The hottest Genetics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Interracial Dating Paper FAQ

sebjenseb • 196 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Genetics Data Analysis Psychology Relationships
  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 Cancer Research
  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.

The Challenge of Childhood Cancer

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Cancer Genetics Risk Factors
  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.

Green Goo (Republished)

De Novo • 110 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Ecology Synthetic Biology Genetics Environmental Science
  1. Synthetic biology can create engineered organisms, which may outcompete natural organisms and harm ecosystems. We need to be careful about the kinds of organisms we create and the possible consequences.
  2. Creating mirror-image organisms could lead to unexpected environmental problems. If these organisms take over, they could cause damage far beyond what we're prepared for.
  3. We should invest in ways to contain engineered organisms and be aware of the risks of releasing them into nature. It's important to proceed cautiously when considering big changes to global ecosystems.
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How to Genetically Influence the Future Without Having Kids

Parrhesia • 456 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🔬 Science Genetics Ethics Evolution Technology Health
  1. Beliefs and ideologies are influenced by genetics, affecting the future through who has children.
  2. Changes in fertility patterns due to ideologies can impact the prevalence of certain traits in future generations.
  3. Advocating for genetic enhancement technologies can shape future generations' traits even if you choose not to have children.

The Y Chromosome Bottleneck

Vectors of Mind • 314 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Human behavior Anthropology Selection
  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.

The Powerful and Flawed Brain

Holodoxa • 179 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Genetics Evolution Environment
  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.

Genghis Khan: they don’t make stars like they used to

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 429 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
💾 History Genetics
  1. In 2003, research revealed that a significant number of men worldwide are direct descendants of Genghis Khan, showing how a single lineage can rapidly expand across generations.
  2. The genetic legacy of powerful individuals like Genghis Khan can have a lasting impact on populations through prolific breeding and intermarriages.
  3. Studies on Y-chromosomal lineages, like those associated with Genghis Khan, indicate social selection through behaviors like conquest and harem-building driving the sudden expansion of specific genetic lineages.

Current status: it’s complicated

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 789 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🔬 Science Evolution Genetics
  1. Human evolutionary science has shifted from complex models to explain the intricacies of our origins.
  2. Advances in genetics, DNA analysis, and paleoanthropology have revolutionized our understanding of human evolution.
  3. The concept of a single, simple origin of modern humans from Africa has evolved into a more complex and rich tapestry of multiple populations and dynamics.

New tools for programming biology

The Century of Biology • 472 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology Genetics CRISPR
  1. CRISPR technology has revolutionized biology with its programmable gene editing capabilities, leading to rapid advancements and commercial interest.
  2. New tools like HACE for targeted genetic variation and technologies for RNA writing are expanding the toolkit for programming biology.
  3. Exploration of retrons as a tool for DNA production and genome editing reveals the potential for diverse applications in genome engineering.

The two Indo-European revolutions and Germania’s rise

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 274 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Genetics Archaeology
  1. The rise and fall of different cultures in pre-Roman Germany was influenced by successive trends in artifacts and genetics, highlighting a transition from Bronze Age patriarchies to new ruling elites.
  2. The Beaker revolution in Central Europe saw the replacement of Corded Ware male lineages dominated by R1a with a rise in the R1b haplogroup, indicating a shift in ruling elite and population dynamics.
  3. The Beaker people's expansion from western Germany led to genetic subsuming of previous populations in Britain and Ireland, contributing to the formation of proto-Germanic tribes in antiquity.

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 Nutrition Genetics Supplementation Metabolism Weight Loss
  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.

(Ad-free Video) Jennifer Doudna: Scientist and World Changer

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biochemistry Research Technology Ethics
  1. Jennifer Doudna played a key role in developing CRISPR, a powerful genetic tool that could greatly impact human health and genetics.
  2. Her work highlights the importance of fundamental research in science, which can lead to unexpected and significant advancements.
  3. Discussions around scientific discoveries like CRISPR are crucial as society must consider the ethical responsibilities that come with such powerful tools.

Biomimicry versus Top-Down Engineering

Risk Musings • 573 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🔬 Science Genetics Biology Innovation Systems
  1. Nature builds from the bottom up through evolution and mutations, unlike top-down engineering in human systems.
  2. Biomimicry offers inspiration across various fields by learning from nature's efficient and resilient systems.
  3. Bottom-up building, like in the human brain, involves countless interactions that lead to emergent solutions, unlike enforced top-down strategies.

