The hottest Genomics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Evo 2 Can Design Entire Genomes

Asimov Press • 490 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Biotechnology Genomics Computing Research
  1. Evo 2 is a powerful AI model that can design entire genomes and predict harmful genetic mutations quickly. It can help scientists understand genetics better and improve genetic engineering.
  2. Unlike earlier models, Evo 2 can analyze large genetic sequences and understand their relationships, making it easier to see how genes interact in living organisms.
  3. While Evo 2 offers exciting possibilities for bioengineering, there are also concerns about its potential misuse. It's important to handle such powerful technology responsibly to avoid harmful applications.

Roche Nanopore: Accuracy

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Data Analysis Medical Research
  1. Roche's Q39 accuracy system is different from other platforms like Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. It's important to compare them carefully as each has unique metrics.
  2. The average accuracy of different sequencing platforms varies, but Roche doesn't provide clear comparisons. They share limited data about their simplex accuracy.
  3. Understanding the differences in data quality and error rates across platforms is crucial. Factors like read length and error filtering play a significant role in the accuracy of sequencing results.

Cancer Science in On a Tear

Ground Truths • 7436 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Cancer Research Medical Science Therapeutics Biotechnology Genomics
  1. Recent research has made great progress in understanding cancer, revealing that many cancer cells may come from multiple clones. This helps explain how cancer develops and spreads.
  2. Studies are showing how powerful visual mapping of tumors can be, especially for identifying how different immune responses affect the growth of cancers like breast and ovarian cancer.
  3. New insights into circular DNA in cancer cells are revealing its role in tumor growth and resistance to treatments. There is even potential for new therapies targeting this DNA to combat cancer.

Landscape of Sequencing-based Spatial RNA Technology

LatchBio • 15 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Data science Genomics Innovation Health tech
  1. Spatial RNA technology helps us see how cells interact in their natural environment. It gives a clearer picture than traditional methods that just show gene activity without their locations.
  2. There are many ways to capture and analyze spatial gene data, like using specially barcoded slides or microfluidic methods. Each approach has its pros and cons depending on what researchers want to study.
  3. Advancements in technology are making it possible to analyze tiny details, like individual cells or even parts of cells. This opens new doors for understanding biology and diseases.

Microarrays: What are they for?

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Microbiology Research Methods Market Analysis
  1. Microarrays are often seen as an alternative to sequencing, but some argue sequencing is generally a better option for many applications. It's important to consider these viewpoints when discussing the technologies.
  2. The microarray market is stable, worth around $1 billion, with platforms like Illumina's Beadarray holding a significant share. This indicates that there is still a solid demand for microarray technology.
  3. Reassessing biases about technologies like microarrays can help us understand their current relevance and future potential. It’s always a good idea to keep an open mind when evaluating scientific tools.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

All The DNA Sequencing Companies

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Development Healthcare
  1. There are many active DNA sequencing companies, and the list is always changing. Some companies that were once popular are now gone.
  2. Significantly, more DNA sequencing companies are now based in China than before. The landscape has shifted with around 15 out of 40 companies being Chinese.
  3. It's essential to stay updated about these companies as new ones emerge and old ones disappear. Sharing information can help keep track of these changes.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #126

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 106 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Neuroscience AI Energy Genomics Cell Biology
  1. Sana Biotechnology has made a huge step by transplanting insulin-producing cells for diabetes patients without needing drugs to suppress the immune system. This could change diabetes treatment for the better.
  2. Recent research shows that even non-brain cells can have memory-like processes, suggesting that memory might not be exclusive to the brain. This could lead to new ways of treating diseases by training our body's cells.
  3. A new AI model called METAGENE-1 can analyze wastewater to detect pathogens and monitor health risks. This technology could help us better prepare for pandemics in the future.

