The hottest Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

How To Read for Trends

Think Future • 119 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🔬 Science Health
  1. Identifying trends involves looking for patterns over time, both increasing and decreasing, in various aspects of society and industry.
  2. Reading news for trends involves focusing on 'real news' that provides deep insights and understanding of issues, rather than temporary headlines or human interest stories.
  3. Deep-lying trends impact many surface-level changes, with monitoring deep trends providing valuable insights for forecasting the future.

Genetic Certainty and Mechanistic Ambiguity

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🔬 Science Health
  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.

Weight Watchers Long-Term Research

Weight and Healthcare • 279 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Health
  1. Weight Watchers' long-term research suggests that their program may not be as effective for sustained weight loss as claimed
  2. Studies cited by Weight Watchers showed initial weight loss, but participants often regained weight by year two
  3. Guidelines based on studies continue to recommend approaches that have not been successful in achieving long-term weight loss

Bad News on Brock Purdy's Toe

House of Strauss • 18 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎾 Sports Health
  1. Turf toe is a tricky injury that can linger, causing ongoing pain even long after it seems healed. It's easy to re-injure it in everyday activities.
  2. Quarterbacks rely on their big toe for mobility and stability, which makes turf toe particularly problematic for their performance. It affects their throwing ability even if they don't feel pain.
  3. The injury can create a false sense of confidence, making athletes believe they can perform at full capacity when they actually can't. It can surprise them with sudden weakness during physical activity.
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All models are wrong, but some are tragically misleading

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Health
  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.

↩ Flashback Friday: A Quick Q&A on nuclear energy risk with ... economist Matthew Neidell

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🔬 Science Health
  1. The Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011 led to Japan shutting down nuclear reactors, resulting in unforeseen consequences like higher energy prices, reduced consumption, and increased mortality during cold temperatures.
  2. Following the shutdown, research by economist Matthew Neidell showed how Japan's shift to fossil fuels after the Fukushima incident led to higher bills, reduced energy use, and ultimately increased mortality in cold weather due to lack of climate control.
  3. The debate on nuclear energy often focuses on visible risks like accidents, while downplaying the benefits and comparative safety of nuclear power when weighed against other energy sources like coal or gas.

One chapter closes, another begins

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Health
  1. Listening to your body is important. Pushing through pain doesn't always help; it's better to feel good while being active.
  2. Trying new adventures, like healing practices or visiting different athletes, can be exciting. Exploring different areas makes the journey more fun and rewarding.
  3. Leaving a community can be tough and might feel like a breakup. Staying connected with friends can help combat feelings of loneliness when starting a new chapter.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #145

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 84 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🕹 Technology Health
  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 Love Bug

Eat Shit and Prosper • 319 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🔬 Science Health
  1. Oxytocin is known as the 'love hormone' and is linked to feelings of bonding and social connection. It plays a role in childbirth and breastfeeding, helping to create strong bonds between parents and children.
  2. A specific gut bacterium, Lactobacillus reuteri, can increase oxytocin levels in animals. This bacterium is important for healing and may influence our social behaviors and immune response.
  3. Oxytocin can also affect how we view others, creating in-groups and out-groups. It can enhance connections within a group but might lead to negative feelings towards those outside the group, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.

D is for...

Mister Slang • 117 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Health
  1. Some dirty words have origins in diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea.
  2. Venereal diseases were often associated with foreign countries in slang terms.
  3. There were various slang terms for venereal diseases and their symptoms, as well as treatments throughout history.

Novaxia vs Bigpharmia

Logging the World • 199 implied HN points • 04 Nov 22
🔬 Science Health
  1. Understand the impact of vaccines on disease spread: Novaxia and Bigpharmia are examples of two scenarios showing how vaccines can affect the spread of a disease differently.
  2. Graphs help visualize data trends: Using different types of graphs can show how disease spread changes over time and the effectiveness of interventions like vaccines.
  3. Consider the importance of logarithmic scales: Logarithmic scales can provide a different perspective on data trends, allowing for better understanding of the impact of interventions like vaccines.

I Have Hired A "Disabled" Columnist Who Will Probably Never Write a Column

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
😂 Humor Health
  1. A newly hired columnist claims a long list of disabilities and requests extreme accommodations that would make it practically impossible for them to meet regular newsroom deadlines.
  2. Elite universities have seen big jumps in students registering disabilities—38% at Stanford and sharp increases at Chicago and Berkeley—prompting concerns about overdiagnosis and lightly‑scrutinized accommodations for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
  3. The employer is stuck between legal and ethical duties to accommodate disabilities and the practical need for reliable work, which has led to legal threats, potential financial strain, and regret for not vetting the hire more carefully.

Mental health in space: don’t get too crazy about space

Space Ambition • 299 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🔬 Science Health
  1. Space travel is really tough on astronauts' mental health. They deal with social and sensory deprivation, plus the stress of strict schedules and technical tasks, which can lead to serious issues if not managed well.
  2. Preventing mental health problems in space is key. Space agencies carefully select astronauts based on their personalities and provide support like remote check-ins and family care packages to keep morale high.
  3. As space missions get longer and more complex, the need for dedicated mental health support will grow. Future solutions might include AI tools and better station designs to help astronauts cope with mental challenges during missions.

The Case for 2 mSv/day. 2.0.

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Health
  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.

The human x-ray scientists

The Quack Doctor • 9 HN points • 12 Jul 24
💾 History Health
  1. Albert and William Grant claimed extraordinary abilities as 'Human X-Ray' scientists, including diagnosing diseases and growing new internal organs.
  2. Despite their claims, the brothers faced scrutiny and criticism after several deaths occurred under their unconventional treatments.
  3. The story sheds light on the desperation of patients seeking hope where traditional medicine offered little to no cure, showcasing the vulnerability and trust of those in the face of incurable diseases.

