The hottest Genetics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Sex in Biology Signature Campaign

Heterodox STEM • 156 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Ecology Genetics Research
  1. Some biology societies have stated that sex is not simply male or female, which has caused confusion.
  2. A group of biologists has written a letter saying that sex should actually be defined by gamete type, meaning there are two sexes.
  3. They are asking other biologists to sign this letter to support their view and clarify the definition of sex.

The Making of a Gene Circuit

Asimov Press • 290 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Mathematics Technology Engineering
  1. The repressilator is a simple gene circuit that helps scientists understand how to control living cells. It's made of three genes that work together in a loop to create a rhythmic 'on-off' signal.
  2. Michael Elowitz and his team proved that you could design circuits in living cells, which opened the door to synthetic biology. This means we can now program cells to perform specific tasks.
  3. Modern advancements have built on the repressilator, allowing us to create complex gene circuits that can mimic computing processes inside cells. This shows how biology can become a tool for engineering and technology.

Learning the Language of Life with A.I.

Ground Truths • 6211 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Genetics
  1. AlphaFold2 has greatly advanced science by predicting protein structures. It's one of the most significant achievements in life sciences and has inspired many new AI models.
  2. There's a surge of new AI models focused on life sciences, including predictions of DNA and protein interactions. These advancements are happening quickly and are democratizing scientific research.
  3. The use of AI in biology is just beginning, and it holds exciting potential for future discoveries. It could help us understand complex biological functions better and develop new therapies.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #32

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Development Robotics Genetics Renewable Energy
  1. China has introduced a new AI model, DeepSeek, which could challenge the U.S.'s lead in AI technology. It's created with fewer resources and is making waves in the AI landscape.
  2. The U.S. is launching a major AI project called Stargate, promising to build advanced data centers to enhance tech development. This move aims to keep the U.S. at the forefront of AI innovations.
  3. Researchers are developing robots for farming and pollination that could change agriculture. These robots could help increase crop yields and make farming more sustainable.

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.
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We are what we speak: Indo-European phylogenetic and linguistic trees concur

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 800 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💾 History Linguistics Genetics Cultural Studies Anthropology
  1. Recent ancient DNA research has greatly advanced our understanding of the origins and evolution of Indo-European languages. This includes finding connections between ancient peoples and the languages we speak today.
  2. Studies reveal that the Yamnaya people from the Pontic steppe played a key role in spreading Indo-European languages across Eurasia. They replaced many indigenous populations, showing a significant impact on the genetics of modern Europeans.
  3. The genetic findings confirm a close relationship between our linguistic history and biological roots. This means the languages we speak can reflect our ancestral heritage.

We need to talk about astrology

Granted • 18608 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🔬 Science Astrology Personality Traits Genetics Research Findings Cognitive Biases
  1. Astrology does not have scientific backing and can lead to harmful stereotypes and discrimination.
  2. Studies have shown that zodiac signs do not correspond to personality traits, and astrology cannot predict life outcomes.
  3. Belief in astrology may indicate a lack of critical thinking skills and could lead to acceptance of other unfounded beliefs.

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.

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.

Mechanisms too simple for humans to design

Telescopic Turnip • 274 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Genetics Technology Artificial Intelligence
  1. Living organisms, like butterflies and bacteria, are incredibly complex, yet humans struggle to replicate them fully because they are surprisingly simple in construction. It's like trying to build a working insect but only using a few basic parts.
  2. The information contained in the genomes of living beings is often much less than what we assume. For example, the human genome contains less useful information than what fits on a CD, showcasing how nature efficiently packs information.
  3. Natural evolution leads to a balance where simpler designs can survive better, while human-made technologies often have complex specifications and high error rates. This means some amazing designs in nature might be too bizarre for humans to create intentionally.

We were selected: tracing what humans were made for

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 783 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Anthropology
  1. Ancient DNA research has greatly improved our understanding of human evolution. Scientists can now study our genetic history and how humans have adapted over thousands of years.
  2. New techniques allow researchers to see how natural selection has shaped our traits, like skin color and immune response. This gives insight into why certain characteristics are more common in different populations.
  3. The findings show that our physical traits have changed over time due to varying environmental pressures and lifestyles. This helps explain how humans have managed to survive and thrive in diverse habitats.

