The hottest Medicine Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

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 Research Ethics Health Technology Environment Medicine
  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.

What Is Statistics' Purpose?

arg min • 734 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🔬 Science Statistics Research Medicine Philosophy Data Analysis
  1. Statistics should help us test claims by measuring how surprising the results are. However, there's doubt about whether our current statistical tests actually do this well.
  2. Randomized trials are important because they help us learn about treatments that may not always work. They focus on safety as much as they do on finding effective solutions.
  3. The field of statistics needs to be clear about its purpose. We should distinguish between using statistics for proving theories and for practical decision-making like quality control.

Ultima Genomics...$80 Genome...$0 Genome...

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Medicine Research Technology
  1. Ultima Genomics has improved its sequencer, allowing more output per run and lowering costs significantly. This means sequencing the genome will cost around $80 now.
  2. The new technology uses larger features which help boost throughput without needing complex techniques. This makes the process simpler and more efficient.
  3. While these changes are great for users, their long-term impact on the company’s survival is uncertain. It’s important that they remain financially viable to continue providing these benefits.

The Dawn of Spatial Medicine

Ground Truths • 5773 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Research Therapy Biotechnology Health Technology
  1. Spatial medicine is a new field that combines biology and healthcare, focusing on using spatial data to improve patient treatment. This means doctors can analyze cells and tissues in detail to better understand diseases.
  2. Recent research showed that a new treatment using JAK inhibitors was effective for patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis, a serious skin condition. This treatment worked quickly and with no side effects, showcasing the potential of spatial medicine.
  3. The integration of AI and deep learning plays a key role in spatial medicine, helping to analyze complex data and improve patient outcomes. This advancement could lead to more personalized and effective treatments in the future.

Altered states: The new science of appetite and brain plasticity

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Medicine Mental health Addiction Research
  1. New weight-loss drugs like semaglutide can help people lose weight and improve their overall health. They might change how we think about appetite and cravings.
  2. These medications could have benefits beyond just weight loss, including helping with anxiety and even substance use disorders. They show promise in many areas of health.
  3. There is potential for these drugs to change society by reducing healthcare costs, improving self-esteem, and even aiding in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson’s.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

Edwin Cohn and the Harvard Blood Factory

Asimov Press • 174 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Research Medicine History Technology Biochemistry
  1. Edwin Cohn greatly advanced medical treatments during World War II by developing blood products that helped save soldiers' lives. His team created more stable albumin solutions that could be used in emergencies, proving crucial for treating wounded soldiers.
  2. Cohn transformed his lab from a focus on theoretical experiments to practical applications during the war. He implemented pilot plants that increased efficiency, allowing for the quick transition from lab findings to actual medical products.
  3. Cohn's approach shows the importance of combining solid funding, teamwork, and a clear vision to tackle big scientific problems. His success reflects how having the right infrastructure and support can allow researchers to make impactful discoveries.

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.

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.

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.

Can We Select “Better” Residents?

Sensible Medicine • 2063 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Residencies 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.

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.

Collective Intelligence and Emergence

Solve Cancer in 365 days • 59 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🔬 Science Biology Medicine Technology Research Collective Intelligence Emergence
  1. Collective intelligence in biology means that groups of cells work together to solve problems that individuals can't. Each level of organization, like cells and organs, solves specific issues that contribute to the whole.
  2. Emergence happens when the combined actions of simpler parts create complex behaviors. This can be seen in things like how cells coordinate to form organs or how flocks of birds move together.
  3. Understanding collective behaviors in cells could lead to big advancements in medicine. This includes helping treat cancer by changing how cells behave or improving tissue engineering and organ regeneration.

"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.

Links in Progress: Snakebites, Pig Hearts, and More

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Medicine Genetics Public Health Pharmaceuticals
  1. An AI tool has been developed to create a new kind of antivenom that can work without refrigeration. This could help save many lives, especially in areas where snakebites are common.
  2. A study showed that a vaccine for Ebola had an 84% effectiveness in preventing the disease in high-risk groups. This is good news for controlling future outbreaks.
  3. New technologies in gene editing and drug development are rapidly evolving, with Chinese companies making significant strides in creating new treatments.

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.

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 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.

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

Grey Goose Chronicles • 786 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🔬 Science Biology Medicine Genetics Pharmacology 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.

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 #121

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 113 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Space Quantum AI Medicine Crypto
  1. SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket, showing impressive advancements in reusable spacecraft technology. This progress is critical for potential lunar and Mars missions in the future.
  2. Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, has implemented significant economic reforms that have led to positive results like reducing inflation and achieving a fiscal surplus. His methods may influence similar government efficiency efforts in other countries.
  3. A breakthrough in quantum technology introduced a new type of qubit using mechanical vibrations. This can help improve quantum computing and create advanced technologies for various industries.

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.

Kill Your Pathogens

Natural Selections • 5 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Nutrition Fitness Biology Disease
  1. Humans are really good at adapting to different environments, but the germs and parasites that make us sick can't handle as much as we can. This is why we can often beat them by making our bodies a less friendly place for them.
  2. One way to fight off infections is to let your body have a fever. Instead of taking medicine to bring it down right away, try to ride it out as it helps eliminate germs by raising your body temperature.
  3. Another tip is to dry fast, which means not eating or drinking anything for a while. This forces your body to use up old cells and resources, making it harder for pathogens to survive.

The Last Few Years In DNA Sequencing

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Technology Research Innovation Medicine
  1. New companies have started making sequencers similar to Illumina's, which is a big step for the market. More choices mean users can find better prices and features.
  2. The quality of data from these new sequencers is almost as good as Illumina's. This could force Illumina to lower its prices to stay competitive.
  3. It looks like Illumina's profits have taken a hit due to this increased competition. It's important to keep an eye on how their financials change going forward.

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.