The hottest Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

‘I didn’t want to view my sight loss as a disability’

NN Journal • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Carl Peach uses poetry as a way to express his personal experiences. Writing helps him process his feelings and move forward in life.
  2. After losing his eyesight, he has adapted his writing style to remember poetry better and uses technology to aid his memory.
  3. He is inspiring others by taking on challenges like walking 10 million steps to raise awareness for people with sight loss, and he aims to become a motivational speaker.

Associated Press Cannot Explain Bewildering Reporting on FDA’s Tracy Hoeg and Antidepressant Risks

The DisInformation Chronicle • 600 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
📰 News Health
  1. A major news story alleged an FDA regulator had a conflict of interest for backing a colleague’s petition, but the reporting did not provide legal or policy evidence and editors did not answer requests for clarification.
  2. A clinician has petitioned the FDA to add pregnancy warnings for antidepressants, citing multiple peer‑reviewed studies — including a Nature Communications paper — that link prenatal SSRI exposure to later child anxiety and brain differences.
  3. Conflict‑of‑interest experts and HHS/FDA officials say friendship alone isn’t a legal COI and agencies have no formal definition of “friend,” which raises questions about the accuracy of the coverage.

Top Links 1040 Tax the billionaires. America's first new refinery in half a century. The economy as strategy. Cancer odds.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
📰 News Health
  1. There’s a growing push to tax billionaires through a wealth or "billionaire" tax to raise revenue and address inequality.
  2. America is building its first new oil refinery in about half a century, signaling a shift in energy and industrial policy priorities.
  3. Policymakers are increasingly treating the economy itself as a strategic tool, using economic measures to pursue geopolitical and domestic objectives.

An Urgent Call to All Scientists - We Must Reframe Scientific Priorities for the Future of America with A Unified Approach to Learning Well

Popular Rationalism • 673 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🔬 Science Health
  1. We need to focus more on basic research because it leads to major medical and technology breakthroughs. Investing in understanding our foundations can help us tackle serious health and environmental issues.
  2. Scientists, medical researchers, and environmental experts must work together to solve health problems. Our health is connected to the environment, so it's important to study how pollution and chemicals impact our bodies.
  3. Technology like machine learning can change healthcare for the better. By using these tools wisely, we can identify disease causes more accurately and provide better treatments while keeping ethics in mind.

Level Up: Week 5

Running Probably • 19 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Health
  1. It's important to keep track of your progress in running. By the halfway point in a training program, you should have a better idea of what you can achieve.
  2. New runners don't need fancy gear right away. A good pair of running shoes and comfortable clothes are all you really need to start a running habit.
  3. For more experienced runners, it's time to mix up your training. Try adding some tempo runs and strides for variety and challenge in your workouts.
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The Profile: The son trying to live up to his father’s NBA legacy & the fentanyl vaccine that would prevent overdoses

The Profile • 297 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Health
  1. Bronny James, son of LeBron James, faces big expectations as he tries to make his mark in the NBA. Many believe he might struggle under the pressure of living up to his father's legendary status.
  2. The influencer brothers known as the Baseball Bat Bros have become major players in the bat market, rivaling professional athletes. Through fun and engaging videos, they have turned their hobby into a successful brand.
  3. A new vaccine could help prevent overdoses from fentanyl, which has become a huge problem in recent years. This development offers hope for combating the opioid crisis and saving lives.

UK News Report #3

Wrong Side of History • 318 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
📰 News Health
  1. The UK’s handling of international crises and evacuations looks slow and disorganised, which is harming its global reputation and leaving people exposed.
  2. Reading and deep engagement with books are falling sharply as short-form digital media dominate, raising worries about cultural and intellectual decline.
  3. Policies that prioritise equity or political concerns over clinical risk in public services can endanger vulnerable people and have led to tragic outcomes when mental health needs were downplayed.

The Secret Lives of Hair

The Global Jigsaw • 277 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Hair holds deep personal significance for people, symbolizing identity, shame, and beauty. From keepsakes to wigs, hair affects how we see ourselves and how others see us.
  2. The global trade of human hair is complex and often hidden, relying on economic disparities between those who sell their hair and those who buy it. Much of this trade originates from poorer regions, with many women selling their hair for financial support.
  3. Wigs and hair products go through a long journey before reaching consumers, involving multiple countries and cultures. The authentic origins of hair can be misleading, highlighting the hidden stories and market dynamics behind beauty products.

Hidden Open Thread 424.5

Astral Codex Ten • 481 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. A paywalled, subscriber-only thread titled "Hidden Open Thread 424.5" is dated March 12, 2026.
  2. The page prompts readers to subscribe and also offers a sign-in option for existing paid subscribers.
  3. Visible engagement indicators (the numbers 5 and 109) and a share option suggest some level of interaction on the thread.

