The hottest Genetics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

The First Humans in Europe

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1257 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🔬 Science Archaeology Evolution Genetics
  1. Evidence suggests that the earliest human ancestors in Europe evolved in Europe before eventually moving to Africa.
  2. The arrival of different human species in Europe can be traced through archaeological findings and genetic studies.
  3. Neanderthals existed in Europe for a long time, and the arrival of modern humans led to significant changes and interactions.

Open Thread 313

Astral Codex Ten • 2202 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🔬 Science Research Genetics Psychology Fiction Education
  1. Genes matter 2x as much as the environment in schizophrenia, not 4x as previously thought
  2. A study on political reasoning errors failed to replicate, questioning a larger literature on the topic
  3. Humans merging with AI may not be unprecedented, as evidenced by a medieval Italian man merging with a knife

Genetiken förändrar vår syn på ras

Rak höger med Ivar Arpi • 589 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Genetics Race Migration Archaeology History
  1. Genetics has revealed greater differences between people than previously thought, challenging both racist and politically correct beliefs.
  2. Historical migrations and cultural exchanges are being reevaluated in light of DNA research, overthrowing old theories.
  3. Recent genetic studies have shed light on demographic movements, such as the Indo-European migrations, significantly impacting our understanding of human history.
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Reverse Genetic Systems

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 58 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Virology Genetics Statistics
  1. There are two main theories about the origin of SARS-CoV-2: one is that it came from animal trade, and the other is that it originated in a lab. Each theory has its own set of details that scientists are still investigating.
  2. Understanding the origins of the virus requires knowledge of both biology and complex statistical methods. These methods help researchers weigh the evidence carefully, which is crucial for arriving at the most likely explanation.
  3. The evidence increasingly suggests that the virus may have come from a lab, especially noting the features like the furin cleavage site that were put into a reverse genetic system. This raises important questions about how we study viruses and their potential risks.

Start Here for MTHFR and Methylation

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1677 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Methylation Nutrition Supplementation Genetics Holistic health
  1. Methylation is crucial for physical, mental, and emotional health. It involves the transfer of methyl groups and plays a role in synthesizing important molecules like creatine and phosphatidylcholine.
  2. Balancing methylation is vital; too much can have negative consequences. Proper nutrition, including methionine, vitamins B12 and folate, betaine, and glycine, is essential.
  3. To optimize MTHFR status, focus on foods and supplements that support methylation. Searchable databases and related articles provide valuable information on this topic.

The Renaissance in Biology

Solve Cancer in 365 days • 19 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Bioengineering Cell Biology
  1. Biology can be understood like hardware and software. While genes represent the hardware, we need to pay attention to the bioelectric signals, which act like the software, guiding how cells function.
  2. Traditional approaches focused too much on altering genes without comprehending the complexities of how these changes affect everything else in the body. We often miss how the interactions among different cell signals can impact health.
  3. By understanding bioelectricity, scientists might find better ways to tackle diseases. Instead of random discoveries, aligning the right signals could lead to effective treatments and innovations in biology.

The Last Few Years In DNA Sequencing

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Technology Research Innovation Medicine
  1. New companies have started making sequencers similar to Illumina's, which is a big step for the market. More choices mean users can find better prices and features.
  2. The quality of data from these new sequencers is almost as good as Illumina's. This could force Illumina to lower its prices to stay competitive.
  3. It looks like Illumina's profits have taken a hit due to this increased competition. It's important to keep an eye on how their financials change going forward.

Schizophrenia: a coda

Wyclif's Dust • 1877 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Research Genetics Social Disparities
  1. There are significant differences in schizophrenia polygenic scores between ethnic groups, which can impact diagnosis and treatment.
  2. Genetic research on different ethnic groups can lead to improved medical outcomes and understanding disparities.
  3. Studying gene-environment interactions in intergroup context can provide insights into causal pathways for social and medical outcomes.

