNA technologies.
  3. Focus on Sequencing, Synthesis, Scale, and Software in genetic technologies.

Axial Discovery - Epigenetic theory of aging

Discovery by Axial • 2 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Aging may happen because our cells lose important information about how to function properly over time. This loss makes them age and not work as well.
  2. Scientists have found that it might be possible to reverse this aging by resetting the 'instructions' in our cells. This could make old cells act young again.
  3. There are still big challenges to make this work safely in living beings. We need to figure out how to control the process so it doesn’t cause problems like uncontrolled cell growth.

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

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.
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A Most Curious Slug

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The slug _Arion rufus_ is often seen as a garden pest today, but it was once considered an intriguing species. In the past, scientists like Tracey Storer appreciated its uniqueness and collected it for study.
  2. This slug was first spotted in Detroit in 1912 and has since spread to other areas like Seattle, where it has become a common problem for gardeners.
  3. Despite being viewed negatively, slugs have interesting adaptations, such as their ability to cover themselves in slime for protection. Some people are even starting to be kinder to them instead of killing them outright.

The MiSeq's Cameras And The Economics of DNA Sequencers

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Textbooks

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 17
🚌 Education Biology
  1. To truly master nutrition, understand it from the ground up by gaining competence in the sciences it's based on and selecting the right textbooks.
  2. Top recommendations for nutrition textbooks include 'Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism' by Gropper and 'Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease' by Ross.
  3. Essential background education for nutrition includes chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, and molecular and cellular biology.

(Ad-free Video). A Conversation with Irwin Shapiro: Scientist Extraordinaire from the Earth to the Stars, and at 94, still going strong.

Critical Mass • 8 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Irwin Shapiro made a significant discovery related to General Relativity known as the Shapiro Effect, which became the 4th test of the theory.
  2. Despite his age of 94, Irwin Shapiro continues to teach, conduct research, and play tennis, showing remarkable dedication and passion for his work.
  3. Irwin Shapiro is praised for not only his scientific contributions but also his kind and encouraging nature, making him a respected and admired figure in the scientific community.

Surf scoter

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 22 Apr 21
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The surf scoter is a bird known by many different names, highlighting the variety of ways people refer to it. This shows how unique and interesting this bird is.
  2. Surf scoters are very active, especially in the morning and evening, diving for food like insects and crustaceans. They spend more time underwater than on the surface while feeding.
  3. During mating season, male surf scoters compete for the attention of a female in a dramatic display of courtship. The female chooses among them while they show off their skills in the water.

Puget Sound Quiz Answers

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🔬 Science Biology
  1. There are many fun facts about Puget Sound, including unique archaeological discoveries and local species that can live for over 200 years.
  2. Names of places in Puget Sound often reflect its history, including Spanish explorations and notable figures like Charles Wilkes.
  3. The impact of human activity on Puget Sound is significant, especially in terms of pollution, which negatively affects local wildlife like salmon and rockfish.

From the Fossil Record - Awe

Living Fossils • 3 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Things That Caught My Eye #7

Natural Selections • 4 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Scientists found that a dye in Doritos can make mice's skin transparent, helping to study them while alive. It's a strange but useful discovery for research.
  2. Written language and the alphabet took a long time to develop, with alphabetical order coming much later than the letters themselves.
  3. Boys and girls react differently to poor teaching, and this may influence how schools approach education for each gender.

Gompertz–Makeham law of mortality

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

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

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Algorithmic Dark Matter

Bzogramming • 15 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. In computer science, there are hidden structures and algorithms that go beyond our current understanding.
  2. New paradigms of computation may hold solutions to complex problems, such as optimization and error correction.
  3. Exploring fields like quantum computing and biochemical computation could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in algorithmic tools.

Is The Revio A Single Color System?

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🔬 Science 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.

