The hottest Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Thinking points, February 9, 2024

uTobian • 7311 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Government Society Media Policy
  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.

The Case for 2 mSv/day. 2.0.

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Radiation Health Biology Environment Nuclear
  1. The historical dose limit for radiation exposure was set at 2 mSv per day, based on a time when no harmful effects were clearly detected. This suggests that at this level of exposure, there might not be significant health risks.
  2. Our body has a strong system for repairing DNA damage caused by radiation and natural processes. Most DNA issues are fixed quickly, which means low-level radiation may not lead to serious health problems.
  3. If we accept that 2 mSv per day is safe, it could change how we manage nuclear power. It may allow for safer operations and reduce unnecessary evacuations, ultimately making energy cheaper and more sustainable.

High-Throughput Chemistry and Engineering with Kadi Saar

Lever • 19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🔬 Science Chemistry Biotechnology Engineering Research 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 Genetics Health Environment Statistics Evolution
  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.

If We Solve Aging

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Aging Health Technology Society Politics
  1. There isn't a single fix for aging; it's a complex issue that requires addressing many changes in the body. Solving one part of the problem might only add a few years to life expectancy.
  2. If people lived for centuries, they might change careers or take more leisurely paths in life. This could lead to many people retiring early, but society still needs workers for essential tasks.
  3. Without aging, older politicians could hold power indefinitely, affecting society's decision-making. This might lead to less innovation and a government influenced more by the old than the young.
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Après Sport

Snaxshot • 679 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🍲 Food & Drink Beverages Trends Health Culture Recreation
  1. Après sport drinks are a trendy new category that focuses on hydration without the heavy functionality of traditional sports drinks. They are designed to be enjoyed socially after light sports like pickleball or tennis.
  2. Millennials are reviving and upgrading leisure sports and related drinks, moving away from sugary beverages towards healthier options like sparkling waters. This reflects a broader shift in lifestyle and drinking habits.
  3. Market trends show a growing demand for low-calorie and functional drinks, with the sports drink sector expected to see significant growth. People are starting to prefer lighter, refreshing choices after sports activities.

Level Up Challenge: Week One

Running Probably • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Running Fitness Training Health Wellness
  1. Everyone is at a different stage in their running journey, and that's okay. Whether you're just starting or you're a seasoned runner, there's a place for you.
  2. The Level Up Challenge has different levels for various runners, from beginners trying to build a habit to advanced runners seeking to improve speed and training. This can help everyone identify where they fit and what goals to set.
  3. Keep a running journal to reflect on your experiences and progress. Writing down thoughts about your runs can help you understand how running affects you, both mentally and physically.

"Like Trader Joe's on Ayahuasca"

Snaxshot • 739 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🍲 Food & Drink Trends Products Brands Health Recipes
  1. Gen Z is moving away from traditional recipes and ingredients. They like to remix old favorites with new, exciting flavors and trends.
  2. There's a rising trend of niche and locally sourced water brands. Many consumers are now interested in hyper-local options rather than exotic imported waters.
  3. Food brands are finding success by unbundling popular classics. This gives consumers new and fun ways to enjoy familiar products.

A Story About Pain

The Audacity. • 10770 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Emotions Health
  1. The post discusses women, pain, and the struggle to be heard
  2. The author, Aubrey Hirsch, shares personal stories through writing and illustrations
  3. Aubrey Hirsch's work has been featured in various publications like The New York Times and TIME

Bioaccelerationism Is a No-Brainer

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2682 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Biotech AI Innovation Health Ethics
  1. Bioaccelerationism focuses on advancing biotechnology that improves reproduction, making it easier for couples to have children. New methods are coming out that can help reduce the stress and difficulty associated with traditional fertility treatments like IVF.
  2. Unlike some technologies that can quickly change the world, biotechnology develops slowly, giving society time to understand its effects. This means we can monitor and ensure safety as new methods emerge over time.
  3. The goals of biotech often align with the needs of parents and society. Developing health, intelligence, and beauty can benefit everyone, and the risks are generally limited to individuals or families rather than posing a threat to society as a whole.

Girl Storm (2023) by Peg Kerswell

Tao Lin • 599 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
📚 Literature Memoir Autism Health Parenting Self-help
  1. Raising a profoundly autistic child can be incredibly challenging and heartbreaking. The author shares true stories of frustration and helplessness while caring for her daughter Ellie.
  2. There is a growing concern about the rising cases of profound autism, with the author questioning the commonly held belief that autism is purely genetic. The book highlights the potential roles of diet and environmental factors.
  3. Despite the struggles, the memoir offers a perspective that can cultivate gratitude in readers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of support and love in difficult circumstances.

