The hottest Biotechnology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Francis Collins retires from the NIH

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 128 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Biotechnology Policy Analysis Epidemiology Research Ethics
  1. Francis Collins helped find the cystic fibrosis gene, which saved many lives. However, his support for gain of function research and certain policies during the pandemic raised concerns.
  2. Many believe that the impact of Collins' leadership during the pandemic was negative, leading to loss of trust in science and vaccination. His actions may have contributed to millions of deaths and economic losses.
  3. Collins did not explore if the way the NIH gives out grant money was effective. Despite advancements in genetics, many common health issues remain largely unresolved.

Evo 2 Can Design Entire Genomes

Asimov Press • 490 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Biotechnology Genomics Computing Research
  1. Evo 2 is a powerful AI model that can design entire genomes and predict harmful genetic mutations quickly. It can help scientists understand genetics better and improve genetic engineering.
  2. Unlike earlier models, Evo 2 can analyze large genetic sequences and understand their relationships, making it easier to see how genes interact in living organisms.
  3. While Evo 2 offers exciting possibilities for bioengineering, there are also concerns about its potential misuse. It's important to handle such powerful technology responsibly to avoid harmful applications.

Think Stabilized Spike is Bad? Meet Replicon mRNA Vaccines. They are So Bad, We Predict FDA Will Posture for Public Trust on These.

Popular Rationalism • 1069 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Trust Regulatory issues Public Health Biotechnology
  1. Replicon mRNA vaccines have the ability to replicate inside the body, which could lead to unknown risks and side effects. This uncontrolled replication raises concerns about overstimulating the immune system or causing mutations.
  2. Protests in Japan highlight public fear and skepticism surrounding self-replicating vaccines. Many people are worried about the lack of long-term safety data and want more transparency from health officials.
  3. How Japan handles this new vaccine could influence other countries' decisions. Regulatory bodies worldwide need to balance innovation with public safety and trust to avoid backlash and promote acceptance.

Roche Nanopore: Accuracy

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Data Analysis Medical Research
  1. Roche's Q39 accuracy system is different from other platforms like Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. It's important to compare them carefully as each has unique metrics.
  2. The average accuracy of different sequencing platforms varies, but Roche doesn't provide clear comparisons. They share limited data about their simplex accuracy.
  3. Understanding the differences in data quality and error rates across platforms is crucial. Factors like read length and error filtering play a significant role in the accuracy of sequencing results.

Cancer Science in On a Tear

Ground Truths • 7436 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Cancer Research Medical Science Therapeutics Biotechnology Genomics
  1. Recent research has made great progress in understanding cancer, revealing that many cancer cells may come from multiple clones. This helps explain how cancer develops and spreads.
  2. Studies are showing how powerful visual mapping of tumors can be, especially for identifying how different immune responses affect the growth of cancers like breast and ovarian cancer.
  3. New insights into circular DNA in cancer cells are revealing its role in tumor growth and resistance to treatments. There is even potential for new therapies targeting this DNA to combat cancer.
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Ultima Genomics...$80 Genome...$0 Genome...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Medicine Research Technology
  1. Ultima Genomics has improved its sequencer, allowing more output per run and lowering costs significantly. This means sequencing the genome will cost around $80 now.
  2. The new technology uses larger features which help boost throughput without needing complex techniques. This makes the process simpler and more efficient.
  3. While these changes are great for users, their long-term impact on the company’s survival is uncertain. It’s important that they remain financially viable to continue providing these benefits.

The Dawn of Spatial Medicine

Ground Truths • 5773 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Research Therapy Biotechnology Health Technology
  1. Spatial medicine is a new field that combines biology and healthcare, focusing on using spatial data to improve patient treatment. This means doctors can analyze cells and tissues in detail to better understand diseases.
  2. Recent research showed that a new treatment using JAK inhibitors was effective for patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis, a serious skin condition. This treatment worked quickly and with no side effects, showcasing the potential of spatial medicine.
  3. The integration of AI and deep learning plays a key role in spatial medicine, helping to analyze complex data and improve patient outcomes. This advancement could lead to more personalized and effective treatments in the future.