Upcoming Webinar: Introducing A New Spatial Analysis Platform

LatchBio • 1 implied HN point • 15 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The webinar will showcase a new easy-to-use platform for analyzing spatial and single-cell data. Anyone can join to see how it works, even if they have no coding skills.
  2. Participants will learn various techniques like identifying important genes and creating visualizations to explore their data. This makes complex analyses more accessible.
  3. The platform allows interactive exploration of data through a friendly interface, helping scientists work more efficiently and effectively.

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

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Brains, Mammals, and the Brains of Mammals

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology
  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.

Some notes on Jared Diamond's Anna Karenina Principle

Bruegel_The_Elder’s Substack • 1 HN point • 23 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Critiques exist on Jared Diamond's theories, but he still stands tall in biology.
  2. Jared Diamond's 'Anna Karenina Principle' for animal domestication includes characteristics like flexible diet and pleasant disposition towards humans.
  3. The success of modern domestication efforts raises questions about the principles of domestication and our symbiotic relationship with animals.

Oranges and lemons

The Strategy Toolkit • 8 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Laughter may serve a strategic purpose, including masking other emotions like anger.
  2. Evolutionary biologists study laughter to understand human behavior in incongruous situations and for social communication.
  3. The process of natural selection is likened to a startup's product development, evolving over time like an MVP.

Amphibian Milk

Natural Selections • 5 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🔬 Science 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.

Of mice and men

The Strategy Toolkit • 8 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Species use strategic behaviors for reproduction.
  2. Evolutionary stable strategies result in competitive balance among populations.
  3. Different species exhibit varied mating strategies for reproductive success.

Links for Autumn 2024

Telescopic Turnip • 2 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The Bat Bomb was a WWII plan to drop bats with tiny explosives over Japan, showing how unusual military tactics can be.
  2. Researchers can measure brain chemicals while people play decision-making games during awake surgeries for Parkinson's, revealing how our brains react to rewards.
  3. There are big bacteria called Aureispirae that latch onto smaller bacteria and suck out their insides, showing the strange interactions in nature.

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

Ethics Under Construction • 2 HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Biology
  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.

Space is a sensory-motor sequence in the hippocampus

Artificial General Ideas • 1 implied HN point • 12 Aug 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The hippocampus may not just represent physical space but instead processes space as a sequence of sensory and motor experiences. This means how we perceive space comes from our interactions, not just where we are.
  2. Place cells in the brain react to specific sequences of observations rather than directly to locations themselves. This explains why experiences in different environments can create similar neural responses.
  3. New models, like causal graphs, allow for better understanding and planning in navigational tasks. They can adapt to new environments quickly by using learned sequences without needing to rely on exact spatial representations.

Snakes and Singularities

Adjacent Possible • 1 HN point • 13 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Snakes have evolved diverse traits through sudden phase shifts rather than incremental changes, expanding their adaptive possibilities significantly.
  2. Cultural and technological evolution also experience periods of sudden expansion and contraction of possibilities, akin to biological evolution's singularities.
  3. In addition to platform shifts, singularities in evolution can be driven by the emergence of single new traits leading to significant consequences in exploring new ecological niches.

Nature Diary: Spider

As Ever • 2 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. The story reflects on the idea of disrupting natural agreements and consequences
  2. Reflecting on childhood fears and realizing they may have been misunderstood or misplaced
  3. Appreciating spiders as solitary creatures with unique characteristics and behaviors

A tale of twin sisters

De Novo • 1 HN point • 04 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Identical twins with discordant fertility levels can mystify medical experts.
  2. Monoamniotic twinning can lead to uneven distribution of primordial germ cells between twins.
  3. Ovarian tissue transplant from a fertile twin can restore fertility in an infertile twin.

Pond brains and GPT-4

Subconscious • 1 HN point • 21 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology
  1. Ecosystems can be smarter than humans in solving complex problems.
  2. Intelligence is not limited to human brains; feedback loops can be found in various systems.
  3. Predicting the next step can still be a form of 'thinking' in artificial intelligence.