The other man: Neanderthal findings test our power of imagination

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 686 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Anthropology Paleontology Evolution History
  1. Neanderthals were more diverse than previously thought, similar to modern humans. Recent DNA findings show that they had unique social behaviors and were genetically distinct from their neighbors.
  2. The ancient DNA era has rapidly changed our understanding of human prehistory. Discoveries from ancient genomes have revealed new insights into our ancestors and how they interacted with Neanderthals.
  3. A notable finding is the discovery of a Neanderthal named Thorin, who lived in isolation for thousands of years. This suggests that Neanderthals had unique ways of life that are very different from modern humans.

A Search for Sick Animals

Asimov Press • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Medical Research Neuroscience Animal studies Genetics
  1. Animal models are really important for studying diseases like Parkinson's because they can show how conditions develop and help test new treatments.
  2. Researchers have looked for animals with naturally occurring Parkinson's, but finding them is hard. A recent study claims to have found a monkey with the disease indicating there may be others we just haven't discovered yet.
  3. If scientists can identify more animals with Parkinson's, it could lead to better understanding and treatment options for humans. It's important to keep searching for these models.

Twin heritability models can tell you whatever you want to hear

The Infinitesimal • 719 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🔬 Science Genetics Research Methods Statistical Analysis Heritability Cultural transmission
  1. Twin heritability models can produce different estimates of how much traits are influenced by genetics versus environment. This can lead to confusion about what is truly inherited and what is shaped by upbringing.
  2. Cultural factors along with genetic factors play a significant role in shaping traits. Sometimes, what seems genetic can actually be environmental influences like parenting styles, which complicate our understanding of inheritance.
  3. Recent studies suggest that assumptions made in traditional twin studies might not be entirely accurate. By including more family relationships and considering cultural impacts, researchers can get a clearer picture of what really contributes to traits.

We’re entering a golden age of engineering biology

Noahpinion • 16647 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology AI Genetics Automation Medicine
  1. The advancements in deep learning, cost-effective data collection through lab automation, and precision DNA editing with technologies like CRISPR are converging to transform biology from a scientific field to an engineering discipline.
  2. Historically, biology has been challenging due to its immense complexity, requiring costly trial-and-error experiments. However, with current advancements, we are now at a critical point where predictability and engineering in biological systems are becoming a reality.
  3. The decreasing cost of DNA sequencing, breakthroughs in deep learning models for biology, sophisticated lab automation, and precise genetic editing tools like CRISPR are paving the way for a revolutionary era in engineering biology, with vast potential in healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

Genomic prediction of IQ is modern snake oil

The Infinitesimal • 1298 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
🔬 Science Genetics Biology Psychology Mathematics Research
  1. Genetic tests claiming to predict IQ are not reliable. They often rely on complex methods that mostly just lead to guesswork.
  2. The accuracy of these genetic predictions is very low, explaining only a tiny fraction of variations in IQ scores. In fact, other factors like age and social environment play a much bigger role.
  3. Many of these predictions confuse people about how genetics really work. It's important to understand that these scores should be treated more like entertainment than serious assessments.

Gene-environment interactions: ubiquitous yet undetectable

The Infinitesimal • 359 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🔬 Science Genetics Health Environment Statistics Evolution
  1. Gene-environment interactions (GxE) are common but hard to identify in humans. They show how genetic traits can change in different environments, affecting how we understand traits like obesity or education.
  2. There are different models to explain how genes and environments work together. Some models show that environments can amplify or change the effects of multiple genetic variants on traits.
  3. Research has found that environmental factors, like socioeconomic status or education quality, can significantly influence how genetic variations are expressed, meaning genetics alone doesn't tell the whole story about traits.

No human genes have truly 100% penetrance

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genetics Molecular Biology Health Bioethics Research
  1. No human genes have 100% penetrance, meaning not all who have a certain gene will show the related traits. This makes predicting health outcomes based on genetics challenging.
  2. Genetic diseases like Huntington's seem like they have high penetrance, but variability in symptoms and onset can make them unpredictable. It highlights the complexity of genetics beyond simple Mendelian traits.
  3. The body's systems, especially the immune system, add layers of complexity that affect how genes express themselves. This makes it really hard to guarantee that a specific gene will always result in the same outcome.

