The hottest Biotechnology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

NextSeq 2000 Reagent Reuse

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 25 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. Illumina's DNA sequencers, especially the NextSeq 2000, are highly advanced compared to competitors. They have made significant improvements over time, focusing on speed and imaging technology.
  2. The NextSeq 2000 features a unique fluidic system that keeps reagents separate from the instrument, making it more efficient. This system might allow for the reuse of reagents, which is an interesting development.
  3. There's speculation that Illumina is working on reagent reuse technology as mentioned in their patents. This could change how we approach sequencing in the future.

Welcome to Asimov Press

Asimov Press • 232 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  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.

Immune engineering

The Century of Biology • 390 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. The immune system is a major frontier for the future of biotechnology and medicine.
  2. Engineered T cells, like CAR-T therapy, show promise in treating diseases like cancer by programming immune cells.
  3. Immune engineering, especially in combination with the 4-S stack, holds great potential for designing new therapies and advancing genetic engineering technology.

Protein Sequencing Companies In Review

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Protein sequencing is harder than DNA sequencing because it involves single molecules and many different amino acids, making detection tricky.
  2. Despite the challenges, protein sequencing is often about counting the same sequences many times, which might ease some of the technical demands.
  3. With advancements like nanopore technology, the future of protein sequencing could become more practical and efficient for researchers.

Reasons to Be Grateful for Biotechnology

Asimov Press • 303 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Insulin is now made by engineered bacteria instead of pancreas glands from animals.
  2. Gene-edited hens can lay eggs producing only female chicks, reducing male chick culling.
  3. Biotechnology advancements have led to solutions like a malaria vaccine and gene therapies for diseases.
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Stories We’d Like to Publish

Asimov Press • 174 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Asimov Press is publicly sharing ideas for essays they'd like to publish and inviting writers to contribute by emailing them at [email protected].
  2. Topics in biotechnology range from synthetic blood development to artificial wombs and synthetic nitrogen fixation, showcasing the broad spectrum of innovative research being undertaken.
  3. Biotechnology advancements aim to address a variety of issues, such as animal welfare, predictive growth models for microbes, and challenges in protein structure prediction, highlighting the diverse applications and potential impact of biotechnological research.

Roche Nanopore: First Thoughts (Pt 1)

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  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.

Unlocking Precision Fermentation Via Protein Engineering

Splitting Infinity • 39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Yeast, especially in precision fermentation, can be genetically modified to produce a wide range of chemicals, biologics, and medicines by augmenting their genes.
  2. The main challenge in precision fermentation is reducing costs, particularly in the purification process where proteins are separated from complex solutions.
  3. Novel techniques like self-cleaving tags and self-aggregating proteins offer promising solutions for purifying proteins in a cost-effective and efficient manner, potentially eliminating the need for expensive purification methods like column chromatography.

20251214

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. AI is automating mundane work and reshaping jobs, but overreliance can erode core skills, personal agency, and real human connection.
  2. Geopolitical and security risks are rising as technology spreads — drones, attacks on infrastructure, and national preparedness programs show new vulnerabilities and tensions.
  3. Rapid biotech and tech advances (from universal organs to thought-prediction and nature-inspired solutions) bring big promise but also ethical and practical risks, so new innovations should be adopted cautiously.

Stream Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. Stream Genomics is developing a DNA sequencing platform that uses a new sensor technology called temporal contrast pixel arrays, which sends data only when pixel values change. This can reduce the amount of data generated during sequencing.
  2. The patent mentions using a single molecule sequencing approach that is similar to existing technologies, but the effectiveness may depend on how well the new sensor technology is designed and manufactured.
  3. While the goal is to make sequencing more efficient and less data-intensive, there are concerns about the high costs of developing a custom sensor, which might make it hard to scale production.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 04 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Biotechnology
  1. There is strong evidence suggesting that COVID-19 may have originated from a lab leak, specifically from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, rather than from animals, as was widely believed.
  2. Some voices are calling for 'pandemic amnesty,' suggesting that we should forgive each other for mistakes made during the crisis, but others argue it's too soon because many issues remain unaddressed.
  3. The pandemic exposed major failures in public health institutions, the media, and the pharmaceutical industry, leading to a loss of trust and revealing how susceptible they can be to political pressures.

What's new in biology: summer 2025

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. A personalized gene therapy using CRISPR has helped a baby with a rare genetic disease, allowing him to eat more protein without harmful effects. This shows how quickly treatments can be developed for urgent medical needs.
  2. New RSV vaccines are significantly reducing hospitalizations for infants in the US, proving to be effective in protecting young babies from severe respiratory infections. If more infants got vaccinated, there would be even fewer hospital visits.
  3. A new cholesterol drug, obicetrapib, is showing promise in lowering LDL levels for heart disease patients, even those already on maximum doses of statins. It seems to have fewer side effects, making it a good option for many.