Clinicians Hate NGS?

ASeq Newsletter • 72 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Genetics Healthcare Diagnostics Patient Advocacy
  1. Many doctors are not keen on genetic tests because they believe the tests do not change how patients are treated. This attitude makes it hard for patients to get the tests they need.
  2. It's not just about the cost of testing; the main issue is that doctors often don't like running tests if they feel there's no direct benefit to patients.
  3. To improve the situation, we need to raise awareness among doctors and patients about the benefits of whole genome sequencing, especially for those with rare diseases. Grassroots efforts can help push for more understanding and acceptance of these tests.

Monday Links

Niko McCarty • 159 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Neuroscience Environmental Science Cell Biology Genetics
  1. Scientists can now deliver single molecules into living cells using special tools called nanopipettes. This could help in studying cell functions more precisely.
  2. Neuralink is facing problems with its brain chip as most of the threads inserted in the first human are not working. They plan to implant another chip in another person soon.
  3. Greenpeace is blocking the planting of Golden Rice, which is modified to help prevent vitamin A deficiency. This decision may change as the Philippine government intends to challenge it.

Eve Theory of Consciousness (v2)

Vectors of Mind • 825 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🔬 Science Human Evolution Psychology Genetics Cultural anthropology Neuroscience
  1. Women may have evolved recursion before men, based on prehistoric myths and societal structures.
  2. The downsides and challenges of recursion may have led to unique pathways for human development.
  3. Gendered differences in genetic, cognitive, and cultural factors could have influenced the evolution of self-awareness and recursion in humans.

Natural selection: what's the effect size?

Wyclif's Dust • 2414 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Statistics
  1. Many polygenic scores are significantly correlated with the number of children a person has, indicating a link between genetics and fertility.
  2. The effect sizes of these correlations can be influenced by the accuracy of the polygenic scores, with noise potentially underestimating the true effects.
  3. Improving polygenic scores and considering the impact of rare genetic variants are important for better understanding the relationship between genetics, fertility, and education.

DNA goes to the Dogs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 519 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Animal studies History Genetics Ethnography Cultural Practices
  1. Woolly dogs were kept by the Coast Salish people for their fur, which was used to make warm blankets. Unfortunately, these dogs went extinct in the late 1800s, leaving only one pelt known today.
  2. Recent research used genetic studies and the historical context of Mutton, a woolly dog, to learn about its unique traits and the care it received from Indigenous people. This shows how important these dogs were to their culture.
  3. The extinction of woolly dogs is connected to historical racism and policies that targeted Indigenous practices. Understanding this context is just as important as studying the genetics of the dogs.

Monthly Archaeology Round-Up: April

Grey Goose Chronicles • 727 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🔬 Science Archaeology Genetics Forensics
  1. Native Americans were using horses over a hundred years before previously thought, shaping a new view of early Plains societies.
  2. Genetic analysis confirms migration and intermixing with Persians on Africa's Swahili coast, challenging long-held theories.
  3. Bronze Age Menorca revealed evidence of the use of powerful drugs, shedding light on ancient rituals and practices.

But Seriously, Why The F*ck Do Giraffes Have Long Necks?

Insight Axis • 612 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Evolution Knowledge Environment
  1. Giraffes have long necks to better reach food on tall trees, increasing their chances of survival and passing on their genes.
  2. In the true story of giraffes' evolution, genes are the main characters that hold knowledge for survival in their environment.
  3. Humans, unlike giraffes, can create their own knowledge using their minds, allowing them to survive in diverse environments and even outer space.

The longer I live, the wronger I get to be

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 674 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Data Analysis
  1. In the field of human population genetics, interesting times can lead to significant advancements and significant shifts in understanding.
  2. The concept of intelligence as influenced by single 'IQ genes' has been refuted in favor of the understanding that intelligence involves thousands of genes with small effects.
  3. Historical inaccuracies regarding the ancestry of European Jews, the dynamics of human evolution out of Africa, and the role of natural selection in human evolution have been corrected with new scientific discoveries and insights.