If langurs can drink seawater, can humans do so as well?

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 895 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Zoology Evolution Physiology Genetics
  1. Cat Ba langurs can drink seawater and survive in dry conditions due to their diet and unique adaptations. They mainly get water from the leaves they eat, which helps them thrive on an isolated island.
  2. Humans cannot drink seawater without serious health issues. Consuming saltwater leads to dehydration because our bodies can't remove the excess salt fast enough.
  3. Research suggests that Cat Ba langurs have special genetic traits that allow them to manage salt and calcium better than most mammals. This helps them live in their harsh environment.

Science giveth and science taketh away

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 366 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🔬 Science Evolution Genetics Mathematics Natural History
  1. Science has advanced a lot since Darwin's time, but we often miss the wonder and excitement that comes with these discoveries. It seems like people today are less amazed by scientific progress than they used to be.
  2. Darwin proposed that evolution happens through natural selection, but he didn’t fully explain how traits are passed down. Later scientists combined genetics with evolution to better understand how traits vary across generations.
  3. Today, understanding evolution requires recognizing four main forces: mutation, migration, selection, and drift. These forces shape the genetic diversity that fuels evolution.

Gregor Mendel's Vanishing Act

Asimov Press • 232 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Botany History Research Biology
  1. Gregor Mendel, known as the father of genetics, did much more than just his famous pea experiments. He worked across various scientific fields and made important discoveries about inheritance long before it was fully understood.
  2. Sadly, many of Mendel's notes and findings were destroyed after his death, leaving behind an incomplete representation of his life’s work. This loss means we might never fully appreciate the depth of his contributions.
  3. Mendel's educational journey was filled with challenges, including health issues that impacted his ability to become a teacher. Ironically, these struggles led him to his groundbreaking research in genetics, which changed biology forever.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #26

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Military Tech Genetics Space
  1. A robotics startup called Physical Intelligence is worth over $2 billion for creating AI-controlled robots that can do complex tasks like folding clothes. They use advanced technology that makes robots smarter and more capable.
  2. Trump is working with a startup called Anduril to improve the US military by adopting new technologies and cutting unnecessary costs. This shows a shift towards more innovative approaches in defense.
  3. Scientists have made tomatoes sweeter and bigger using a method called CRISPR. This could lead to tastier fruits in stores and lower production costs for things like tomato paste.

It's Fair To Describe Schizophrenia As Probably Mostly Genetic

Astral Codex Ten • 13077 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Genetics Heritability
  1. Schizophrenia is likely mostly genetic but may not be described as a genetic disease based on heritability estimates.
  2. Genes play a crucial role in schizophrenia, serving as a risk factor and potentially a cause for the condition.
  3. Despite the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, schizophrenia can be colloquially referred to as genetic due to the significant genetic contribution in its development.

Who Does Polygenic Selection Help?

Astral Codex Ten • 11562 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics Medical Ethics Biology IVF Healthcare
  1. Polygenic selection can help prevent genetic diseases like schizophrenia by choosing embryos with lower risk during IVF, leading to healthier children
  2. Despite the complex nature of genetic selection, it can have positive effects on individuals and society by preventing diseases and improving overall health outcomes
  3. Analogies like preventing fetal alcohol syndrome through prenatal care or choosing healthier IVF embryos demonstrate the ethical and practical benefits of polygenic selection

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.

The Dangers of Mirrored Life

Asimov Press • 444 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Synthetic Biology Ecology Bioethics Genetics
  1. Creating mirrored organisms could be very dangerous. They might spread quickly, infect humans, and even cause extinctions of vulnerable species.
  2. Scientists worry that mirrored cells could escape labs and evade our immune systems. This means they could thrive and multiply without us even knowing.
  3. Most experts believe we should be cautious and avoid creating these mirrored life forms. It's better to discuss the risks now than to face the consequences later.

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.

A language family of one, a land beyond conquest

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 657 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💾 History Genetics Language Europe Anthropology
  1. The Basque language, Euskara, is unique as it is the only surviving indigenous non-Indo-European language in Europe. This makes it a fascinating subject of study, as it has no known relatives.
  2. Basques have a distinct genetic profile, with a high frequency of RH-negative blood type. This unusual trait contributes to theories about their origins and historical isolation in Europe.
  3. Recent genetic research suggests that the Basques may not be the oldest inhabitants of Europe as previously thought, but instead, they are descended from human populations that lived before the introduction of agriculture.