The End of Coffee

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Health
  1. By 2050, scientists predict that coffee may not be available like it is today because of climate change. Countries that grow most of the world's coffee are facing droughts and weather problems.
  2. Coffee is important in our daily lives, both as a comforting drink and as a part of our culture. It's also been shown to boost our mood and attention.
  3. The rising prices and production issues for coffee show how climate change can affect even the smallest things we love. It's a reminder to think about how our habits might change in the future.

‘Lab leak’ in the biological warfare century – clear and present danger

Heterodox STEM • 56 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🔬 Science Health
  1. The idea that COVID-19 came from a lab leak has been heavily debated, but there's strong evidence suggesting it originated naturally. Many scientists have already concluded that the virus did not come from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
  2. Misinformation about vaccines and the origins of COVID-19 can create distrust in science, making it harder for public health efforts to succeed. It's essential to rely on accurate information to manage potential biological threats.
  3. The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines are crucial for defending against future biological attacks. These vaccines can be produced quickly and efficiently, which is vital for protecting public health.

How to Genetically Influence the Future Without Having Kids

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

DOJ Asks for 18-Month Stay in Eight FOIA Lawsuits Against FDA Seeking Basic Information

Injecting Freedom • 63 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health
  1. The DOJ is asking for more time—18 months—to respond to lawsuits seeking public information from the FDA. This raises questions about what the FDA might be trying to hide.
  2. The lawsuits aim to uncover details about past vaccine trials and safety reports, including those related to COVID vaccines. People want to know how these vaccines were tested and their safety records.
  3. There is a push for more transparency in how the FDA operates and makes decisions, especially regarding vaccines and public health. Delays in providing information can be seen as violating the right to access public records.

Today’s Top 5 HN posts

Top 5 HN Posts of the day • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🕹 Technology Health
  1. OpenAI has strict policies for former employees, such as lifelong no-criticism contracts and equity forfeit
  2. Discussions on innovative topics like 2nd-gen email are popular on HackerNews
  3. HIV Life Cycle and other educational content in animated formats are engaging for audiences

Stanford Group Helped US Government Censor Covid Dissidents and Then Lied About It, New Documents Show

Public • 473 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health
  1. Newly released documents show Stanford group assisted US government in censoring Covid dissenters and then lied about it.
  2. The Virality Project, a joint initiative, collaborated with government agencies to combat 'anti-vaccine misinformation.'
  3. Evidence reveals the Virality Project successfully censored content on social media platforms with the assistance of DHS and CISA.

Will Progressives Defend In Vitro Gametogenesis?

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

Weekly Dose of Optimism #131

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 113 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🔬 Science Health
  1. A deep-sea telescope called KM3NeT has detected the highest-energy neutrino ever recorded, which could help scientists learn more about extreme cosmic events like black holes.
  2. A new blood test named PAC-MANN can detect pancreatic cancer early and accurately, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
  3. Anduril is taking over a big military project to develop augmented reality headsets for the U.S. Army, which could enhance soldiers' performance on the battlefield.

Things Can Always Get Worse

OK Doomer • 168 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health
  1. Things can always get worse, even when it feels like they can't. There is often a deeper problem beneath the surface.
  2. Political actions and public opinions can often lead to more confusion and issues, especially when important health topics are mishandled.
  3. There is a concerning trend where misinformation and extreme ideas are gaining traction, which can create panic and conflict on important health matters.

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

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 148 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Health
  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.

Countdown

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Health
  1. Starting new goals on January 1 can feel fresh and symbolic, making it easier to stick to them.
  2. Having a clear deadline can help keep you focused and professional about your goals.
  3. Setting small, daily commitments can eliminate the pressure of big New Year's resolutions and help you stay consistent.

Ralph Baric is Innocent

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 13 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🔬 Science Health
  1. It's important to avoid jumping to conclusions about people in news stories. Quick judgments can harm our understanding.
  2. Investigating complicated scientific issues, like the origin of viruses, needs careful and thorough analysis.
  3. Bad media reporting can lead us away from the truth and misunderstandings about important topics.

The Total Dose Cult

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🔬 Science Health
  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.

SNT: Frequently asked questions.

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🔬 Science Health
  1. The SNT model divides radiation exposure into daily doses for better tracking of cancer risk. This helps in understanding how each day's exposure can affect long-term health.
  2. SNT is considered conservative in its estimates, as it tends to predict higher cancer risks compared to other models. This is seen as useful for safety regulations.
  3. There is resistance to SNT in the scientific community, with many experts favoring a different model called LNT. This makes it challenging to implement a new standard for evaluating radiation risks.

A Better SNT?

Gordian Knot News • 146 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🔬 Science Health
  1. The SNT model can be improved by making the DNA repair period depend on the dose rate of radiation. This means that higher doses would take longer to repair, which fits better with the observed data.
  2. There seems to be a limit to how much cancer can result from radiation, especially at high doses. Cells that are too damaged can't repair themselves, which might prevent cancer from developing.
  3. Understanding how radiation affects the body is important for safety, especially for workers in nuclear plants. We need more data to ensure the current models aren’t overly cautious, which can lead to unnecessary costs.

New R&D Policy Briefs!

The Good Science Project • 33 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🔬 Science Health
  1. Reforming clinical trials can help terminal patients get better access to new treatments. The FDA should make it easier to find trials and allow remote participation in them.
  2. We need to improve how science is funded and reviewed, possibly by using AI to help predict which research areas need support. This could make the grant process smoother and even improve the quality of research.
  3. There's a big issue with scientific fraud, and we should reward whistleblowers more immediately. This could encourage people to report bad practices in research without fear.