The hottest Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

What I read this week...

chamathreads • 1061 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Affirmative Action Economy Global relations Health
  1. The newsletter included articles on U.S. resilience, life after affirmative action, and pickleball issues.
  2. Topics covered in the newsletter included wind and solar power, legacy college admissions, and the impact of affirmative action on different racial groups.
  3. There were articles on global events such as China restricting mineral exports, Singapore's falling home prices, and the personality profiles of high-net-worth individuals.

Field Notes: Bangkok

Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan • 54 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Destinations Culinary Culture Health Lifestyle
  1. Bangkok is seeing fewer babies and a rise in pet ownership. Many young families are having fewer children due to costs and changing social values.
  2. It's hard to find trash bins in Bangkok, making it tricky to throw things away while exploring the city. This small issue can be surprisingly annoying while walking around.
  3. Traffic in Bangkok can be really bad, especially during rush hours. It's better to plan your travels outside of these peak times to avoid long waits.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #118

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 119 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Health Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Engineering
  1. Osmo Labs has made a breakthrough in scent teleportation. They can now predict how smells will be based on chemical structures, which could change how we experience scents online.
  2. Semaglutide, a diabetes drug, might help lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A study shows it significantly reduces the chances of first-time diagnosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  3. A company called Physical Intelligence is developing robots that can fold laundry like humans. This could save us from doing tedious chores and allow us to focus on more enjoyable tasks.
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Swamp Update: Detailed Swamping

Experimental Fat Loss • 134 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Nutrition Fitness Health Lifestyle
  1. The Swamp Visualizer can show more detailed diet information now, instead of just using 10% steps. This makes it easier to understand how different diets compare.
  2. You can now see where the ex150 diet falls in comparison to the Standard American Diet. It's a helpful way to visualize macronutrient distributions.
  3. If you know of any interesting diets with specific macro information, you can share them. The author is looking to include a variety of diets in the visualizer.

🚀🌑 America finally returns to the Moon

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🔬 Science Clean Energy AI Robotics Health
  1. America's return to the Moon was achieved by a private company, Intuitive Machines, marking a significant milestone since Apollo 17 in 1972.
  2. Despite landing challenges, NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative with private companies like Intuitive Machines shows promise for the future of lunar missions.
  3. The possibility of NASA partnering with private companies for lunar missions can lead to cost-effective space travel and accelerated technological advancements similar to those depicted in sci-fi series like For All Mankind.

That’s a wrap

Splattern • 219 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Exploration Health Community
  1. The adventure covered 1500 miles with numerous ski days and mountain passes, showing the commitment and challenge involved. It's a big accomplishment, and it took a lot of planning and effort.
  2. The author expressed overwhelming gratitude for everyone who provided support during the journey, emphasizing the importance of community and connection. It's great to feel appreciated for help received along the way.
  3. After finishing this adventure, the author looks forward to new adventures and experiences, highlighting a sense of excitement for what's next. It's all about moving forward and embracing new opportunities.

Despite Biden's claims, Gaza health ministry death toll is accurate, say peer-reviewed scientific studies

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Gaza Health Statistics Israel US
  1. Peer-reviewed scientific studies confirm the accuracy of the Gaza health ministry's death toll statistics after criticism from US President Biden.
  2. The Gaza health ministry has a history of reporting reliable figures, crucial for international organizations' use in understanding the situation.
  3. Experts from Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found no evidence of inflated mortality reporting and confirmed the validity of the data provided by the Palestinian MoH.

🧪⚛🧬 Broken promises: CHIPS Act funding for science research falls short

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Research Economics Policy AI Health
  1. Despite promises made in the CHIPS and Science Act, Congress significantly underfunded key agencies and programs for scientific research, hindering progress in fields like artificial intelligence.
  2. Investment in basic scientific research, often a public good with long-term benefits beyond immediate financial gains, is essential for innovation and societal advancement.
  3. Government-funded R&D has historically played a crucial role in business sector productivity growth, supporting the argument for increased federal spending on research and development.

After Covid: Twelve Challenges for a Shattered World

COVID Reason • 1685 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health Economy Education Society
  1. A new citizen movement is needed to reject authoritarian responses to crises and uphold freedom.
  2. Challenges post-pandemic include tech surveillance, money and banking issues, and the impact on business enterprises.
  3. Other challenges highlighted include regulatory capture, public health concerns, and the need for educational reform.

Can We Please Have Some Honesty About Trump’s Lockdowns?

COVID Reason • 1487 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health Policy Leadership History
  1. The document drafted by Trump's Department of Health and Human Services guided government at all levels in dealing with COVID-19 in 2020.
  2. The consequences of lockdowns implemented in response to COVID-19 were devastating, leading to various societal and economic issues.
  3. DeSantis challenges the narrative on Trump's response to COVID-19, advocating for individual liberty and responsibility over lockdowns as the new-normal response.