Landscape of Sequencing-based Spatial RNA Technology

LatchBio • 15 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Data science Genomics Innovation Health tech
  1. Spatial RNA technology helps us see how cells interact in their natural environment. It gives a clearer picture than traditional methods that just show gene activity without their locations.
  2. There are many ways to capture and analyze spatial gene data, like using specially barcoded slides or microfluidic methods. Each approach has its pros and cons depending on what researchers want to study.
  3. Advancements in technology are making it possible to analyze tiny details, like individual cells or even parts of cells. This opens new doors for understanding biology and diseases.

Roche Nanopore: First Thoughts (Pt 1)

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Research Innovation Technology
  1. Roche Nanopore's new sequencing method shows really impressive early results, which builds confidence in its technology.
  2. The accuracy of their duplex sequencing is reportedly better than Illumina's, suggesting it could be useful for many different applications.
  3. More information will be shared soon, as there's ongoing discussion and a second post in the works.

Regulators almost killed biotech before it began

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Regulation Innovation Pharmaceuticals History
  1. Genentech is seen as the start of the biotech field because it combined new technology with business and research. This company pioneered how biotech operates today.
  2. Regulations nearly stopped Genentech from forming, creating fears about safety and ethics in biotechnology. However, Genentech managed to navigate around these regulations and succeed.
  3. Unlike big companies, Genentech used private funding and worked in less regulated spaces. This allowed them to develop human insulin without the heavy regulatory burden faced by larger firms.

Barcoding Brains

Asimov Press • 225 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🔬 Science Neuroscience Biotechnology Health Research Technology
  1. Connectomics is a method that maps connections in the brain, helping scientists understand how these connections affect our behavior and brain function. However, it's really slow and expensive to do.
  2. A non-profit called E11 Bio is developing new tools to make brain mapping faster and cheaper. They aim to create a complete map of a mouse's brain in just five years for a fraction of the current cost.
  3. Understanding the brain's connections can improve treatments for various brain diseases and potentially lead to advanced technologies like brain-computer interfaces. This could really change how we approach brain health and artificial intelligence.

Will Oxford Nanopore Sue Roche?

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Intellectual Property Legal issues Genetics Research
  1. Oxford Nanopore has been actively suing companies like BGI without concrete claims of intellectual property infringement. This raises questions about their legal strategy.
  2. Roche might also face issues if they used Oxford's sequencers, especially since there are user agreements involved that they might have overlooked.
  3. Oxford Nanopore has a history of using the hairpin duplex approach, which led to legal disputes in the past. It will be interesting to see if their current patents hold up against previous art from competitors.

High-Throughput Chemistry and Engineering with Kadi Saar

Lever • 19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🔬 Science Chemistry Biotechnology Engineering Research Health
  1. Kadi Saar has an impressive background in both chemistry and engineering. She excelled in academics and sports, even winning a talent show in mental arithmetic.
  2. Her research focuses on combining high-throughput structural biology with computational chemistry to help develop new drugs. She has shown that analyzing diverse ligand structures can lead to better drug design.
  3. Kadi emphasizes the importance of enjoying the people you work with when choosing projects. Collaborating with good people makes the journey more fulfilling.

What's Behind the SynBio Bust?

Rough Diamonds • 72 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Manufacturing Innovation Startups Economics
  1. Synthetic biology and biomanufacturing can be expensive. It's usually cheaper to make simple chemicals using traditional methods than using living organisms.
  2. Biomanufacturing startups need to focus on products that can only be made with biological processes. If they try to compete on common products, they will struggle.
  3. Successful biomanufacturing requires good teamwork between design and manufacturing. Companies that only focus on one part of the process often face big problems.