Another Nanopore: PolySeq

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Innovation Instruments
  1. PolySeq is creating a new DNA/RNA sequencing tool similar to the Oxford Nanopore. It aims to improve how we sequence genetic materials.
  2. The device weighs 1.5 kilograms and can handle 2560 wells or pores. This design helps it generate a lot of data in a short time.
  3. PolySeq plans to produce 15 to 20 gigabytes of data in just 48 hours, making sequencing faster and more efficient.

My review of THE COMING WAVE

Ground Truths • 7567 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🕹 Technology AI Genomics Future of AI Large Language Models
  1. AI is on the brink of transforming our lives with the majority of interactions being with AIs, not people.
  2. The book 'THE COMING WAVE' by Mustafa Suleyman discusses the future of AI integrating life science and digital applications.
  3. The book offers a balanced perspective on AI's potential, historical context, and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

The Pet Theory Economy

Nepetalactone Newsletter • 1965 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genomics Virology Health Policy
  1. In the Pet Theory Economy, people defend and promote their theories as if their livelihoods depend on it, driven by the need for traffic and novelty.
  2. Challenging someone's theory is seen as interference with their ability to make a living, leading to a circular logic where blame is shifted.
  3. Focusing on various aspects of issues is valid; one should not be limited to a single perspective or group and should question narratives that feed into a narrow Pet Theory economy.

Nvidia Illumina Acquisition? The AI Foundry for Healthcare – The Hardware of Life

SemiAnalysis • 7576 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Healthcare Genomics AI Compute Data Analysis
  1. Eroom's Law and Moore's Law are critical in Semiconductors and Drug Research, analyzing time, money, and output.
  2. Healthcare, a $4 trillion industry, lags behind in technological progress driven by Moore's Law.
  3. Illumina acquisition by Nvidia could bridge the gap in genomics, addressing bottlenecks and enabling full-stack healthcare solutions.

Roche: Where NGS Goes To Die...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Genomics Research Health Innovation
  1. Roche has a history of acquiring new technologies, like the 454 sequencer, but often fails to support them properly, leading to their demise.
  2. Despite having potential with longer read capabilities, the 454 sequencer couldn't compete with faster competitors like Illumina, which changed market dynamics.
  3. Roche's failed attempts to acquire Illumina show their struggle to keep up in the competitive NGS market, further damaging their reputation.

The Ultima Genomics/Olink BioBank Deal

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genomics Proteomics Biotechnology Research Health
  1. Ultima Genomics has won a significant project with the UK Biobank to analyze 700,000 samples. This partnership is a major step for them in the field of proteomics.
  2. Despite the project size, Ultima is expected to generate only $10 million to $20 million in revenue. This highlights the tough financial realities in the biotech industry.
  3. To stay viable, Ultima needs to secure more large projects, as its costs are high. Achieving the necessary volume of work may be challenging given the current economic situation.

The Genetic Time Machine: Neanderthals, genomics and hybridization priors

ideassleepfuriously • 982 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genomics Evolutionary biology Anthropology Genetics Human biology
  1. 200 thousand years of isolation may not be enough for genetic incompatibilities to develop
  2. Genomics has revolutionized evolutionary biology by providing precise insights with massive amounts of data
  3. The mixing of Neanderthal and modern human lineages led to genetic incompatibilities and selection against Neanderthal-origin DNA in modern humans

A Little More Roche Information...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Research Innovation Health
  1. Roche is developing a new nanopore sequencer, which is creating some buzz in the scientific community. People are eager to hear more about its features and capabilities.
  2. Alex Dickinson shared his thoughts on Roche's new sequencer after a private briefing. His insights mostly echoed what is already known but added some new expectations for the upcoming announcement.
  3. A few individuals, including the author, have decided to skip NDA previews, allowing them to speculate freely about the product. This has led to informal discussions and excitement about what might be revealed soon.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #120

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 137 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Genomics Energy Nanotechnology Data science
  1. The U.S. is planning to triple its nuclear power capacity by 2050, aiming for 200 gigawatts through new reactors and upgrades. This is a big move to meet rising energy demands in a safe and efficient way.
  2. Molecular nanotechnology could revolutionize production, possibly outpacing past technological shifts like the Industrial Revolution. It's an exciting frontier that stands to vastly increase our capabilities in various fields.
  3. Evo, a new AI model, shows promise in predicting and designing genomes, potentially creating new life forms. This technology could push the boundaries of biological science and genetic engineering significantly.

