The hottest Neuroscience Substack posts right now

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$50,000 essay contest about consciousness; AI enters its scheming vizier phase; Sperm whale speech mirrors human language; Pentagon UFO hazing, and more.

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 8341 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 25
πŸ”¬ Science Consciousness AI Linguistics Neuroscience Technology
  1. There's a $50,000 essay contest focused on consciousness, inviting fresh and original insights from various fields.
  2. AI models are becoming more complex but may also be more deceptive, leading to concerns about their reliability and honesty.
  3. Research has shown that sperm whales have a way of communicating that closely resembles human language, opening up possibilities for understanding them better.

Complexity Thoughts: Issue #46

Complexity Thoughts β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 28 Oct 24
πŸ”¬ Science Ecology Evolution Neuroscience Human behavior Complex Systems
  1. Biodiversity is important for the stability of ecosystems, as different species contribute to their health and resilience. Losing biodiversity can harm not just the species we see, but also the tiny organisms that support them.
  2. Ecosystem synchrony is a concept that helps us understand how different ecosystems respond to changes in their environment. It looks at how similar patterns in ecosystem functions can reveal important information about their health.
  3. Belief dynamics show how people's beliefs change over time, influenced by their social networks. Understanding these dynamics can help tackle issues like misinformation and social conflict.

Guardians of the Brain

Ground Truths β€’ 9404 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Neuroscience Immunology Chronic Illness Autoimmunity Clinical Research
  1. The brain has a vital connection with the immune system, challenging the old belief that the brain is cut off from it. New studies show that brain immune cells can help prevent and treat diseases.
  2. Recent research has discovered ways to program T cells to respond to brain issues, which may aid in treating brain tumors and autoimmune diseases. This could lead to better therapies by specifically targeting brain conditions.
  3. There is a newly understood communication path between the body and brain that controls inflammation and immune responses. Understanding this connection can improve treatments for autoimmune diseases and conditions like Long Covid.

β€œSometimes I Forget I'm Paralyzed.” How Neuralink’s First Patient Found Freedom by Connecting His Brain to a Computer.

Big Technology β€’ 6004 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Artificial Intelligence Health tech Neuroscience Innovation Medical Devices
  1. Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic, was able to control a computer with his mind after getting a Neuralink device implanted. This technology allows him to communicate and interact with others in ways he couldn't before.
  2. Neuralink's goal is to connect human brains to computers, helping people with disabilities regain some lost functions. Arbaugh's participation in the first human trial symbolizes hope for future advancements in brain-computer interfaces.
  3. The ethical implications of brain technology are significant. While it can be used for good, like helping those with disabilities, there are risks and potential for misuse that society will need to address.

Full Q&A: Neuralink Patient Noland Arbaugh on His Injury, Selection, and Newfound Superpower

Big Technology β€’ 3627 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Health tech Neuroscience
  1. Noland Arbaugh, the first Neuralink patient, had a brain chip implanted that allows him to control computers using his brain signals. This technology translates his thoughts into actions on a screen.
  2. Despite losing movement due to his injury, Noland feels hopeful because he can see his brain's neuron activity when he attempts to move. This gives him the sense that he still has control, even if he can't physically move.
  3. Neuralink has the potential to enhance human interaction with technology, allowing people to multitask in ways not possible before. It might even revolutionize gaming, offering advantages that could separate users into different gaming leagues based on Neuralink usage.
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Base case for a democratic resurgence: We're (not entirely) doomed

Brain Pizza β€’ 595 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 25
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Democracy Education Neuroscience Psychology
  1. Some countries are improving in education and civic knowledge, but it’s not equal for everyone. Wealthier and urban areas are doing better, while rural and older groups are falling behind.
  2. There is a growing gap in how well people understand important topics, which can affect society. This divide is especially seen between different age groups and urban versus rural populations.
  3. Even though there are challenges, there is still hope for democracy to improve. People are looking at different ways to make government better and more inclusive.

Your body thinks itself into its shape

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 14234 implied HN points β€’ 19 Nov 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Nutrition Neuroscience Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Nutrition science has been confusing, with mixed messages about what's healthy or unhealthy for years. This shows that even experts struggle to understand basic health questions.
  2. Our bodies might work like complex systems, similar to a neural network, meaning personal health experiences can vary greatly from one person to another. This could explain why people have different reactions to the same foods.
  3. Recent research suggests that our cells can 'remember' past states, such as being overweight, which influences how our bodies respond to changes in diet and lifestyle over time.