Stories We'd Like to Publish (Part II)

Asimov Press • 290 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Medical Research
  1. Asimov Press is inviting writers to pitch stories about scientific progress. If you have an idea or interest in topics like biotechnology, they want to hear from you!
  2. They have released a long list of interesting story ideas, ranging from the history of common medicines to new discoveries in gene editing. Any writer can find a topic that resonates with them.
  3. Asimov Press aims to support writers through the entire publishing process. Accepted pitches will receive help with outlining, editing, and will be compensated for their work.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #127

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 121 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Space Exploration AI Development Biotechnology Manufacturing
  1. Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket, marking a big step for Jeff Bezos in the space race against Elon Musk's SpaceX. This could lead to more competition and innovation in space exploration.
  2. A startup called Colossal is working to bring back extinct animals like woolly mammoths using advanced genetics. They believe this could open up new possibilities in science and conservation.
  3. AI is showing positive results in education, especially in Nigeria, where students using AI tutors outperformed their peers. This suggests that AI can be a helpful tool in learning when combined with good teaching.

Modern Meditations: Caleb Watney

The Generalist • 500 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Startups R&D Biotechnology Governance
  1. We need to improve government hiring processes to attract good talent. Many talented people are turned off by low pay and slow bureaucratic procedures.
  2. Public investment in scientific research can lead to breakthroughs that the private market often ignores. Funding areas like disease research or innovative technologies can yield unexpected benefits for society.
  3. Understanding and improving how government works is essential. There are many effective ways to enhance efficiency that are often overlooked but can significantly help society.

Microarrays: What are they for?

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Microbiology Research Methods Market Analysis
  1. Microarrays are often seen as an alternative to sequencing, but some argue sequencing is generally a better option for many applications. It's important to consider these viewpoints when discussing the technologies.
  2. The microarray market is stable, worth around $1 billion, with platforms like Illumina's Beadarray holding a significant share. This indicates that there is still a solid demand for microarray technology.
  3. Reassessing biases about technologies like microarrays can help us understand their current relevance and future potential. It’s always a good idea to keep an open mind when evaluating scientific tools.

Asimov Press' Latest Book, Encoded in DNA

Asimov Press • 277 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Publishing Technology Fiction
  1. Asimov Press has released a new book that is both in print and encoded in DNA. This is a unique way to merge traditional reading with cutting-edge technology.
  2. The book includes essays on technology and science fiction stories, exploring both current and future innovations. It is made with contributions from various companies to store the DNA safely.
  3. There are pre-order options available for the book, including a DNA capsule with a printed copy. They only made 1,000 capsules, so people are encouraged to order soon.

Bill Gates Launches Global Tracking Tattoos

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3577 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Misinformation Global Health Biotechnology
  1. Bill Gates is involved in projects like global tracking tattoos and genetically modified mosquitoes.
  2. There are concerns raised about Bill Gates funding schemes that involve cutting down forests and deploying GMO Frankenmosquitos.
  3. There is skepticism and caution advised regarding Bill Gates' projects to control and monitor the population.

Science fictions are outpacing science facts for polygenic embryo selection

The Infinitesimal • 479 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Ethics Behavioral Science
  1. Polygenic embryo selection may not improve outcomes significantly for complex traits like IQ or education, as gains from such selections are often minimal.
  2. Screening for diseases may also have limited results, especially when those diseases are defined by arbitrary thresholds rather than clear biological mechanisms.
  3. There may be unintended consequences from embryo selection, such as increased risk for other traits, due to complex genetic correlations that are not fully understood.

All The DNA Sequencing Companies

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Development Healthcare
  1. There are many active DNA sequencing companies, and the list is always changing. Some companies that were once popular are now gone.
  2. Significantly, more DNA sequencing companies are now based in China than before. The landscape has shifted with around 15 out of 40 companies being Chinese.
  3. It's essential to stay updated about these companies as new ones emerge and old ones disappear. Sharing information can help keep track of these changes.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #126

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 106 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Neuroscience AI Energy Genomics Cell Biology
  1. Sana Biotechnology has made a huge step by transplanting insulin-producing cells for diabetes patients without needing drugs to suppress the immune system. This could change diabetes treatment for the better.
  2. Recent research shows that even non-brain cells can have memory-like processes, suggesting that memory might not be exclusive to the brain. This could lead to new ways of treating diseases by training our body's cells.
  3. A new AI model called METAGENE-1 can analyze wastewater to detect pathogens and monitor health risks. This technology could help us better prepare for pandemics in the future.