Kat Kitay: The Origin of Cyborgs

Do Not Research • 499 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🔬 Science Technology Biology Evolution Genetics Social Impact
  1. Donna Haraway introduced the concept of 'cyborg' in 1985 as a response to the rising technological world order
  2. Human evolution has been driven by technological advancements since ancient times, shaping our species' survival and success
  3. The modern digital revolution is pushing us towards a new kind of evolution where gene-editing technologies and digital pressures play crucial roles

Recommended Reading, Part II: Anthrophysiocracy

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1040 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Political Ideologies Genetics Social Structures
  1. Anthrophysiocracy explores the idea that there are objectively better social structures for human flourishing based on human nature, which varies across populations.
  2. The concept of constrained and unconstrained viewpoints on human nature influences political ideologies and social debates, with implications for societal structures and governance.
  3. Biological differences among human populations impact behavior and societal organization, challenging the notion of a universal governing system and emphasizing the importance of diverse self-governance.

Underrated Problems in Biotechnology

Niko McCarty • 99 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Agriculture Environmental Genetics Health
  1. Chick culling is a big issue where billions of male chicks are killed each year because they can't lay eggs. New technology can help determine an egg's sex earlier to prevent this cruelty.
  2. Synthetic apomixis could change farming for the better by allowing farmers to grow hybrid crops indefinitely without buying new seeds each year. This would help increase their profits and food supply.
  3. Tree engineering is important for combating climate change, but not enough researchers are focusing on it. Creating trees that grow faster and capture more carbon could help protect our forests.

GPU peak calling for epigenetics

LatchBio • 11 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Bioinformatics Data Analysis Algorithms Computing Genetics
  1. Peak calling is crucial for analyzing epigenetic data like ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq. It helps scientists identify important regions in the genome related to gene expression and diseases.
  2. The MACS3 algorithm is a common tool used for peak calling but struggles with handling large data volumes efficiently. Improving its implementation with GPUs can speed up analyses significantly.
  3. By using GPUs, researchers have achieved about 15 times faster processing speeds for peak calling, which is vital as more genetic data is generated in the field.

An AWS For Sequencing?

ASeq Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Bioinformatics Data Analysis Cloud Computing Software Development Genetics
  1. Bioinformatics companies often struggle to succeed on their own, but some are finding unique ways to add value by providing analysis of sequencing data from external service providers.
  2. Just like how companies can use AWS for their server needs, the idea is to create an AWS-like platform specifically for DNA sequencing, making services easier and more accessible.
  3. Building a platform for sequencing could lower barriers for businesses and encourage new applications in the field, opening up more opportunities for innovation.

The genetics of intelligence: Exploring the link between DNA and IQ

Nucleus Genomics • 19 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
🔬 Science Genetics Intelligence Research
  1. IQ is affected by both genetics and environment, with genetics accounting for about 50% of IQ scores. This means there are things we inherit from our parents that can influence how we score.
  2. Research has found specific DNA differences, called genetic variants, that seem to be linked to higher IQs. These variants don’t work alone but together can give insights into intelligence.
  3. The Nucleus IQ score uses genetic data to predict how your DNA might influence your IQ score, reflecting the latest research in this area. It's an evolving field, and there's still much to learn about genetics and intelligence.

Natural selection: I still have no clue about the effect size

Wyclif's Dust • 1609 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🔬 Science Genetics Research Simulation Data Analysis Evolution
  1. The MAF/effect size slope gets steeper below MAF of 0.1, but correction becomes less trustworthy.
  2. There is a slope in the EA/fertility relationship above MAF of 0.1, so it's not constant everywhere.
  3. The relationship between EA/fertility is smaller for rare alleles, but the impact of very rare mutations remains uncertain.