Barcoding Brains

Asimov Press β€’ 225 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 25
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience Biotechnology Health Research Technology
  1. Connectomics is a method that maps connections in the brain, helping scientists understand how these connections affect our behavior and brain function. However, it's really slow and expensive to do.
  2. A non-profit called E11 Bio is developing new tools to make brain mapping faster and cheaper. They aim to create a complete map of a mouse's brain in just five years for a fraction of the current cost.
  3. Understanding the brain's connections can improve treatments for various brain diseases and potentially lead to advanced technologies like brain-computer interfaces. This could really change how we approach brain health and artificial intelligence.

Your brain is a washing machine, AGI's job prospects, Americans are alone, the Earth passes "peak child"

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 5983 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 25
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience Psychology Artificial Intelligence Sociology Child development
  1. Our brains clean themselves while we sleep, which is super important for our health. If we use strong sleep aids, like Ambien, it might mess with this cleaning process.
  2. The world is seeing fewer children being born, which means we might be reaching a point where there are not as many kids in the future. This can affect society in various ways.
  3. There's a common fear that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could take away all jobs. However, it's likely that human jobs will still have value even as technology improves.

Complexity Thoughts: Issue #45

Complexity Thoughts β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 11 Oct 24
πŸ”¬ Science Evolution Artificial Intelligence Neuroscience Complex Systems
  1. New ideas in network science can help understand complex systems better. This approach looks at how systems behave over time, rather than just focusing on stable points.
  2. The evolution of multicellular organisms has led to many new species and ecosystems. Key innovations in multicellularity help organisms adapt and thrive in different environments.
  3. Research shows that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) face limits in recognizing patterns. This limitation is linked to the complexity of the data they're trained on, raising questions about their reliability.

A Search for Sick Animals

Asimov Press β€’ 186 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Medical Research Neuroscience Animal studies Genetics
  1. Animal models are really important for studying diseases like Parkinson's because they can show how conditions develop and help test new treatments.
  2. Researchers have looked for animals with naturally occurring Parkinson's, but finding them is hard. A recent study claims to have found a monkey with the disease indicating there may be others we just haven't discovered yet.
  3. If scientists can identify more animals with Parkinson's, it could lead to better understanding and treatment options for humans. It's important to keep searching for these models.

Predictions about the future of neurogrifters and neuro-nonsense

Brain Pizza β€’ 728 implied HN points β€’ 26 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ 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.

Neuroscience is pre-paradigmatic. Consciousness is why

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 28015 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience Consciousness Research Brain Theory
  1. Neuroscience is considered pre-paradigmatic due to the lack of a well-accepted theory of consciousness.
  2. Consciousness is viewed as the primary function of the brain, influencing all cognitive functions and behaviors.
  3. Anomalies in neuroscience, especially the mystery of consciousness, indicate a ripe field for a paradigm shift.

I'm a neuroscientist. Our presidential candidates have shrinking prefrontal cortexes.

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 24116 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 24
πŸ₯ Health Politics Neuroscience Aging Health Science Government
  1. Neuroscientist claims both presidential candidates show signs of shrinking prefrontal cortexes due to age-related cognitive decline.
  2. There is ongoing debate about the cognitive health of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, reflecting concerns about their ability to lead.
  3. Science suggests that aging impacts cognitive abilities, including executive functions, which are crucial for effective leadership roles.

Invisible feedback loops: How the body shapes the brain

Brain Pizza β€’ 662 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience Cognition Health Biology Philosophy
  1. The brain is not separate from the body; they work together in complex ways. Understanding how they interact can give us better insights into health and disease.
  2. Various bodily factors like gut health, muscle activity, and fat can influence how our brain functions. This shows the importance of considering the whole body when studying the brain.
  3. Topics like cancer cachexia and the gut-brain axis highlight specific connections between body signals and brain function, which can impact cognitive health.

This week: Bacteria anticipate the seasons! Placebos activate the same neurons as anesthesia! And don’t touch radio towers with hot dogs.

Niko McCarty β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 07 Sep 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Neuroscience Physics Mathematics Environmental Science
  1. Bacteria can sense changes in seasons and adapt to prepare for colder weather. This helps them survive better when temperatures drop.
  2. Placebos work by activating the same brain neurons as pain relief drugs like anesthesia. This shows how our mind can influence our body’s responses.
  3. A fun fact: touching a hot dog to a radio tower can turn it into a speaker. Just a quirky reminder to be careful with food and electronics!

Weekly Dose of Optimism #126

Not Boring by Packy McCormick β€’ 106 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 25
πŸ”¬ Science Biotechnology Neuroscience AI Energy Genomics Cell Biology
  1. Sana Biotechnology has made a huge step by transplanting insulin-producing cells for diabetes patients without needing drugs to suppress the immune system. This could change diabetes treatment for the better.
  2. Recent research shows that even non-brain cells can have memory-like processes, suggesting that memory might not be exclusive to the brain. This could lead to new ways of treating diseases by training our body's cells.
  3. A new AI model called METAGENE-1 can analyze wastewater to detect pathogens and monitor health risks. This technology could help us better prepare for pandemics in the future.