A writing fellowship on scientific progress

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 25 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Metascience Technology History Publications
  1. There is a six-month writing fellowship where writers can create articles about scientific progress. It's a great chance for those interested in topics like biotech or the history of science.
  2. Writers in the fellowship will get help from experienced mentors and editors to improve their work. They will also receive a stipend of $1,500 per month for completing their writing.
  3. It's important for applicants to have a blog or previous writing experience. The fellowship encourages original thinking and aims to support writers looking to share their unique ideas.

Another Nanopore: PolySeq

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Innovation Instruments
  1. PolySeq is creating a new DNA/RNA sequencing tool similar to the Oxford Nanopore. It aims to improve how we sequence genetic materials.
  2. The device weighs 1.5 kilograms and can handle 2560 wells or pores. This design helps it generate a lot of data in a short time.
  3. PolySeq plans to produce 15 to 20 gigabytes of data in just 48 hours, making sequencing faster and more efficient.

Machine Learning-Assisted Directed Evolution with Bruce Wittmann

Lever • 19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Machine Learning Research Methods Protein engineering
  1. Bruce Wittmann's journey in science started from pre-med and led him to research at notable institutes like Caltech.
  2. He worked on machine learning to improve protein engineering, building tools that can help many people in the field.
  3. His collaboration with renowned scientists and contributions to published research highlight the exciting potential in protein design and computational biology.

Keeping up with the State-of-the-Art in TechBio

Kesav’s Lab • 9 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Bioinformatics AI Automation Biotechnology Software
  1. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for breakthroughs in understanding protein structures, which can lead to better medicines and solutions to major health challenges.
  2. There’s a growing community focused on TechBio, which merges technology and biology. Events like meetups can help people learn and connect over important topics.
  3. Staying informed about the latest in TechBio is important, and contributing to community newsletters helps track new tools and research developments.

Acorn Genetics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Nanotechnology Research Methods Innovation
  1. Acorn Genetics is working on a new type of DNA sequencing technology. This technology promises to be fast, giving results in just minutes.
  2. The platform aims to be affordable, costing less than $10,000, which could make it accessible to more users.
  3. One of the cool features is that it won’t require any training to use, meaning anyone could operate it easily.

Why Engineer Biology?

Niko McCarty • 39 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Molecular Biology Environmental Science Health Science
  1. Cells can help solve big problems like hunger and climate change by using chemistry and physics to rearrange atoms into useful materials. They are like natural tools that can be engineered to do tasks we need.
  2. Engineering biology has a successful history, like when Norman Borlaug improved wheat crops in Mexico. These achievements show that one innovative solution can make a huge difference over time.
  3. Now is a great time to work in biotechnology because tools for studying and changing genes are getting cheaper and easier to use. This means more people, from different backgrounds, can contribute to solving biological challenges.

Roche: Where NGS Goes To Die...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Genomics Research Health Innovation
  1. Roche has a history of acquiring new technologies, like the 454 sequencer, but often fails to support them properly, leading to their demise.
  2. Despite having potential with longer read capabilities, the 454 sequencer couldn't compete with faster competitors like Illumina, which changed market dynamics.
  3. Roche's failed attempts to acquire Illumina show their struggle to keep up in the competitive NGS market, further damaging their reputation.

The Pursuit of Parenthood

Asimov Press • 219 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Medical Ethics Biotechnology Public Policy
  1. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has become widely accepted in society, with many people knowing someone who has used this technology. Just 50 years ago, it faced a lot of criticism from scientists and the public.
  2. The journey to making IVF mainstream involved many scientific breakthroughs and changes in public perception, starting from early experiments in the 1930s to the birth of the first IVF baby in 1978. This shows how challenging and slow scientific progress can be.
  3. Despite the success of IVF, there is a lack of federal regulation, which can lead to some issues like inflated success rates and high costs. Still, this absence of strict rules has allowed for a lot of innovation and diverse options for people seeking reproductive assistance.