Illumina@JPM - More Clinical!

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Healthcare Technology Genomics Innovation
  1. Illumina's revenue has been flat but they are focusing on clinical applications, now making up 56% of their market. This indicates a shift in strategy towards health-related services.
  2. The company continues to reduce its cost per gigabyte of sequencing, although it remains higher than some competitors. They're positioning themselves to provide more value and insights rather than just cheaper sequencing.
  3. Despite the competitive pressure on pricing, Illumina aims to deliver high-quality insights at a lower overall cost instead of racing to the bottom with pricing like some other vendors.

Genetic Justice

Parrhesia • 799 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🔬 Science Genomics Human nature Social justice
  1. Polygenic scores can predict genetic traits but work better for populations they are 'trained' on.
  2. Social justice advocates stigmatizing genetic research may hinder opportunities for certain ethnic groups.
  3. Taboos around genetic research on traits like intelligence can limit the use of polygenic scores for reproductive decisions.

A Dark Horse.

News Items • 216 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genomics Biomedical
  1. Ultima Genomics is launching a machine that can read a human genome for as little as $100.
  2. The Human Genome Project was a significant scientific effort that initially cost ~$3 billion, but now it's only $100.
  3. Advances in technology have greatly reduced the cost of sequencing a human genome.

Interview with Daniel MacArthur

The Good Science Project • 26 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genomics Research Funding Medical Research Health Technology
  1. Daniel MacArthur is working on making genomic medicine fairer for all communities. His research includes studying genetic differences in underrepresented groups to improve health outcomes.
  2. He believes that funding for science needs to be more flexible and stable. This would allow researchers to take risks and pursue long-term projects without the constant pressure of grant deadlines.
  3. MacArthur thinks research organizations should be built specifically to support scientific work. Many current institutions are not designed for research, making it harder for scientists to succeed.

Rapid proteome-wide prediction of lipid-interacting proteins through ligand-guided structural genomics

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology Genomics Machine Learning Proteomics Bioinformatics
  1. Researchers developed a new tool called SLiPP that helps quickly find proteins that interact with lipids. This is important because lipids play key roles in cell functions and diseases.
  2. SLiPP uses machine learning to distinguish between protein pockets likely to bind lipids and those that won't. This makes it easier to identify potential targets for drug discovery.
  3. The tool has been successfully tested on different organisms, showing it can accurately predict lipid-binding proteins. This helps scientists explore new areas in lipid biology and disease research.

Year In Review - Everything Else!

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genomics Sequencing Biotechnology
  1. Clinical sequencing is becoming a major part of the medical field, especially in areas like oncology and genetic disease testing. However, many clinicians still find it challenging to use these new testing methods.
  2. Protein sequencing is an emerging area with potential advancements on the horizon, particularly with new technologies like Nanopore. It's an exciting field that many are watching closely.
  3. Single cell analysis remains a hot topic, but companies like 10X Genomics are facing challenges with growth and patent issues. There are still many experiments and innovations happening in this space.

You can now run single-cell experiments in a tube with 4.5 hours of hands-on time

LatchBio • 12 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Genomics Data Analysis
  1. A new single-cell sequencing technology makes experiments easier and faster, only needing about 4.5 hours of hands-on work. This means more scientists can do these experiments without needing a big budget or lots of extra equipment.
  2. The new method allows for better scalability, letting researchers run from 1 to 96 samples easily. This flexibility can lead to more data and insights in various experiments, such as drug development or studying disease.
  3. The SimpleCell technology also includes user-friendly analysis tools, making it easier for scientists to understand and visualize their results. This helps them feel more in control of their research and get valuable insights quickly.