Day 2 is in the books

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Sports Health Lifestyle
  1. Running in Tanzania can be a tough but rewarding experience. It's a chance to bond with local people and learn about their lives.
  2. The local community is very supportive, often providing food and water along the way. It shows how hospitality plays a big role in their culture.
  3. The journey makes you appreciate what others go through, especially when facing challenges like poverty. Connecting with the locals can really change your perspective.

Lungs

Microanimism • 139 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🔬 Science Biology Microbiology Evolution Health
  1. Biological systems like lungs demonstrate asymmetry and imperfection, showcasing the complexity of biology over mathematical perfection.
  2. Microbial worlds in our lungs and in the atmosphere interact in complex ways, affecting our health and environment.
  3. The evolution and existence of lungs are deeply intertwined with microbial life, showcasing a long history of collaboration for the sustenance of life.

Why the NT in SNT?

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🔬 Science Radiation Medicine Health Risk Assessment Nuclear policy
  1. The term 'No Threshold' in radiation discussions is important because it highlights that there is always some risk from radiation exposure, even at low levels. It's a reminder that we can't completely eliminate risk, just like every time we leave our homes.
  2. The current thinking on radiation risk, called Linear No Threshold (LNT), suggests that even small doses are harmful. However, real-life examples, like workers who handled radium, challenge this belief and show that low doses may not cause significant harm.
  3. Critics of LNT often focus on proving a specific threshold for safety, but this can weaken their argument. The idea that there’s a threshold is seen as a tactic that allows LNT to persist, even though it might not hold up against real evidence.

Malört Liquidity

Malt Liquidity • 5 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Alcohol Consumption Culture Health Sociology
  1. Many people today drink less or choose non-alcoholic options, which some believe is not a healthy approach to relaxation and socializing. Historically, alcohol has been used as a way to enjoy life and unwind.
  2. Alcohol can help people deal with the stress of social situations and bridge the gap between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. This balance can create meaningful social interactions.
  3. Younger generations may struggle with drinking due to evolving societal standards and the fear of negative consequences. It's important for people to learn to enjoy life and make mistakes rather than avoiding experiences.

After the shocking exposé about puberty blocker usage in New Zealand, the mainstream media is silent.

A B’Old Woman • 539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Health Public Policy Social Issues
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand is less fearless and robust compared to the past, often avoiding challenging stories.
  2. An exposé revealed high usage of puberty blockers in New Zealand, but it hasn't been widely reported by major news outlets.
  3. Some experienced journalists are still pursuing important stories, despite a culture that often prioritizes safety over challenging reporting.

The powerlessness of Michaela Ali

The Mill • 766 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
📰 News Human Interest Health Housing Inequality Community
  1. Michaela Ali, a pregnant health worker, has been living in hotels due to her rat-infested flat for over a year.
  2. Despite complaints to the housing association, Riverside, Michaela has felt powerless and unmoored in trying to make her living situation habitable.
  3. The experience has left Michaela feeling hopeless and untrusting, highlighting the challenges faced by social housing tenants in getting their living conditions improved.

Unlocking the Power of Longevity

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 619 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Longevity Nutrition Diet Health
  1. Longevity studies often rely on questionable animal models like worms and jellyfish to draw conclusions, but humans have specific causes of death.
  2. Rather than searching for a universal principle of aging, focusing on preventing the actual causes of death can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
  3. Nutrition played a major role in battling diseases before antibiotics, and prioritizing it over disease-specific pharmaceuticals can be a key to longevity.

Macbeth

Microanimism • 119 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🔬 Science Biology Virology Health
  1. Viruses are ancient, existing before cellular life and influencing the history of biology and life today.
  2. The presence of viruses is widespread, from biblical references to everyday life, emotions, and biological processes.
  3. The text explores themes of guilt, perfection, and the intertwining of life and death through a poetic and philosophical lens.

The Fukushima Workers, Part 2

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Radiation Nuclear Health Research Environmental
  1. The Fukushima workers faced very high radiation levels, especially near the damaged reactors, sometimes exceeding 100 mSv/h. Despite this, they showed remarkable bravery to manage the crisis.
  2. Research on the health of over 5,000 Fukushima workers found no significant health issues by the end of 2019. This suggests that the body's systems are good at repairing damage from radiation exposure.
  3. Distance from a radiation source is crucial for safety. Being more than 2 kilometers away from a nuclear release greatly reduces the risk of harm, similar to how staying a safe distance from fire keeps you safe.

I'm sick / Hot water bottles / Universe breakers

The Egg And The Rock • 707 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Recovery Support Wellness Illness
  1. The author has been ill with Covid, leading to slow recovery and brain fog affecting work.
  2. Paid subscribers are being appreciated and subscriptions are suspended for a month to reduce pressure.
  3. Excitement over a recent discovery of mature galaxies in the early universe and plans to write about it when energy levels recover.