This Week in Canada: Death Is a High-Volume Business

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 264 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
📰 News Health
  1. Canada's government-run assisted-suicide program is operating quickly and at high volume. A 2024 report notes some people received MAID the same day they requested it.
  2. Alcohol consumption is falling, with Canadians averaging about eight beers per week. Marijuana sales are overtaking booze in popularity.
  3. Synagogues have been targeted in terrifying attacks, creating a new normal of fear for worshippers. Congregations now face heightened concerns about safety.

Europe's crusade against air conditioning is insane

Noahpinion • 37000 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Health
  1. Europe's resistance to air conditioning might be hurting people's health as rising temperatures lead to more heat-related deaths. Many homes in Europe still lack this technology, even though it could save lives.
  2. The reluctance to adopt air conditioning in Europe is tied to cultural attitudes and historical traditions, making many view it as an unnecessary luxury.
  3. Embracing technology like air conditioning can improve society's well-being and economic status, as seen in countries like Japan and Singapore, which have successfully integrated it into their cultures.

Doomscroll: Yung Chomsky

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 377 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Yung Chomsky talks about his journey into the world of weight lifting and how he learned from different online communities. It's an interesting mix of lifting culture and personal growth.
  2. He addresses common mistakes people make when starting to lift weights, like following bad advice found online. Understanding proper training and nutrition can help you reach your fitness goals more effectively.
  3. The episode also touches on the surprising links between fitness culture and politics, particularly how some online groups can influence attitudes and behaviors.

Episode 189 Pt I

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Health
  1. There were technical issues that caused half an hour of the show to be lost, including important debate analysis. The hosts plan to redo it and offer more content soon.
  2. Residents in Springfield, Ohio, are expressing concerns about a large influx of Haitian immigrants and how it affects their community.
  3. A guest discusses the issues of responsibility among gay men concerning health risks linked to promiscuity. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and personal accountability.

The Epstein Tapes, Part II. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 445 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
📰 News Health
  1. Newly released law‑enforcement footage from the Jeffrey Epstein investigations shows searches, depositions, and sting operations, and the revelations are still producing fallout like resignations and public apologies.
  2. Fear and uncertainty about AI are roiling markets — a viral essay scared investors and sparked big losses — while tests show some popular AI models can make alarming choices in war simulations, raising safety and governance worries.
  3. Political and cultural tensions are mounting: the administration looks low on new policy ideas, public figures and athletes are getting politicized, and controversies over appointments, intelligence secrecy, and tech decisions (like Starlink) are fueling broader friction.

Level Up: Week 4

Running Probably • 59 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Health
  1. It's important to check in on your progress with running and to think deeply about how you feel about your journey so far. Use a journal to explore your thoughts and emotions.
  2. Vary your running distances and routes to keep things interesting. Plan for at least one long run each week as part of your routine.
  3. Take recovery seriously and listen to your body. Don't be afraid to reduce your running mileage sometimes to allow yourself to rest and recharge.

Suddenly, Trait-Based Embryo Selection

Astral Codex Ten • 23538 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🔬 Science Health
  1. Trait-based embryo selection is becoming more common, allowing parents to pick embryos with better health outcomes and predict certain traits. This could mean healthier children with lower risks of diseases like diabetes or cancer.
  2. There are ethical concerns about this technology, including the potential for creating inequality, as only wealthier families might afford these choices. Critics worry this could lead to a divide between those who can enhance their children's traits and those who can't.
  3. While the science behind polygenic embryo selection is still evolving, some argue it may not fully deliver on its promises. It's important for parents to understand both the potential benefits and the limitations as this technology becomes more available.

The Best Podcast of All Time!?

The Society of Problem Solvers • 299 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Health
  1. Many health issues like heart disease and anxiety are rising because of the poor quality of our food and medical advice. We need to pay attention to what we eat and who we trust for health advice.
  2. The current food system is corrupted, and we should look for alternatives that prioritize nutritious and safe options. It's important to demand transparency in what we consume.
  3. Society should focus on effective solutions to our problems rather than just discussing them. We can make a change by working together and valuing results.

Open Thread 422.5

Astral Codex Ten • 481 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Open Thread 422.5 is an open-thread entry published on Feb 26, 2026.
  2. The content is paywalled and requires a paid subscription or signing in to read.
  3. The entry shows modest engagement (3 comments and 74 interactions) and provides links to subscribe or sign in.

Is the Epstein Fallout Spiraling Out of Control? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 588 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
📰 News Health
  1. The Epstein files’ release is triggering broad reputational fallout where people with only loose ties are being punished, and guilt by association is blurring the line between true enablers and innocent bystanders.
  2. Marco Rubio pulled off an unexpected diplomatic win in Europe by sharply criticizing its failures yet still earning applause, showing his message landed because many there feel they have few good options left.
  3. AI has advanced so quickly that humans may soon no longer be the smartest things on Earth, a change that raises urgent questions about what roles people will keep and how society should adapt.

