The hottest Genetics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Mouse Caviar

De Novo • 99 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Researchers have found a way to produce mouse eggs from stem cells, even without ovarian cells. This could lead to advancements in egg production technology.
  2. The method shows that meiosis can occur in 2D cultures, making it easier to do research in the lab. However, the eggs produced currently can’t fully mature without ovarian support.
  3. This study challenges previous beliefs about the necessity of ovarian cells for early egg development, which opens up new avenues for understanding and improving in vitro reproduction.

The longer I live, the wronger I get to be

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 674 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

EQ > IQ

Vectors of Mind • 176 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🔬 Science 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.
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Graphic Content & Cyber Monday: the year’s deepest discount

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 274 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Cyber Monday is a great opportunity to get a good deal on subscriptions, like locking in an annual rate of $50.
  2. Population trends show that regions like South Asia and Africa will have significant growth, changing global dynamics in the coming decades.
  3. Ancient DNA research is revealing new insights about human evolution and genetics, showing how our ancestors adapted to challenges over time.

Gregor Mendel's Vanishing Act

Asimov Press • 232 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

The Genetic History of the British Isles

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  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 Genetics
  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.

The wealth cope

sebjenseb • 157 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Family wealth has the least correlation with child IQ compared to parental education and income.
  2. Controlling for wealth does not eliminate race gaps in IQ scores.
  3. Most of the relationship between parental socioeconomic status (SES) and IQ is due to genetic factors.

A Search for Sick Animals

Asimov Press • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🔬 Science 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.

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

Nucleus Genomics • 39 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #146

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 97 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology Genetics
  1. A startup called Orchid helps parents select embryos with lower disease risks using genetic testing. This raises both hope for healthier babies and ethical questions about how much we should design our kids.
  2. Doctors successfully transplanted a gene-edited pig kidney into a man, helping him avoid dialysis. This could change the future of organ transplants, as pig organs might be a solution to the shortage of human donors.
  3. Radiant, a nuclear startup, raised $165 million to develop a small reactor that can power remote areas and possibly aid in future Mars colonization. This shows growth in clean energy innovations.

Thought Strewn All Around Us

Desystemize • 702 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Genetics
  1. At the Fluidity Forum, people gather to explore thinking and consciousness.
  2. Knowledge is not just facts and memories, but a pointer to patterns in environments over time.
  3. Our interactions with the environment shape and inform our understanding of the world around us.

Berkson's Paradox Is Everywhere

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Contra the ACMG on Polygenic Embryo Screening

Parrhesia • 494 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  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.

Action Potentials for March

Neurobiology Notes • 137 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. A big connectomics study of Drosophila larva was published, revealing new insights into neural connections
  2. Simulated neural networks can accurately replicate properties of connectomes in different species
  3. Research proposal aims to comprehensively measure input-output functions of all 302 neurons in C. elegans, a significant project in neuroscience

Erika Update #5: DNA detective

Erika’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. It's important to keep good track of custom DNA programs in biology for engineering purposes.
  2. Current DNA management lacks clear nomenclature and annotation, making it challenging to work with DNA sequences.
  3. Challenges in DNA management highlight the complexity of biological functions and the importance of handling sequences carefully and thoughtfully.

Sex in Biology Signature Campaign

Heterodox STEM • 156 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Genetic Certainty and Mechanistic Ambiguity

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Genetic information is essential for understanding diseases, but it is just the beginning - further research is needed to unravel how genetic errors impact proteins and disease mechanisms.
  2. Studying cancer syndromes can provide insights into tumor suppressor genes and the genetic risks associated with cancer development.
  3. The discovery of the VHL gene linked to von Hippel-Lindau disease illustrates the complexity of disease mechanisms, such as how disruption of a ubiquitin ligase can lead to cancer and the tissue-specific patterns of risk in affected individuals.

The Tumor Suppressor to Rule Them All

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. TP53, known as the 'Guardian of the Genome,' is a crucial tumor suppressor gene frequently mutated in cancer and associated with poor prognosis.
  2. Research on TP53 and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome highlights the high cancer risk and early onset of cancers in individuals with TP53 mutations, emphasizing the need for surveillance and preventive measures.
  3. _TP53_'s intricate structure and functions, such as its role in the DNA damage response, make it a central player in cellular processes related to stress and aging.

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

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 463 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💾 History 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.

