The hottest Medicine Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

We’re entering a golden age of engineering biology

Noahpinion • 16647 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology AI Genetics Automation Medicine
  1. The advancements in deep learning, cost-effective data collection through lab automation, and precision DNA editing with technologies like CRISPR are converging to transform biology from a scientific field to an engineering discipline.
  2. Historically, biology has been challenging due to its immense complexity, requiring costly trial-and-error experiments. However, with current advancements, we are now at a critical point where predictability and engineering in biological systems are becoming a reality.
  3. The decreasing cost of DNA sequencing, breakthroughs in deep learning models for biology, sophisticated lab automation, and precise genetic editing tools like CRISPR are paving the way for a revolutionary era in engineering biology, with vast potential in healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

Links For February 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 7433 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Psychology Medicine Technology History Biology
  1. Blind mathematicians often work in geometry and topology, suggesting unique perceptions.
  2. The Basilica of the Holy House in Italy intriguingly ties angelic folklore with historical architecture.
  3. Starting a journey from Seattle and heading east ends in Russia, the first country reached while traversing the Atlantic Ocean.

Niccolò Machiavelli, Adam Smith, and the crisis of modern science

uTobian • 4952 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Politics History Science Medicine
  1. In modern times, freedom is often associated with unrestrained passion, but the idea of freedom through personal restraint from ancient times is considered a better path to happiness and fulfillment.
  2. The writings of Niccolò Machiavelli marked a shift in the concept of freedom towards acknowledging human selfishness and focusing on political security through class conflict.
  3. The current crisis in science and medicine is prompting a reevaluation of the assumption that scientists and doctors are inherently virtuous, suggesting the need for reforms based on the idea that they may be motivated by greed and power.

Andrea Long Chu’s ‘New York’ Cover Story About Trans Kids Is, Above All Else, Lazy

Singal-Minded • 941 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Journalism Medicine
  1. The article discussed critiques about a cover story on trans kids, emphasizing that the argument for everyone to have access to sex-changing medical care was poorly defended and seemed more like trolling than meaningful discourse.
  2. There was criticism of the way the coverage of youth gender medicine was framed as a rights versus medical issue, highlighting that minors' decision-making capacities are different from adults and need to be considered.
  3. The piece also highlighted how the author viewed the anti-trans movement, pointing out that, according to them, the biggest opposition surprisingly came from liberals rather than the expected groups.

"Can you tweet my paper" vs. "Here are some edits, no need to add me"

Sensible Medicine • 3360 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Academic Training Selflessness Reputation
  1. There are two types of people in medicine: those who seek promotion and those who selflessly help with edits.
  2. In academic medicine, it's important to distinguish between those who want you to promote their work and those who genuinely help you improve yours.
  3. Trainees in medicine should surround themselves with people willing to offer constructive feedback without expecting credit.
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There Will Be Blood

The Vajenda • 3734 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Empowerment Education Science
  1. The menstrual cycle is a unique and vital aspect of human biology.
  2. Historically, female physiology has been viewed as inferior, leading to inadequate research and medical care for those who menstruate.
  3. Education and knowledge about menstruation are crucial to combat misinformation and empower individuals to advocate for their health.

Friday Reflection 35: Why Don’t Doctors Want to See Patients?

Sensible Medicine • 2987 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Burnout Responsibility Empathy
  1. Being a doctor is a challenging and high-stress job, dealing with patients and their families every day.
  2. The responsibility of being a doctor means always needing to perform at your best, even on bad days.
  3. Doctors often feel overwhelmed by the limitations in fixing the underlying societal issues that contribute to their patients' health problems.

Can We Select “Better” Residents?

Sensible Medicine • 2063 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Professional development Training
  1. Today's medical residents have impressive qualifications on paper but may not be better than previous generations.
  2. Increased competition in medical education may result in a selection process that does not lead to better residents.
  3. Consider alternative selection processes, such as random selection or structured interviews, to potentially improve the quality of young doctors.

Johnson & Johnson to acquire $2 billion drug developer "Ambrx Biopharma" to treat Turbo Cancers with same tech as Pfizer's $43 billion Seagen acquisition. Both set their sights on 2025 Cancer TSUNAMI

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 2731 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Cancer Pharmaceuticals
  1. Johnson & Johnson is acquiring a $2 billion drug developer to focus on treating aggressive cancers.
  2. This acquisition uses technology similar to Pfizer's $43 billion purchase of Seagen.
  3. Both companies are aiming to address the anticipated increase in cancer cases by 2025.

"Quack Medicine"

Public • 503 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine
  1. The Times of London criticizes 'gender-affirming care' using references to WPATH files.
  2. The post discusses the issue of 'Quack Medicine' and the attention it is receiving from a respected newspaper.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only.

"We're All Here for a Reason."—The FLCCC News Capsule for February 11, 2024

The FLCCC Alliance Community • 1316 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Research Treatment Immunity Wellness
  1. Dr. Pierre Kory emphasizes the need for a better healthcare system that puts patients before profits, focuses on robust scientific debate, and empowers patients to take control of their own healthcare.
  2. The FLCCC is conducting an observational cancer study in collaboration with five U.S. clinics to track patient responses to various adjunct cancer therapies using repurposed drugs.
  3. Dr. Pierre Kory presents evidence suggesting clinically significant shedding of spike proteins from vaccinated individuals, which he believes should be a focal point in discussions about mRNA vaccine boosters.