Monthly Roundup #38: January 2026

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
📰 News Health
  1. A proposed California wealth tax that taxes billionaires and illiquid startup equity could drive founders and tech companies out of the state and seriously damage the startup ecosystem.
  2. Saying a large share of taxes just pays interest is misleading; the right things to watch are debt-to-GDP and whether interest rates exceed nominal growth — interest costs are manageable now but the primary deficit is too large.
  3. Burnout isn’t just working too hard but specific mismatches like being always on, lacking control, or losing a sense of mission, and it needs early, targeted fixes like real rest, autonomy, novelty, or clearer goals.

The freeze

Robert Reich • 35928 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health
  1. Mitch McConnell froze during a news conference, highlighting the fragility of the human mind.
  2. Robert Reich shared a personal experience of freezing due to a petit mal seizure while giving a speech 35 years ago.
  3. The fear of losing control of one's mind can be a terrifying experience, emphasizing the vulnerability of all humans.

Old Man Yells at Cloud

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health
  1. A new course is available for parents to help them understand and support their kids dealing with gender issues. This program is designed to help parents connect with their teens.
  2. There's a concern that crime and chaos are increasing in America, with reports of gangs taking over neighborhoods and alarming incidents happening daily.
  3. The discussion focuses on how society seems to honor youth while disregarding the wisdom of older generations, suggesting a shift in values that raises concerns.

🚀 FP! Week In Review, Briefly #21

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
📰 News Health
  1. Fertility is falling in many rich countries and probably won’t bounce back on its own, but the economic hit looks manageable and immigration plus automation can largely offset it.
  2. AI is rapidly transforming education, business, and the economy, offering big gains while also creating bubbles, supply shortages, and political and industry tensions.
  3. Breakthroughs in space, biotech, and quantum computing are accelerating — from lunar factory plans to inhalable gene therapies and ambitious quantum projects — creating major opportunities and strategic competition.

Two Drinks with . . . Michael J. Fox

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 741 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Michael J. Fox has returned to acting and plays a character with Parkinson's, even delivering a defiant line saying “Fuck Parkinson's.”
  2. The show portrays the progression of Parkinson's and uses blunt, dark humor to show how people with the disease support and reassure each other.
  3. Fox's role and frank attitude help remove shame, raise visibility, and challenge the stigma around Parkinson's.

Theories of power, cattle grids and a blep (Odds and Ends #85)

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
📰 News Health
  1. A wide-ranging mix of topics is curated, spanning governance, bureaucracy, urban change, creativity, planning rules, NHS challenges, and the future of sports broadcasting — with a lighthearted cat blep thrown in.
  2. There’s a clear emphasis on governance and reform, highlighting London-level politics, tweaks to how Whitehall works, and calls for a new "Theory of Power."
  3. Practical influence and resource-sharing matter: a personal post about rebooting social life sparked reader action, and recommended resources include a pro‑nuclear environmental book and a vaccine science event.

Are We at an AI Precipice? David Mamet on Robert Duvall. In Defense of Processed Foods. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 361 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
📰 News Health
  1. People are debating whether AI is at a sudden tipping point that could quickly transform work and society. Some warn of rapid disruption and urge immediate adoption, while others are more cautious.
  2. Robert Duvall is remembered as a raw, unembellished actor who brought truth and intensity to his performances. His grit and straightforward approach influenced an entire generation of performers.
  3. Industrial processed foods have greatly improved food access and safety for many people. Rather than banning them, the argument is to reform and improve these systems to avoid making things worse.

Open Thread 421.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. It's a paywalled "Hidden Open Thread 421.5" posted Feb 20, 2026 and designated for paid subscribers.
  2. Readers are prompted to subscribe or sign in to access the content.
  3. The page shows navigation and small engagement metrics, suggesting limited visible interaction.

Head, heart, hands

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Our work should connect with our mind, heart, and hands. This balance helps us find fulfillment in what we do.
  2. The original idea of head, heart, and hands is powerful and reminds us of simplicity in our commitments.
  3. Health is seen as a result of taking care of our head, heart, and hands, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being.

IPAKIANS UNITE! ALL-IPAK WEBINAR/CONFERENCE - "FIRELIGHT" - THIS SATURDAY 10/12 6PM - 10PM ET

Popular Rationalism • 158 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🚌 Education Health
  1. There's a webinar called 'Firelight' happening on October 12th from 6 PM to 10 PM ET. You can join either through a live audience on Zoom or watch it online.
  2. The event features various speakers who will discuss important topics around knowledge, critical thinking, and personal empowerment. It's aimed at those feeling disillusioned by traditional education.
  3. Attending could help you learn about holistic health, public health insights, and more, all while being part of a community that values truth and intellectual freedom.