Functional protein mining with conformal guarantees

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🔬 Science Bioinformatics Molecular Biology Machine Learning Genomics Proteomics
  1. A new method is developed for predicting protein functions using something called conformal prediction. This makes the predictions more reliable and provides a clear way to understand risks when selecting proteins.
  2. The approach helps in annotating genes and predicting enzyme functions more accurately without needing new training models. This is great for speeding up research in life sciences.
  3. It also offers a smart way to reduce the number of proteins needing full analysis, making the process quicker and cheaper while still keeping good accuracy.

Illumina: The Measurement Monopoly

The Century of Biology • 535 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Biotech Genomics Market dominance Business strategy
  1. DNA sequencing technology has rapidly advanced, transforming biology into an information science.
  2. Illumina emerged as a dominant force in genomics by inventing a new measurement technology and establishing enduring differential returns over time.
  3. Illumina's strategic business properties like cornered resources, switching costs, network economies, scale economies, and branding have enabled its market dominance and recurring revenue from consumables.

Year In Review - Long Reads

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Genomics Sequencing Biotechnology Medical Research Health tech
  1. PacBio faced challenges in the stock market but still aims to provide high-quality clinical genomic sequencing. They are seen as a strong competitor in the long-read space despite financial struggles.
  2. Oxford Nanopore has been active in raising funds but has dealt with internal issues and departures of significant team members. Profitability remains an elusive goal for both them and PacBio.
  3. New competitors are emerging in the long-read sequencing market, including Roche and BGI, who are exploring nanopore sequencing technology. This could shake up the landscape for current players.

Introducing Cancer Genomes

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🔬 Science Genomics Cancer Biology 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.

The PacBio Benchtop - The Vega

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Genomics Instrumentation Data Analysis Healthcare
  1. The new PacBio Vega is a benchtop DNA sequencer that provides 60Gb of data in just 24 hours and costs $169,000. There's also a lower cost option for labs that need less capacity.
  2. When compared to Oxford Nanopore's PromethION, the Vega appears to deliver better accuracy and more consistent results, making it a suitable choice for smaller labs needing reliable output.
  3. The launch of the Vega could help PacBio increase revenue and broaden its market presence, as it appeals to labs that want access to high-quality sequencing without breaking the bank.

Western Civilization And Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genomics History Biology Humanity Philosophy
  1. Western civilization has thrived for about 2500 years, with many achievements in science and knowledge. This long history has shaped our understanding of complex topics like genomics.
  2. Key figures like Isaac Newton helped establish scientific methods, moving society away from superstition to rational thinking. This paved the way for discoveries in inheritance and DNA.
  3. Today, we can sequence human genomes more easily than ever before. This ability can change how we understand our biology and ourselves in profound ways.

Horrors Of The Theoretical Maximum

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Bioinformatics Data Analysis Genomics Research Methods
  1. Vendors sometimes quote theoretical maximums for data output, which can be misleading. It's important to understand that these numbers might not reflect actual performance.
  2. Comparing different technologies can be complicated because they have different specifications and capabilities. Each technology, like PacBio, Oxford Nanopore, and Illumina, has its unique strengths and limitations.
  3. In the real world, the difference between what is theoretically possible and what is actually achieved can be significant. This means we should be cautious and not rely solely on theoretical figures.

Genes Really Do Shape Social Outcomes

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🔬 Science Genomics
  1. Behavioral genetics can have a significant impact on shaping society and improving educational interventions by studying genetic contributions to social outcomes
  2. Studying the genetics of educational outcomes can improve research quality and empower precision interventions, providing biological insights for potential new drugs or learning theories
  3. Genetic studies, like genome-wide association studies (GWAS), are advancing our understanding of genetic influences on educational attainment, paving the way for more accurate prediction of social outcomes