A Primer on NGS Technologies and Their Specs (2025)

LatchBio • 22 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. The sequencing technology landscape is growing rapidly, with many companies and instruments now available. It's becoming easier to measure different aspects of biology, and sequencing is often the final step in many biological workflows.
  2. The cost of sequencing has dropped significantly over the years, reaching under $1,000 for a human genome. This price drop has opened up accessibility for more research and applications.
  3. Modern sequencers are not just for DNA anymore; they are integrating multiple modalities, such as protein detection and spatial analysis. This makes them powerful tools for understanding complex biological systems.

Brammer Bio

axialdaily • 39 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
💼 Business Biotechnology
  1. Axial partners with inventors and invests in early-stage life sciences companies
  2. Brammer Bio was formed through a merger and acquired by Thermo Fisher
  3. Structured finance is crucial for building successful biomanufacturing startups

Digest 5/22/23

axialdaily • 39 implied HN points • 22 May 23
💼 Business Biotechnology
  1. Axial invests in early-stage life sciences companies
  2. Rondo Therapeutics founded in 2019, developing bispecifics for solid tumors
  3. Kathleen Keough leads research on three-dimensional genome rewiring

Accelerating genetic design

The Century of Biology • 272 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Multiple important technological paradigms are converging in the life sciences, impacting life on various scales.
  2. Synthetic biology focuses on designing new genetic circuits to program cells for new tasks.
  3. Using a platform like CLASSIC, genetic circuits can be systematically tested to learn composition-to-function relationships.

The Ultima Genomics/Olink BioBank Deal

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  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.

Glyphic's Nanopores

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Glyphic has a new way to sequence proteins using nanopores, which is exciting for science. They have filed a patent for this method.
  2. They have shared more data with some investors, showing progress beyond what's in the patent.
  3. Despite their advancements, Glyphic hasn't talked much about their technology publicly yet.

Oxford's Legal Action Against MGI... Again.

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. Oxford University is taking legal action against MGI over a nanopore sequencer, but their attempts have seen several ups and downs in different countries.
  2. Initially, Oxford sought materials from MGI, but a judge described this as a fishing expedition, suggesting they lacked solid evidence.
  3. There seems to be confusion as Oxford dropped their cases in the US and UK but is now pursuing something in Australia.

PumpkinSeed Protein Sequencing

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. PumpkinSeed is a startup focused on new protein sequencing technology. They use a method that analyzes light patterns to determine protein sequences without needing labels.
  2. The technology involves measuring the Raman spectra of peptides and using AI to interpret the data. This helps to figure out the order of amino acids in a protein.
  3. There's potential for the method, but questions remain about how easily it can be scaled for larger samples. The benefit and size of the market for this technology are still being evaluated.

The Unomr Serial Nanopore

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. Unomr is a new company from ETH Zurich looking to raise between 2 to 3 million dollars. They have over 1 million dollars in grant funding so far.
  2. The company is developing a platform called 'serial nanopore' which seems to be focused on protein sequencing.
  3. Details on their technology are scarce, but it appears they are working on something innovative in the field of biotechnology.

Making Money From Lignin

The Polymerist • 215 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Lignin can be a valuable source of aromatic structures for creating synthetic polymers and other materials.
  2. MetGen's enzyme-based technology allows for efficient depolymerization and refining of lignin in alkaline conditions.
  3. MetGen's advancements in lignin processing could make it a viable alternative to petroleum-based feedstocks for creating chemicals and materials.

Nanopore Fireside Chats

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Fireside chats are popular and provide a relaxed way to discuss important topics. They create a friendly space for engaging conversations.
  2. Device placements for some products may have faced challenges recently. It's worth exploring how these changes affect business and strategy.
  3. The discussion highlighted differing views on the outlook for certain technologies, showcasing the importance of diverse opinions in business discussions.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #85

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 106 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. SpaceX successfully launched Starship into orbit, showcasing the power of moonshots to make people feel part of something bigger and optimistic about the future.
  2. Cognition AI, built by gold-medalist coders, can code based on requests, marking a significant advancement in AI technology.
  3. Extropic AI's thermodynamic chips could revolutionize computing by leveraging nature's randomness for energy efficiency, potentially accelerating the next era of computing.

Stream Genomics - Cameras

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. Stream Genomics uses special cameras that capture changes in pixels instead of taking regular still images. This helps in detecting fast events more effectively.
  2. These cameras have higher dynamic range, meaning they can handle bright lights without losing details. They also produce less noise compared to regular cameras, which makes imaging clearer.
  3. There's still some uncertainty about how much these cameras can help in reducing noise for tasks like single molecule sequencing, but they show promise for better signal detection.

Microarrays: What are they for?

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  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.