Will Progressives Defend In Vitro Gametogenesis?

Parrhesia • 685 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🔬 Science Genetics Ethics Health Media Technology
  1. In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) could revolutionize reproduction by providing more eggs for embryo creation.
  2. Increased availability of eggs through IVG can lead to significant gains in selecting embryos for desirable traits.
  3. Critics of genetic enhancement technologies should make fair comparisons with existing methods and consider the overall benefits.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics Treatment Options Research
  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.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 03/03/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 171 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Evolutionary biology Genetics Anthropology Ancient History Podcasts
  1. Parents can now screen embryos during IVF using whole genome sequencing to check for hundreds of conditions, keeping families safe.
  2. The presence of maternal grandmothers has been linked to higher survivorship among grandchildren, showing the evolutionary importance of menopause.
  3. Research on ancient DNA and AI may offer valuable insights into human history, potentially surpassing the impact of ancient DNA studies.

Birth of protein folds and functions in the virome

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🔬 Science Virology Genetics Molecular Biology Bioinformatics
  1. A lot of viral proteins have unique structures, showing there's still much to discover in the viral world. More than half of these proteins are structurally different from anything we've seen before.
  2. Some viral proteins are surprisingly similar to human proteins, which allows viruses to trick our cells. This understanding could lead to new ways to combat viral infections.
  3. Using advanced techniques to study protein structures is really powerful. It can reveal function and relationships that traditional methods might miss, helping us understand viruses better.

EQ > IQ

Vectors of Mind • 176 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🔬 Science Intelligence Evolution Psychometrics Language Genetics
  1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is argued to be more fundamental to human evolution and the 'Good Life' than Intelligence Quotient (IQ), despite being harder to measure.
  2. Traits exist both as idealized forms and measurable approximations through psychological instruments like surveys, but the accuracy of these measurements is limited.
  3. The General Factor of Personality (GFP) is emphasized as a more fundamental concept than the general factor of intelligence (g), with language reflecting its importance and complexity.

Stories We’d Like to Publish

Asimov Press • 174 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genetics Microbiology Predictive Models Animal Welfare
  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.

The Genetic History of the British Isles

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution History Research
  1. Exploring genetic history through ancient DNA analysis is a fascinating discipline with different names like paleogenomics and genetic anthropology.
  2. Genetic studies on the British Isles, like the book 'Saxons, Vikings, and Celts,' highlight the complexities of genetic ancestry, including the influence of different ancient populations like the Bell Beaker culture.
  3. Haplogroup analysis, focusing on Y and mtDNA, provides insights into ancestry, although it may have limitations due to genetic drift, selection, and incomplete picture of the genome.

Links for 2024-01-10

Axis of Ordinary • 98 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Science Genetics Politics
  1. Researchers are working on a global project for a general robotic brain.
  2. Genetics play a significant role in educational attainment according to recent studies.
  3. American isolationism could lead to disruptions in international trade and more serious global issues.

Pedophile Problems (v2)

Secretum Secretorum • 505 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Genetics Interventions
  1. Ethical dilemmas arise when teaching and mentoring individuals with a history of heinous crimes like pedophilia.
  2. Taboos around discussing pedophilia can hinder conversations about related issues such as mentoring and societal norms.
  3. The genetic component of pedophilia and potential medical interventions raise complex ethical questions that society will inevitably need to address.

Humanity’s new frontier is complete genomic knowledge. The barriers are ideological.

Nucleus Genomics • 39 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Public Health Bioethics Human Rights
  1. Understanding our DNA can help us learn more about our health and traits. It's important for everyone to have access to this information.
  2. There are ideological debates that prevent people from getting the genetic insights they deserve. These discussions often limit how much we can learn about ourselves.
  3. The goal is to communicate scientific knowledge clearly and truthfully. This will help us all understand genetics better and use it to improve our lives.

Berkson's Paradox Is Everywhere

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
🔬 Science Statistics Mathematics Genetics Data Analysis Technology
  1. Berkson's Paradox applies to various situations where multiple factors influence outcomes, leading to counterintuitive results.
  2. Applying Berkson's Paradox to different scenarios can reveal hidden correlations and insights, such as in medical studies, card games, or economic policies.
  3. The essence of Berkson's Paradox lies in understanding that when focusing on a specific subcategory, the causes of membership in that category can be more negatively correlated than in the broader category.