Facing Facts, even fraught ones: the quest for proto-Indo-Europeans in 2023

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 983 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
💾 History Languages Genetics Archaeology
  1. Indo-European languages have spread widely across the globe through historical events and cultural exchanges.
  2. Genomic technologies have revolutionized our understanding of the rise and spread of Indo-Europeans.
  3. Debates around Indo-European origins have evolved, integrating fields like genetics, archaeology, and linguistics.

Beyond the Pale: Irish cultural uniqueness past Rome's reach

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 463 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💾 History Europe Genetics
  1. Irish cultural uniqueness is deeply rooted in their historical resistance to aligning with Roman norms, particularly in the realm of religion and organization.
  2. The genetic analysis shows that the Irish share close genetic ties with the British populations, highlighting their shared ancestry and debunking the notion of a significant genetic difference between them.
  3. The distinctiveness of Irish culture, including practices like polygyny, and their gradual integration of Christianity at their own pace, sets them apart in the European context.

Contra the ACMG on Polygenic Embryo Screening

Parrhesia • 494 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics Ethics Medical Research Reproductive Rights
  1. Several scientists and professional organizations criticize polygenic embryo screening for polygenic disorders due to concerns like lack of validation and utility.
  2. The article argues that the recommendation against polygenic embryo screening is flawed because it doesn't compare the method to other acceptable alternatives like selection based on embryo morphology.
  3. The authors suggest that the critique against polygenic embryo screening lacks consideration of the ethical implications and does not provide a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.

Genetic Variations that Predispose People to Severe COVID-19, Cause of Acute Deadly Hepatitis in Children Likely Identified, SARS-CoV-2 Origin Still Being Investigated

LIL Science • 471 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🔬 Science Genetics Infectious Diseases Research Virology
  1. Research has identified genetic variations that make people more likely to have severe COVID-19.
  2. The likely cause of acute deadly hepatitis in children has been identified as a combination of viruses and genetic predispositions.
  3. The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still under investigation, with reports detailing activities in China preceding the pandemic.

Hans, are we…. the admixed ones?

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics Population Ancestry History
  1. There is a lack of definitive research on the genetic history of Germany compared to other European countries like Britain or Estonia.
  2. Germany's past with race science, notable figures like Hans Günther, and the overshadowing of the Nazi era, has impacted the nation's exploration of human population genetics.
  3. Historical migrations, such as those of Corded Ware populations, have contributed significantly to the genetic makeup of Northern Europe, with influences from Neolithic farming populations.

In case you missed my mitochondrial energy talk...

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 459 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Metabolism Nutrition Genetics Energy Health
  1. The Mitochondrial Energy Summit is hosting an 'Encore Weekend' event starting at 6 PM eastern time tonight, allowing those who missed the original airing to catch up.
  2. Attendees have praised the talk for its valuable insights on energy metabolism and nutrition, sparking discussions on lifestyle changes like consuming superfoods more regularly.
  3. Chris Masterjohn's talk has received glowing reviews, with attendees expressing appreciation for his knowledge, dedication, and balanced approach to discussing the intersection of genetics and nutrition.

When to Consider Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 459 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Metabolism Nutrition Genetics Diseases Medical care
  1. Inborn errors of metabolism are rare but often go undiagnosed because they are not actively sought out.
  2. Even though these errors are rare individually, collectively they can affect a significant portion of the population.
  3. Symptoms of inborn errors of metabolism can vary widely in terms of onset, presentation, and age group affected.

BA.2.86 growth rates

Logging the World • 418 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🔬 Science Statistics Genetics Epidemiology Research Mathematics
  1. New COVID variant BA.2.86 has mutations that suggest fast growth, but estimating its growth rate is tricky.
  2. Statisticians use models and likelihood functions to estimate parameters like growth rates, but uncertainty exists in the estimates.
  3. The work of statistician C.R. Rao, like the Fisher information, shows fundamental limits to parameter estimation and the role of geometry in statistics.