Links in Progress: Snakebites, Pig Hearts, and More

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Medicine Genetics Public Health Pharmaceuticals
  1. An AI tool has been developed to create a new kind of antivenom that can work without refrigeration. This could help save many lives, especially in areas where snakebites are common.
  2. A study showed that a vaccine for Ebola had an 84% effectiveness in preventing the disease in high-risk groups. This is good news for controlling future outbreaks.
  3. New technologies in gene editing and drug development are rapidly evolving, with Chinese companies making significant strides in creating new treatments.

The Ultima Genomics/Olink BioBank Deal

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genomics Proteomics Biotechnology Research Health
  1. Ultima Genomics has won a significant project with the UK Biobank to analyze 700,000 samples. This partnership is a major step for them in the field of proteomics.
  2. Despite the project size, Ultima is expected to generate only $10 million to $20 million in revenue. This highlights the tough financial realities in the biotech industry.
  3. To stay viable, Ultima needs to secure more large projects, as its costs are high. Achieving the necessary volume of work may be challenging given the current economic situation.

Roche Nanopore Expectation Management

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Sequencing Biotechnology Research Innovation
  1. The Roche Nanopore sequencer is expected to generate useful sequence data, showcasing its potential in the market. This could help solidify nanopores as a valuable detection technology.
  2. Accuracy is important for applications, but Roche is likely to compete on cost, which could make their technology appealing for various uses. Their position is good for future improvements.
  3. Roche's innovations may lead to significant competition for existing sequencing methods, especially Illumina. The expectations suggest that this could reshape the sequencing landscape.

A Little More Roche Information...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Innovation Health
  1. Roche is developing a new nanopore sequencer, which is creating some buzz in the scientific community. People are eager to hear more about its features and capabilities.
  2. Alex Dickinson shared his thoughts on Roche's new sequencer after a private briefing. His insights mostly echoed what is already known but added some new expectations for the upcoming announcement.
  3. A few individuals, including the author, have decided to skip NDA previews, allowing them to speculate freely about the product. This has led to informal discussions and excitement about what might be revealed soon.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #122

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 111 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Quantum Computing Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Higher education Government Efficiency
  1. Microsoft and Atom Computing are making big moves in quantum computing by using neutral atom processors to create stable computations. This could lead to real breakthroughs in things like medicine and cryptography.
  2. Nabla Bio has created an AI platform that can design new antibodies from scratch, speeding up the process of developing new drugs. This means we could potentially treat more diseases faster and cheaper.
  3. Starting in fall 2025, MIT will offer free tuition to students from families earning under $200,000, making education more accessible. This could help more talented students pursue important scientific and technical careers.

NobleGen

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Nanotechnology Research Medical
  1. Noblegen focused on an optical nanopore DNA sequencing method, but they are no longer active. This approach has been attempted multiple times with limited success.
  2. They incorporated a technique where each DNA base is replaced with multiple bases to simplify detection, but there's not much strong evidence that this method works well.
  3. The Noblegen Optipore method showed promise in development, but it was ultimately not adopted, reflecting the challenges in the field of DNA sequencing technology.

Tectonic Therapeutic: Protein Engineering and Fc-relaxin for Hypertension

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Life Sciences Biotechnology Medical Research Drug Development
  1. Tectonic Therapeutic focuses on protein engineering to help treat hypertension. This means they are working on new medical treatments using proteins to effectively lower blood pressure.
  2. Axial invests in early-stage life sciences companies. They are particularly interested in supporting new ideas and inventions that can grow to make a big impact in healthcare.
  3. Support for inventors is a key part of Axial's mission. They aim to help those who are passionate about creating lasting solutions in the life sciences field.