The hottest Genetics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

The other man: Neanderthal findings test our power of imagination

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 686 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #26

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Genetics
  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.

Links for Winter 2026

Telescopic Turnip • 31 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Some viruses can trigger bacteria to self-organize into a single, coordinated structure, producing collective behaviors that look a lot like a hive mind.
  2. Gene-level molecular clocks suggest mitochondria were acquired relatively late, after the nucleus, cytoskeleton, and vesicle-transport systems had already evolved, which challenges the idea that mitochondria jump-started eukaryotic complexity.
  3. Forbidding children from moving or fidgeting appears to impair creativity, and larger studies are needed before treating stillness as a universal schooling requirement.

Let’s Sequence the Bennu Samples

Viruses Must Die • 52 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Samples from the asteroid Bennu contain DNA bases and amino acids, so the rock carries familiar building blocks of life.
  2. If life can travel between worlds, Earth-style DNA sequencing might actually detect it, so teams should try sequencing Bennu material despite contamination concerns because any truly novel sequence would be decisive.
  3. The amino acids are mostly racemic but show an excess of left-handed valine, which could hint at a biological origin but is ambiguous due to racemization, making sequencing an especially important follow-up.

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
  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.
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Does birth order matter?

Wyclif's Dust • 2146 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Birth order and parental age influence outcomes in opposite ways.
  2. Within families, birth order and parental age have a high correlation.
  3. Even though birth order effects are big, they explain very little of the variation in outcomes.

In case you missed my mitochondrial energy talk...

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 459 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  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.

BA.2.86 growth rates

Logging the World • 418 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Mitochondria Are Alive

Asimov Press • 735 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science 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.

The Molecular Genetics of Cold Winters Theory

Anglo Reaction • 412 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. The theory of Cold Winters suggests that intelligence was a response to the harshness of nature.
  2. Intelligence is higher among individuals further from the equator due to seasonal ecologies.
  3. Genetic studies indicate that human intelligence increased after leaving Africa, aligning with the Cold Winters Theory.

Interracial Dating Paper FAQ

sebjenseb • 196 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Assortative mating occurs between races, with individuals who date outside their race being more similar to each other in terms of intelligence, height, and risk-taking behaviors.
  2. Current literature suggests that interracial relationships may have a higher likelihood of ending or experiencing domestic violence issues, and mixed-race children might be more prone to mental/behavioral problems, possibly due to self-selection rather than social factors.
  3. Attractiveness was a weak predictor of interracial dating across all races, indicating that mate value or race exchanges based on mate value were not significant factors in interracial dating.

A Survey of Cancer Predisposition Genes

Holodoxa • 199 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Inherited risk of cancer has been known for a long time, with important discoveries made in the 20th century connecting genotypes and phenotypes.
  2. Alfred Knudson's two-hit model was a breakthrough in understanding inherited cancer risk and the sequential genetic changes needed for cancer development.
  3. There are around 100 cancer predisposition genes (CPGs) that have been extensively reviewed and evaluated to understand their role as tumor suppressors or proto-oncogenes.

Kidney Anatomy as a Metaphor for Wilms Tumor Genetics

Holodoxa • 179 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Wilms tumor (WT) is a common pediatric kidney cancer with favorable outcomes to surgery plus chemotherapy. Genetic studies of WT reveal a complex architecture intertwined with kidney development, offering insights into cancer growth.
  2. Precision approaches like patient-derived xenograft models and liquid biopsies show promise in improving care for WT. These methods go beyond DNA sequencing for diagnosis and treatment.
  3. Research on WT genetics indicates overlap with kidney development genes and involvement of various predisposition genes. The disease's complexity calls for innovative cooperative efforts among investigators and medical professionals.

A language family of one, a land beyond conquest

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 657 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💾 History Genetics
  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.

The Challenge of Childhood Cancer

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. Childhood cancer has a complex causal picture, where genetics play a significant role.
  2. The incidence of pediatric cancer is highest in certain regions, with differences influenced by environmental factors.
  3. Genetic changes, whether inherited or sporadic, are key contributors to childhood cancer pathogenesis, highlighting the importance of studying genes in understanding and managing the risk.

Schizophrenia: a coda

Wyclif's Dust • 1877 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  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.

Stuff I found interesting in December

Samstack • 1537 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Be cautious of assuming correlation implies causation, as the sign can be opposite of the true effect
  2. Income inequality in America may not have risen much since the 1960s, contrary to popular belief
  3. Anti-immigration voters often consider the issue more important than pro-immigration voters, impacting public perception

Natural selection: what's the effect size?

Wyclif's Dust • 2414 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

The Y Chromosome Bottleneck

Vectors of Mind • 314 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Men and women think differently, and there may have been a moment in history where men had to 'catch up' on self-awareness and language.
  2. Recent genetic research suggests a bottleneck on the Y chromosome, indicating possible massive selection in the recent past.
  3. The Y chromosome bottleneck coincided with cultural changes and patrilineal competition, shedding light on human male demographic history.