Genes for Memes

Reboot • 12 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. He Jiankui, a scientist who edited genes in babies, faced huge backlash and legal trouble for his actions. Now, he's trying to reinvent himself online, using social media to attract attention and followers.
  2. Silicon Valley's current culture is more open to risky scientific ideas, pushing the boundaries of ethics in technology. This change allows controversial figures like He to gain popularity among those who admire boundary-breaking innovation.
  3. Concerns are growing about who will benefit from advancements in gene editing. If these technologies are only accessible to the wealthy, existing inequalities could worsen, making it critical to address these social implications.

Abrus Bio, Inc.

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Abrus Bio is working on technology involving DNA sequencing for analysis. This means they are using DNA to read information, similar to what other companies are doing.
  2. There is a discussion happening in an online community about Abrus Bio, showing that there is interest and curiosity in their work.
  3. The author is researching patents related to Abrus Bio to understand more about their technology and innovations. This shows the importance of looking into legal documents to learn about new developments.

Roche Nanopore Expectation Management

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  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.

Illumina@JPM - More Clinical!

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. Illumina's revenue has been flat but they are focusing on clinical applications, now making up 56% of their market. This indicates a shift in strategy towards health-related services.
  2. The company continues to reduce its cost per gigabyte of sequencing, although it remains higher than some competitors. They're positioning themselves to provide more value and insights rather than just cheaper sequencing.
  3. Despite the competitive pressure on pricing, Illumina aims to deliver high-quality insights at a lower overall cost instead of racing to the bottom with pricing like some other vendors.

A writing fellowship on scientific progress

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 25 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  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.

Can You Resell An Illumina Sequencer?

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. Illumina has faced accusations of anti-competitive behavior, especially towards companies reselling their sequencers. They reportedly pressured customers with high fees to avoid sales from third parties.
  2. The lawsuit between International Equipment Trading and Illumina ended in a settlement, leaving questions about legality unanswered. However, it appears Illumina has softened some of their policies regarding support for secondhand equipment.
  3. There's an increasing number of used Illumina machines for sale online, often with their software removed. Users wanting to reinstall the software might need to contact Illumina for assistance and potentially pay for a service contract.

Forge Biologics

axialdaily • 19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
💼 Business Biotechnology
  1. Forge Biologics is a gene therapy manufacturing company in Ohio led by Tim Miller.
  2. They have one of the largest AAV manufacturing facilities with collaborations with other companies.
  3. Forge Biologics aims to increase biomanufacturing capacity and focuses on treating Krabbe Disease.

The Coming War Over The Technosphere

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. There is a growing concern about dangerous technologies being created by individuals, which could pose serious threats to society. We need to be aware of these risks and create systems to protect ourselves.
  2. As technology advances, there will be a divide between people who see tech as a danger and those who believe it can solve problems. This conflict will shape how we approach technological progress.
  3. A strong defense against harmful technologies and agents is essential. We should develop protective measures, like intelligent filters, to keep ourselves safe from potential dangers in the technosphere.

Digest 5/19/23

axialdaily • 19 implied HN points • 20 May 23
💼 Business Biotechnology
  1. Axial invests in early-stage life sciences companies with great founders and inventors
  2. Doximity was founded to create a LinkedIn for doctors and now covers over 80% of physicians in the US
  3. Regeneron's formula focuses on having the best science and following it diligently for success

The Long Game 170: Genomics, Embryo Selection, Expectations, Taking Yourself Seriously

The Long Game by Mehdi Yacoubi • 2 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  1. Embryo selection is extremely high-stakes, so companies must have honest marketing and solid science. If you see fake reviews, copied research, or basic methodological errors, be very skeptical and don't trust them with decisions about future children.
  2. Set deliberately low expectations so small improvements feel like wins and bad news feels normal. Controlling your expectations reduces unnecessary suffering and helps you appreciate progress.
  3. Stop waiting for life to happen and take yourself seriously by choosing a direction and acting on it. Real progress comes from responsibility, risk, and doing more than what feels safe.

Ultima Genomics...$80 Genome...$0 Genome...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  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.

MOLECL / DNAQuraCy

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. MoleCl was originally introduced as DNAQuraCy, focusing on using solid-state nanopore technology.
  2. This technology is meant to improve sample quality control before sequencing, which is not possible with current methods like fluorescence-based analyzers.
  3. Its goal is to provide better analysis of DNA fragments and detect any contaminants in the sample.

Unringing Asilomar's False Alarm Bell

Viruses Must Die • 8 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology
  1. Paul Berg expressed strong opposition to strict government regulations on recombinant DNA research. He believed such laws could harm important scientific progress.
  2. He felt that the fears surrounding recombinant DNA were overstated and more harmful than the risks of the research itself. He argued that the real danger lies in too much government control over science.
  3. Berg warned that excessive bureaucracy could drive scientists to conduct their work in other countries. He stressed the need for a supportive environment for scientific exploration and innovation.

Roche: Where NGS Goes To Die...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology
  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.