New tools for programming biology

The Century of Biology • 472 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Current status: it’s complicated

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 789 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🔬 Science 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.

Hans, are we…. the admixed ones?

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Some Switches Can't Be Unflipped (But We Can Cut the Power)

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. In hereditary cancer, mutations in tumor suppressor genes are more common than in oncogenes, and a second hit is often required for cancer to develop.
  2. The RET gene, an oncogene, is associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2) and can lead to various clinical conditions depending on the mutation type.
  3. Mutations in oncogenes like RET can be targeted with drugs, leading to effective treatments for cancers like medullary thyroid cancer, showing the clinical impact of genetic research beyond diagnosis.

A novel take on group differences in test scores. Part I

America in Crisis • 119 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Culture plays a crucial role in group differences in test scores and IQ measurements, alongside genetics and environment.
  2. IQ scores are influenced by both genetic and cultural components, with culturally-loaded tests showing higher heritability.
  3. Over time, group differences in IQ can be attributed more to the cultural component rather than the genetic one, with national IQ averages possibly rising with economic growth.

Introducing Cancer Genomes

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. The new channel 'Cancer Genomes' on Holodoxa will explore topics like hereditary cancer syndromes and precision oncology.
  2. The author aims to make the complex subject matter accessible to readers with a high school level understanding of biology.
  3. Aside from cancer genomics, the author's Holodoxa channel covers various other science topics like genetics and social outcomes.

From Clinic to Genome and Back Again: Cowden Syndrome and PTEN

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. Cowden Syndrome, first described in 1963, was named after the patient Rachel Cowden and later found to be associated with the PTEN gene.
  2. The PTEN gene was identified as a tumor suppressor gene responsible for Cowden Syndrome, leading to advancements in genetic diagnosis and personalized medical care.
  3. Cowden Syndrome shows clinical and genetic heterogeneity, with other genes like PIK3CA and AKT1 also implicated, leading to the classification of PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome for better diagnosis.

Links for 2023-02-17

Axis of Ordinary • 117 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Building AGI for law to assist lawyers with complex legal questions and unique work products.
  2. Discovery about mammalian brain development and evolution in relation to neocortex.
  3. Frontiers of AI-powered experimentation at the convergence of multiple technologies.

Measuring Drug Target Success

Rough Diamonds • 9 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Most modern drugs are built around a specific molecular target, and researchers pick targets using genetic, animal, or in‑vitro evidence that suggests the target is causally involved in disease.
  2. Targets backed by human genetic evidence more than double a drug's chance of clinical success, while pursuing mechanisms similar to past failures increases the odds of failing.
  3. Preclinical signals can improve early selection but don't replace human trials, so improving the ROI of drug development means making trials cheaper and/or picking better candidates early, rather than relying only on rational design.

How to Genetically Influence the Future Without Having Kids

Parrhesia • 456 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Action Potentials for October

Neurobiology Notes • 98 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. New technologies are advancing brain mapping across species.
  2. Single-molecule protein sequencing is improving with nanopore sensors and machine learning.
  3. Studies explore topics like protein structure predictions and synaptic connectivity patterns.

Is it time for BEIR VIII?

Gordian Knot News • 153 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. The BEIR committee, which studies the health risks of radiation, hasn't updated their findings in nearly 20 years. There are new studies and data that could change our understanding of these risks.
  2. Omitting data from certain populations, like radium dial painters, can lead to misleading conclusions about radiation exposure and cancer risk. It's important to consider all relevant groups when assessing risks.
  3. A new BEIR report should include a balanced committee and a clear model for understanding radiation's effects. This would help improve how we manage and regulate nuclear power.

Understanding Variation in PTEN

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Understanding genomic data variation and its effect is a significant challenge in genetic research.
  2. Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS) and Multiplex Assays of Variant Effects (MAVEs) are crucial methods to study how mutations impact protein function.
  3. MAVE data on PTEN has provided insights into its function, stability, and clinical implications, aiding in the understanding of PTEN variation.

Biomimicry versus Top-Down Engineering

Risk Musings • 573 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.

Erika Update #1: Getting projects started is hard

Erika’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Starting projects can be challenging, but perseverance and a supportive environment are key to making progress.
  2. Mistakes are common in research, but being able to identify and correct them is crucial for success.
  3. Regular updates and reflections on the progress of a project can provide valuable insights and contribute to overall success.

Will Progressives Defend In Vitro Gametogenesis?

Parrhesia • 685 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  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.