Mitochondria Are Alive

Asimov Press • 735 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Molecular Biology Genetics
  1. Mitochondria are more than just cell parts; they are alive and have their own functions. They carry their own DNA and replicate just like bacteria.
  2. Thinking of mitochondria as living beings can help us understand their role better in our health and in biology. Many diseases are linked to problems with mitochondria.
  3. Mitochondria can interact with their environment and even move between cells, which shows they can adapt and play important roles in complex biological systems.

What is The Infinitesimal?

The Infinitesimal • 499 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
🔬 Science Genetics Research Behavior Heritability Statistics
  1. Human traits are influenced by many tiny genetic factors, making understanding them complex. This means small changes in genetics can impact our traits in different ways.
  2. Talking about nature versus nurture isn't simple; both genetics and environment play big roles. There's often a mix of many genes working together rather than clear-cut definitions.
  3. The concept of heritability is tricky and often debated. Different studies can show very different results about how much genetics affect things like intelligence or behavior.

Some notes on assortative mating

The Infinitesimal • 339 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Statistics Heritability
  1. Assortative mating happens when partners select each other based on certain traits, like height or education, making their children more genetically similar over generations.
  2. This type of mating can lead to increased genetic variance in the population, but does not change the genetic variance within families because the parent's traits balance out among the children.
  3. When estimating heritability or variance, it’s important to use the right approach. Population-level estimates can be misleading if based on family data, and vice versa.

Maybe THIS Is Why You're Hangry

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1817 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Metabolism Genetics Research
  1. Feeling hangry might not always be due to low blood sugar, other factors like S-sulfocysteine levels in your urine could play a role in overstimulation symptoms.
  2. Elevated S-sulfocysteine, a neurostimulant, can result from breakdown of protein when hungry for glucose and may lead to various overstimulation symptoms like anxiety and muscle tension.
  3. Testing for S-sulfocysteine levels in urine should be more widely implemented to understand its potential impact on psychological traits and neuro-psychiatric diseases.

Evolution Explains Polygenic Structure

Astral Codex Ten • 8465 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 Science Evolution Genetics Mental health Research
  1. Genes for severe conditions like schizophrenia are likely small in effect and numerous, not large and few.
  2. Evolution would have eliminated genes with large negative effects, leaving only genes with small effects.
  3. The presence of genes with very small effects may be due to various factors like insufficient time for removal or counterbalancing advantages.

Iron Overload: Forget What You Thought You Knew

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1817 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Genetics Diet Medical Research Health Risks
  1. Iron overload can lead to serious health issues like liver damage and heart problems, and may accelerate aging.
  2. Manganese overload is linked to symptoms like headaches and balance issues and can be a concern for those with genetic predispositions to iron overload.
  3. When managing iron overload, it's critical to limit dietary manganese intake, maintain a proper iron-to-manganese ratio, and be cautious about how blood donation affects manganese toxicity.

Minimal Evidence of Heterogeneity in Effect Estimates: GWAS from the Million Veteran Program

The Infinitesimal • 319 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🔬 Science Genetics Research Health Diversity Medicine
  1. The Million Veteran Program's study looked at genetic data from 600,000 people, revealing that diversity in ancestry helped identify genetic traits linked to diseases.
  2. Most genetic differences between groups were due to allele frequency changes rather than real differences in how genes affect health.
  3. Fewer than 1% of significant genetic associations showed differences between populations, indicating that many genetic effects are quite similar across different ancestry groups.

Francis Crick Was Misunderstood

Asimov Press • 386 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Molecular Biology Evolution Research
  1. The Central Dogma explains that information in cells flows mainly from DNA to RNA to proteins, but it's more complex than just that. It actually includes several other information transfers that many people don't realize.
  2. Francis Crick named his idea the Central Dogma, but it’s not an unchangeable belief; it's a scientific hypothesis based on evidence. Even though people often misunderstand it, he believed in testing ideas with experiments.
  3. Recent discoveries show that some processes in biology may seem to contradict the Central Dogma, but they don't actually break its rules. The essential point is that information can only flow from nucleic acids to proteins, never the other way around.