Whatever Happened to Sex? Plus . . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 403 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
📰 News Health
  1. Many American couples are having far less sex than in past decades, with factors like tiredness, performance anxiety, hormonal changes, social media, porn, and even AI sex tech all cited as contributing to a real cultural shift toward disconnection.
  2. Rapid advances in AI and growing concern about social media’s effects on kids are changing everyday life and prompting new policy fights, as people and governments rush to respond to technological disruption.
  3. Institutions and politics are under strain, from debates over grade inflation at elite universities and a high-profile antitrust ouster to problems in refugee resettlement and public-safety failures, reflecting wider organizational and political conflict.

Monthly Roundup #37: December 2026

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2195 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Ban gain-of-function experiments. Deliberately creating more dangerous viruses, especially in low-security labs, is an unacceptable global risk and should be stopped and criminally deterred.
  2. Fix bad regulations and respect prices as signals. Overly strict zoning, long copyright terms, and regulatory bottlenecks raise costs and destroy value, while prices convey important information and incentives that people need to understand.
  3. Manage information and social norms more carefully. In adversarial or noisy information environments, use strategies like ignoring deceptive signals, removing untrustworthy actors, or aligning incentives, rather than reflexive public condemnation which often backfires.

"Family Abolition" and the COVID Pandemic

Igor’s Newsletter • 8903 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Influential thought leaders are advocating for "family abolition" to reshape societal relationships.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine promotions have contributed to the breakdown of many families.
  3. Efforts to mend broken family ties, especially due to COVID-19 vaccine differences, are essential to combat societal discord promoted by divisive media.

Story Thirty-Nine

Stories From The Rail • 2336 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Health
  1. Preparing for death involves taking care of paperwork and tiny details for loved ones.
  2. In the face of death, what truly matters is that loved ones know they were cherished.
  3. Living fully in the present becomes paramount when facing the reality of limited time.

26 Useful Concepts for 2026

The Prism • 1313 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. The information ecosystem is overflowing with AI-made and attention-seeking content, so what you see online is biased and truth is harder and costlier to find.
  2. Understanding human psychology—like how naming problems helps, boredom fuels creativity, and small challenges build resilience—lets you steer your life toward meaning and better choices.
  3. Systemic incentives in tech, academia, and politics reward short-term attention and easy optics, which produces propaganda, shallow fixes, and persistent bad behaviours even when they’re wrong.

My Joe Rogan Experience

Injecting Freedom • 82 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Health
  1. A guest appearance on a popular podcast was used to bring a debate about vaccines to a huge audience and encourage people to listen and decide for themselves.
  2. A personal shift in perspective happened after COVID — someone who once mocked critics began questioning standard views on vaccines and became open to re-evaluating beliefs.
  3. The argument centers on promoting data-driven reality and public discussion about whether vaccines are treated as ordinary products or something closer to unquestioned faith, and it asks for audience engagement and support.

Thinking points, February 9, 2024

uTobian • 7311 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health
  1. Logic and reason are important and should not be banned, even if powerful entities try to suppress them.
  2. The biggest global risks in 2024 involve various organizations and entities that hold significant power and influence.
  3. Vaccines and the pharmaceutical industry are controversial topics, with strong opinions about their safety and impact.

High-Throughput Chemistry and Engineering with Kadi Saar

Lever • 19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🔬 Science Health
  1. Kadi Saar has an impressive background in both chemistry and engineering. She excelled in academics and sports, even winning a talent show in mental arithmetic.
  2. Her research focuses on combining high-throughput structural biology with computational chemistry to help develop new drugs. She has shown that analyzing diverse ligand structures can lead to better drug design.
  3. Kadi emphasizes the importance of enjoying the people you work with when choosing projects. Collaborating with good people makes the journey more fulfilling.

Gene-environment interactions: ubiquitous yet undetectable

The Infinitesimal • 359 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🔬 Science Health
  1. Gene-environment interactions (GxE) are common but hard to identify in humans. They show how genetic traits can change in different environments, affecting how we understand traits like obesity or education.
  2. There are different models to explain how genes and environments work together. Some models show that environments can amplify or change the effects of multiple genetic variants on traits.
  3. Research has found that environmental factors, like socioeconomic status or education quality, can significantly influence how genetic variations are expressed, meaning genetics alone doesn't tell the whole story about traits.

Did COVID Vaccine Advocates Commit Plagiarism?

Igor’s Newsletter • 7114 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📰 News Health
  1. Plagiarism controversy in academic circles is widening due to cultural controversies.
  2. Investigate COVID vaccine advocates for possible acts of plagiarism using plagiarism detection tools.
  3. Avoid making false accusations of plagiarism by verifying findings thoroughly before affecting someone's reputation.