Epistemic Hell

Secretum Secretorum • 1768 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🔬 Science Health Physics Medicine Biology Research
  1. Through history, reasoning based on limited information has led to dangerous outcomes, like chronic cyanide poisoning and scurvy.
  2. Some scientific problems, like understanding heredity, have been challenging due to complexity and the need for exceptional datasets.
  3. To escape epistemic hells, radical ideas, serendipity, unlearning prior knowledge, and persistence are vital.

What it Takes to Actually Achieve Shared Decision Making.

Sensible Medicine • 2437 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Patient Care
  1. Shared decision-making in healthcare is essential and should focus on educating patients about the risks, benefits, and harms of treatments.
  2. Emphasizing important clinical outcomes over surrogate markers is crucial to help patients grasp their cardiovascular risk accurately.
  3. Providing contextual information, using visual aids, and discussing lifestyle changes alongside medications can help patients make informed decisions about their health.

What I Read This Week...

chamathreads • 864 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Fitness Mental health Nutrition
  1. Drug companies are working on solutions to prevent muscle mass loss caused by weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Doctors suggest simple fixes like increasing protein intake and weightlifting.
  2. A recent study suggests that a special set of molecules on the extra X chromosome in women may make them more susceptible to autoimmune conditions. This discovery could lead to new, more targeted treatments.
  3. Adam Neumann, the co-founder of WeWork, is in talks with a hedge fund to buy back the company out of bankruptcy. WeWork's bankruptcy was fueled by debt and a decline in demand for office space.

MASHUP: Aboriginal Smokeless Nicotine, Quinine & Caffeine Therapy, African G6PD Deficiency

Grey Goose Chronicles • 786 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🔬 Science Biology Medicine Genetics History
  1. Aboriginal Australians have a unique way of consuming tobacco with varying effects and health benefits.
  2. Quinine has a rich history in colonial expansion and fighting malaria, while caffeine might hold potential as an antimalarial drug.
  3. Genetic conditions like G6PD deficiency in sub-Saharan Africans show adaptations to malaria, impacting medical treatments and outcomes.

Friday Q&A: intermittent fasting; APOE4 testing for Alzheimer’s; Pap test frequency; & at-home menopause tests

Are You Okay? • 479 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Nutrition Medicine Personal Growth Disease
  1. Intermittent fasting may work for some to aid in weight loss or improved metabolism, but it can be challenging for many due to feelings of irritability and restrictive eating behaviors.
  2. Data on APOE4 gene testing for Alzheimer's is mixed; the decision to find out your APOE status should be thoughtful due to potential health anxiety, but lifestyle interventions may be suggested based on the results.
  3. Extreme diets like intermittent fasting may not be the most effective in the long run, and sustainable lifestyle changes are crucial for lasting health outcomes.

What I Read This Week...

Chamath Palihapitiya • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Tech Medicine Politics Business
  1. Anduril's new autonomous fighter jet has significant advantages over legacy missile systems.
  2. Novo Nordisk paid U.S. doctors to promote its obesity drugs to tackle the global obesity epidemic.
  3. Huawei supports smaller companies in the semiconductor supply chain to build a self-sufficient chip network in China.

On RFK Jr., Atrazine and WiFi. Plus a puzzle for you!

An Insult to Intuition • 1454 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🔬 Science Technology Medicine Research Biology Physics
  1. Kennedy discussed the potential effects of Atrazine on organisms like frogs and mammals, sparking a debate on environmental toxins.
  2. The story shared analogies between a hypothetical alien civilization and current human societal challenges, emphasizing the importance of humility and balance.
  3. There was a discussion on the perceived health risks of WiFi radiation, highlighting the need for thoughtful consideration and humility in scientific discourse.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #80

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 114 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Medicine Research Cancer Treatment Global Health
  1. The Vesuvius Challenge unlocked ancient knowledge by digitizing old scrolls using AI and 3D technology.
  2. The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships offer $100K for individuals to work on ambitious projects for a year.
  3. AI chatbots in mental health increased patient referrals, showing potential in closing accessibility gaps in treatment.

Freakonomics, But for Medicine

Range Widely • 1159 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Public Health
  1. Natural experiments in medicine provide unique research opportunities that can't be replicated in a lab setting.
  2. Even small disruptions, like marathon road closures, can have significant impacts on public health and mortality rates.
  3. Factors like doctor's prescribing habits and patient age can have lasting effects on opioid use and patient outcomes.

Movers and Shakers - a Parkinson’s podcast

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1356 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.

Of Experts And Echo Chambers

Good Reason • 284 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🔬 Science Medicine Research Experts Institutions Beliefs
  1. Experts can be wrong and have been wrong throughout history, like medieval doctors with bloodletting.
  2. Expert communities often become echo chambers, reinforcing shared beliefs and resisting change.
  3. Challenging experts and subjecting beliefs to testing, even within scientific-minded groups, is important to avoid falling into the trap of groupthink.

Can Dietary Supplements Do Harm?

Are You Okay? • 619 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Supplements Well-being Medicine Lifestyle
  1. Nature is beneficial, but not all solutions come in pill form. Many health issues can be addressed by examining and adjusting everyday habits.
  2. Be cautious with dietary supplements and always consider potential interactions with medication. Speak to your doctor about all the supplements you are taking.
  3. Check the credibility of information sources when considering supplements. Not all supplements are regulated closely, so it's important to seek certified products and reliable sources.

Learn to Read Science Part 1: The CATIE Trial

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 58 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Medicine Publication Analysis
  1. The CATIE Trial is a significant research study comparing new antipsychotic medicines with older ones in real-world settings and published in high-impact medical journals.
  2. Medical journals like the New England Journal of Medicine have high impact factors, which are determined by the number of times articles are cited.
  3. Effectiveness research involves large sample sizes, and the methods section of a research paper provides essential details about the study design and participants.