Ruvu Jitengeni

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Health Nature Community
  1. Running can be tough, especially in challenging environments. Despite the exhaustion, it can also bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Cultural experiences matter. Meeting local people and learning about their lives can deepen your understanding of the area.
  3. Being flexible during a trip is important. Sometimes, taking breaks or adjusting plans can lead to better experiences in unfamiliar places.

Numlock News: November 2, 2023 • Panda, Theia, Discogs

Numlock News • 569 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🔬 Science Space Environment Music Health Research
  1. Downtown business districts in smaller cities may face significant financial impact from drops in office space rent compared to larger cities.
  2. China's panda bear diplomatic program involves significant costs for zoos worldwide but may not always be financially lucrative for the hosting facilities.
  3. The World Series experienced record low ratings, attributed in part to regional issues and the matchup between Dallas and Phoenix.

The Profile: Elon Musk’s brain implant startup & the billionaire learning what money can’t buy

The Profile • 594 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Startups Innovation Health
  1. Making positive changes in life often involves going through a phase where things get worse before they get better.
  2. Developing competence is key to overcoming fear and challenges in various aspects of life.
  3. Understanding that temporary setbacks are a natural part of the journey to improvement can help in persevering through hard times.

STRAWBERRY MOON 2023

The Lunar Dispatch • 609 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🔬 Science Astronomy Space Exploration Health
  1. The Strawberry Moon reached peak fullness recently, even though it was 98% full the next night.
  2. NASA has been trying to grow strawberries in space to provide astronauts with fresh produce and prevent psychological issues.
  3. NASA continues to support innovative projects to cultivate berries in orbit.

The role of Claudin-1 in fibrotic disease

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Health Biology Medicine Research Therapeutics
  1. Claudin-1 is a protein that plays a key role in fibrotic diseases. When it gets exposed outside its normal area in tissues, it can trigger harmful processes that lead to excessive scarring.
  2. Research shows that targeting Claudin-1 could be a promising way to treat fibrosis in different organs. Approaches like using specific antibodies have shown positive results in reducing fibrosis in animal studies.
  3. Future studies need to focus on understanding how Claudin-1 works in detail and testing these new treatments in humans. This could lead to better options for people suffering from fibrotic diseases.

Numlock News: October 9, 2023 • BeiDou, Autopay, Noise Cancellation

Numlock News • 569 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🔬 Science Satellites Art Health Drugs Archaeology
  1. Counterfeit Native American art is a significant issue, with up to 80% of marketed art being fake.
  2. The global market for noise-cancelling headphones is expected to triple to $45.4 billion by 2031.
  3. Devices connected to China's BeiDou satellite system have reached 1.5 billion, with 98% of smartphones sold in China having BeiDou navigation.

Underrated Problems in Biotechnology

Niko McCarty • 99 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Agriculture Environmental Genetics Health
  1. Chick culling is a big issue where billions of male chicks are killed each year because they can't lay eggs. New technology can help determine an egg's sex earlier to prevent this cruelty.
  2. Synthetic apomixis could change farming for the better by allowing farmers to grow hybrid crops indefinitely without buying new seeds each year. This would help increase their profits and food supply.
  3. Tree engineering is important for combating climate change, but not enough researchers are focusing on it. Creating trees that grow faster and capture more carbon could help protect our forests.

#7 The Shooter

Mountain Labs Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Events Culture Entrepreneurship Health
  1. Yusuf Dikeç won a silver medal in shooting at the Olympics and became known for his attitude without needing fancy gear. People connect with him because of his resourcefulness.
  2. Many Turkish people complain a lot and focus on negative things, which can hurt their potential for happiness and success. This attitude might lead to feeling less likable.
  3. Ibn Sina believed that constant complaining can even affect your health and limit the good things you receive in life. Staying positive is important for social connections.

Movers and Shakers - a Parkinson’s podcast

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1368 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🎙 Podcasts Health Entertainment Medicine Support Information
  1. A group with Parkinson's launched the podcast Movers and Shakers after meeting at a London pub.
  2. The podcast features individuals with media backgrounds, including a High Court judge, discussing Parkinson's.
  3. The aim of the podcast is to educate, inform, and entertain, reaching out to people with Parkinson's, their caregivers, and the general public.

DOCUMENTS: Chinese Researcher Who Mapped COVID Virus Two Weeks Before China Released Sequence Was on Anthony Fauci’s Payroll

The DisInformation Chronicle • 630 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Investigation Health Science Funding
  1. A Chinese researcher who mapped the COVID virus was on Fauci's payroll before China released the sequence.
  2. Questions arise about NIH funding in China and the timeline of understanding COVID.
  3. The Chinese researcher's initial virus sequence wasn't published but was similar to later ones.