Africa’s exception to every rule: Ethiopian genetics, sovereignty and religion

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 572 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💾 History Genetics
  1. Ethiopia is unique in Africa due to its rich history, diverse cultures, and genetic diversity. It has a mix of influences from both Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
  2. The country's geographical features, like its highlands, have helped preserve its independence and distinct cultural identity over centuries. This has made Ethiopia a symbol of resistance against colonialism.
  3. Ethiopian genetic studies show a complex ancestry that includes both African and Eurasian elements. This makes Ethiopians distinct from other populations, emphasizing their unique place in human history.

The Powerful and Flawed Brain

Holodoxa • 179 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. Mental illness is a complex interplay of genes, environment, and evolutionary history, contributing to conditions like depression or schizophrenia.
  2. Genetic factors significantly influence the risk of psychiatric conditions, but they interact with environmental and social factors, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach.
  3. Mutation can play a key role in mental illness, with spontaneous genetic variations like de novo mutations or somatic variants contributing to conditions like schizophrenia or autism.

Recommended Reading, Part II: Anthrophysiocracy

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1040 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Genetics
  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.

The Dangers of Mirrored Life

Asimov Press • 444 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔬 Science 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.

Questions on plant compounds and heart disease, balancing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, food intolerances, nutrient cofactors for genetic defects in branched-chain amino acid metabolism.

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 519 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. Plant foods and their phytochemicals can help reduce arterial plaque.
  2. Balancing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is crucial for health; consider arachidonic acid intake and cumulative EPA over years.
  3. Branched-chain amino acid metabolism requires B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and more; extra support may be needed during weight loss.

An Applied Crop Genetics BBN

FreakTakes • 7 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. The team’s North Star is to make plant engineering like chip design — building synthetic chromosomes and easy, plug-and-play genetic parts so people can design complex, adaptive plant traits.
  2. Progress is blocked by three main technical bottlenecks: transforming and regenerating many plant species, a lack of validated higher-level genetic circuit libraries, and immature hardware to build and iterate large DNA programs.
  3. They fund tool development by mixing contracts and grants, using a high-throughput screening platform to offer screening and co-development services, and aim to grow into an engineering research institute that would need roughly $3–7M per year for about a decade.

Science giveth and science taketh away

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 366 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

The Making of a Gene Circuit

Asimov Press • 290 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Brave new human: counting up the de novo mutations you alone carry

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 148 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. The study looks at how many new mutations each person has that are different from their parents. These mutations happen in our DNA over generations.
  2. Mutations in our genetic code can impact traits and diseases. Some mutations are common, while others are rare and can lead to various health problems.
  3. Advancements in technology have made it easier to study our DNA. We can now look at thousands of genetic markers that help us understand human history and evolution.

Francis Crick Was Misunderstood

Asimov Press • 386 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Can we make mosquitoes resist malaria?

De Novo • 99 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Researchers are working on a new gene drive to help mosquitoes resist malaria. This approach could be a new way to fight the disease without reducing mosquito populations.
  2. The gene drive targets a specific gene in mosquitoes to prevent malaria parasites from spreading. This means fewer mosquitoes would carry the malaria parasite after feeding on infected blood.
  3. There are still questions to answer about this approach, like how effective it would be in different mosquito species and whether it could lead to new issues with mosquito populations.

Mechanisms too simple for humans to design

Telescopic Turnip • 274 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Action Potentials for December

Neurobiology Notes • 137 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. High-pressure freezing method allows larger biospecimens to be imaged with less milling time.
  2. New study maps neurotransmitter expression in the mouse brain, revealing diversity among neuron types.
  3. Advances in neural recording technology now allow for full cortical depth recording in the brain.

Work in progress on natural selection in the US

Wyclif's Dust • 1073 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Polygenic scores predicting education levels also predict fertility in opposite directions.
  2. Economic theory explains the relationship between income, education, and number of children.
  3. US data on natural selection shows differences compared to the UK, possibly influenced by factors like welfare support and class distinctions.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene MEN1. Menin, encoded by MEN1, is a scaffold protein involved in various cell functions.
  2. Genetic discovery of MEN1 led to a better understanding of the disease and enabled precision medicine strategies for patients with MEN1 mutations.
  3. Therapeutic options for MEN1 include targeted therapies like somatostatin analogues and mTOR inhibitors, as well as chemotherapies; advancements in understanding menin function have opened up potential novel therapeutic approaches.

Sex at the limits and the limits of sex: Baker's Law

Holly Elmore • 196 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Self-fertilization and asexuality are more common at the edges of a species range due to Baker's Law.
  2. The benefits of sex include generating variation for natural selection and avoiding the accumulation of harmful mutations.
  3. Sex and outbreeding are crucial for adapting to competition and maintaining genetic diversity over time.

Asimov Press' Latest Book, Encoded in DNA

Asimov Press • 277 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.