No human genes have truly 100% penetrance

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genetics Molecular Biology Health Bioethics Research
  1. No human genes have 100% penetrance, meaning not all who have a certain gene will show the related traits. This makes predicting health outcomes based on genetics challenging.
  2. Genetic diseases like Huntington's seem like they have high penetrance, but variability in symptoms and onset can make them unpredictable. It highlights the complexity of genetics beyond simple Mendelian traits.
  3. The body's systems, especially the immune system, add layers of complexity that affect how genes express themselves. This makes it really hard to guarantee that a specific gene will always result in the same outcome.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #145

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 84 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Health Energy Biotech Research
  1. OpenAI is teaming up with Jony Ive's design company to create AI-powered consumer devices. This partnership is generating excitement about upcoming innovative products.
  2. Google is heavily investing in AI, launching new tools that enhance their search and other services. They are a major player in the tech landscape, and their resources support widespread adoption of AI.
  3. Recent research suggests that creatine might provide benefits for people with Alzheimer's, showing it could improve cognitive function and brain energy levels. This is promising news for further studies in neurodegenerative diseases.

The Extreme Everest Shortcuts Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Climbing Adventure Technology Health Innovation
  1. Many inexperienced climbers are now trying to summit Everest because of commercial expeditions that let anyone pay their way up. This has led to unsafe conditions and even deaths on the mountain.
  2. A new method to climb Everest includes using xenon gas to help increase red blood cells and improve oxygen flow, letting climbers ascend quicker. This is a big change from the traditional, slower acclimatization process.
  3. The climbing community is split on this new approach, with some seeing it as progress while others worry it's too risky. History shows that shortcuts in tough environments can lead to serious consequences.

Pfizer and Moderna bivalent vaccines contain 20-35% expression vector and are transformation competent in E.coli

Nepetalactone Newsletter • 5405 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🔬 Science Health Research Vaccines Contamination
  1. Pfizer and Moderna bivalent vaccines have 20-35% expression vector and can transform E.coli.
  2. Previous estimates of DNA contamination in the vaccines were significantly underestimated.
  3. Different methods like transformation of DNA in E.coli and qPCR assays were used to quantify the nucleic acid contamination in the vaccines.

Minimal Evidence of Heterogeneity in Effect Estimates: GWAS from the Million Veteran Program

The Infinitesimal • 319 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🔬 Science Genetics Research Health Diversity Medicine
  1. The Million Veteran Program's study looked at genetic data from 600,000 people, revealing that diversity in ancestry helped identify genetic traits linked to diseases.
  2. Most genetic differences between groups were due to allele frequency changes rather than real differences in how genes affect health.
  3. Fewer than 1% of significant genetic associations showed differences between populations, indicating that many genetic effects are quite similar across different ancestry groups.

A slightly tipsy investigation into my wife's superpower

Experimental History • 7657 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Psychology Education Culture Health
  1. Some people have unique sensory abilities that others may not understand or share, like detecting the lingering smell of eggs on plates even after washing.
  2. Being open-minded and receptive to new ideas is important to avoid rigidity in thinking and to continuously learn and grow.
  3. Academic professions, like journal publishing and university rankings, can sometimes involve questionable practices that prioritize profit over knowledge or ethics.

All models are wrong, but some are tragically misleading

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Nuclear Radiation Health Environment Policy
  1. Evacuating people from the Fukushima area was delayed, and some evacuation decisions may not have been based on the actual risk levels involved. This led to unnecessary stress for many residents.
  2. A lot of the radiation exposure from the Fukushima disaster was less harmful than initially thought. Some areas had low radiation levels that people were advised to evacuate from, leading to disruption in their lives.
  3. Models predicting cancer risks from radiation exposure can be misleading. In some cases, the predicted health impacts did not match what real-life studies showed.

We had people go into rooms of our parents, grand-parents, who were isolated behind the glass, no doctor would touch them as they began to die in isolation; pull back cover saw feces, mound of feces

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 2299 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Health
  1. Patients were left isolated and uncared for, even as they died in filth.
  2. The author advocates for holding medical professionals accountable for their actions during COVID.
  3. The text urges for dramatic legal consequences if COVID policies are found to be harmful.

BOOM! “Bill Gates has done more damage to the world's health than probably any other individual." ~ Professor Angus Dalgleish (professor of oncology at St George's, University of London)

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 2181 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Health
  1. Professor Angus Dalgleish believes Bill Gates has done significant damage to global health.
  2. Criticism is directed at pharmaceutical companies for experimenting with harmful research protocols and vaccines on poor populations.
  3. The pursuit of money and power in the pharmaceutical industry is highlighted as detrimental, especially to vulnerable communities.

The Total Dose Cult

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🔬 Science Radiation Health Risk Assessment Nuclear Biology
  1. Total dose of radiation can be misleading. It's not just about how much radiation someone gets, but also how quickly they receive it.
  2. People exposed to radiation over a long time can have different health risks compared to those who are exposed quickly. The way their body processes radiation can vary.
  3. When discussing radiation harm, it's important to consider the rate at which people are exposed. This helps to get a clearer understanding of potential risks.

Perils of Flawed Meta-Analytic Methodology

The Shores of Academia • 39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🔬 Science Health Research Statistics Psychology Methodology
  1. Flawed meta-analysis can mix different studies that aren't similar, making it hard to draw clear conclusions about their effects on things like mental health.
  2. It’s important for researchers to look at specific impacts and not just assume that a random-effects model explains everything. Understanding the differences in outcomes can lead to better insights.
  3. Proper analysis in studies is really important, especially when people's health is at risk. Ignoring negative findings can mislead people about the safety of products like drugs.

Womb

The Audacity. • 3282 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
📚 Literature Essay Health
  1. Kristina Kasparian is an emerging writer from Montreal, Canada.
  2. She holds a Ph.D. in neurolinguistics but left academia due to health reasons.
  3. Her essay 'Womb' is available for paid subscribers on audacity.substack.com.

Will some Democrat Senators vote for RFK Jr?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 107 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Health Senate Political Reform
  1. Some Democrat Senators might support RFK Jr. because they believe he can bring about important changes, especially in food policies and health regulations.
  2. Concerns about infectious diseases like measles and polio are overshadowed by the more pressing issues of chronic diseases caused by poor diet and exposure to harmful substances.
  3. Partisan politics and groupthink may prevent more Democrats from supporting RFK Jr., even when they see the benefits he could provide in health and wellness.

Rats!

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💾 History Epidemics Medieval Society Health Science
  1. The Black Death, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread through fleas that lived on black rats. These rats were common in medieval cities and facilitated the disease's transmission to humans.
  2. Symptoms of the plague could vary, with bubonic plague being the most common form, marked by painful swellings or buboes in the body. Other forms like pneumonic and septicaemic plague had even higher fatality rates.
  3. The historical records show that the plague has struck multiple times through history, leading to massive fatalities and changes in society due to the horrors it inflicted.

Do These People F*ck: The Sex Symposium

Many Such Cases • 1358 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Gender Health Event Society
  1. The Sex Symposium focused on women over 40, addressing their unique challenges and experiences with sex. Many attendees were eager to talk about pleasure and sexuality without the fears younger generations might have.
  2. Speakers discussed the importance of individual pleasure but recognized societal issues like shame, trauma, and patriarchy that affect women's sexual experiences. While these are real concerns, some wonder if there’s more to address beyond personal feelings.
  3. Overall, the event was a positive space for discussions on sex, with many women feeling empowered to explore their desires. The excitement for pleasure was a big part of the experience, showing that many older women are enjoying their sexuality.

Predictions about the future of neurogrifters and neuro-nonsense

Brain Pizza • 728 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🔬 Science Neuroscience Health Psychology Education Technology
  1. Neuroscience is becoming popular, but this can lead to the rise of people trying to take advantage of it for their own gain. It's important to be wary of those exploiting this trend.
  2. Predictions are hard to make, especially about the future of neuro-related claims and theories. Many ideas about neuroscience may not hold up over time.
  3. The term 'neuro-' is becoming a buzzword, which can lead to confusion and misinformation. It's vital to approach neuro-based claims with a critical eye.

COVID, the response, the mRNA vaccines (inception to deployment) was a military operation, operation warp speed (OWS) was a military operation; I was at HHS

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1454 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health COVID-19 Vaccines Conspiracy
  1. The COVID response and mRNA vaccines were treated as military operations.
  2. Operation Warp Speed (OWS) was run by military personnel.
  3. Some individuals orchestrated the COVID situation intentionally or accidentally.

Letters to the Editor: ‘I’ve Watched Someone I Love Die’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 148 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Debate Health Ethics Policy Society
  1. Assisted suicide laws are controversial, with concerns about vulnerable people feeling pressured to end their lives. Some argue that these laws exist to provide relief for those suffering from severe, painful illnesses.
  2. People often request help to end their suffering, and without legal options, doctors and families face tough choices. The law aims to provide a more humane way to help those at the end of life find peace.
  3. Legalizing psychedelics like MDMA is not just about recreation; it's about addressing serious mental health issues and potentially saving lives, particularly for veterans suffering from PTSD.