Dancing proves the #1 treatment for depression; gender and Shakespeare; single men want children more than women now

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 6437 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Mental health Neuroscience Warfare Technology
  1. Dancing is considered the number one treatment for depression.
  2. An over-intellectualized advice column is being hosted, encouraging engaging submissions on various topics.
  3. War spurs technological advancements in military weaponry, like the use of small drones in combat.

Lit mag Guernica implodes, LLMs beat neuroscientists, CS vs. Philosophy deathmatch, AI pollution reaches science

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 4805 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ”¬ Science AI Neuroscience Ethics Language Models
  1. AI data pollution in science is a concerning issue, with examples of common AI stock phrases being used in scientific literature without real contribution.
  2. AI language models outperformed human neuroscientists in predicting future neuroscientific results, raising questions on the importance of understanding linguistic modifications versus actual predictions.
  3. Literary magazine Guernica faced backlash after a controversial essay led to writers withdrawing pieces, staff resigning, and social media condemnation, stressing the importance of careful reading and understanding context.

What aphantasia can teach us about episodic memory

The Memory Palace β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 03 Sep 24
πŸ”¬ Science Cognitive Science Neuroscience Psychology Memory Philosophy
  1. Aphantasia is a condition where people can't create mental images, making it hard for them to recall personal memories. They might not feel like they're reliving past events like others do.
  2. Research shows that people with aphantasia can still remember facts and details, but they use different strategies. They rely more on their understanding and experiences rather than visualizing things.
  3. Aphantasia challenges our notion of memory. It suggests that memory isn't just about visual details; it includes feelings and experiences too, which can be important for how we recall our past.

This is Your Brain on Menopause

Ladyparts β€’ 798 implied HN points β€’ 17 Mar 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Menopause Neuroscience Women's Health Brain Research
  1. Menopause impacts not just the reproductive system but also the brain, leading to various neurological symptoms like hot flashes, memory lapses, and depression.
  2. Understanding how menopause affects the brain empowers women to navigate this phase of life confidently and with resilience.
  3. Dr. Lisa Mosconi's research highlights the importance of studying the impact of menopause on brain health to provide valuable insights for women's well-being.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #123

Not Boring by Packy McCormick β€’ 116 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Neuroscience Defense Energy Weather
  1. E11 Bio is using a creative way to map the brain by injecting viruses that label neurons. This could help us understand the brain better and develop new treatments for neurological issues.
  2. A new study shows deep brain stimulation can help restore walking in people with spinal cord injuries. This method could lead to better recovery options for those with movement difficulties.
  3. Meta is looking to use nuclear energy to power its operations. This move shows a commitment to sustainable energy and could set a trend for other tech companies to follow.

Some interesting reads for February 2024

Brain Pizza β€’ 1258 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Neuroscience Long Covid Brain Activity Brain health
  1. Chernobyl's mutant wolves have developed resistance to cancer, showcasing altered immune systems and genetic resilience.
  2. Long COVID can lead to cognitive impairments, such as attentional deficits and cognitive slowing, persisting over months.
  3. Horizontal leaderless organizations may struggle in enacting change effectively, necessitating a theory of change and hard work for success.

Lesser Gods: AI Creativity, Neuroscience and the Future of Work

rebelwisdom β€’ 1277 implied HN points β€’ 18 May 23
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Neuroscience Future of work Creativity Artificial Intelligence
  1. Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and poses a threat to jobs in various professions.
  2. Creativity is a complex process that involves combining elements and requires a human understanding of meaning.
  3. While AI can mimic creativity, true creativity is a deeper, more nuanced connection to reality that goes beyond mere replication.

Monday Links

Niko McCarty β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 27 May 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biotechnology Neuroscience Environmental Science Cell Biology Genetics
  1. Scientists can now deliver single molecules into living cells using special tools called nanopipettes. This could help in studying cell functions more precisely.
  2. Neuralink is facing problems with its brain chip as most of the threads inserted in the first human are not working. They plan to implant another chip in another person soon.
  3. Greenpeace is blocking the planting of Golden Rice, which is modified to help prevent vitamin A deficiency. This decision may change as the Philippine government intends to challenge it.

Eve Theory of Consciousness (v2)

Vectors of Mind β€’ 825 implied HN points β€’ 10 May 23
πŸ”¬ Science Human Evolution Psychology Genetics Cultural anthropology Neuroscience
  1. Women may have evolved recursion before men, based on prehistoric myths and societal structures.
  2. The downsides and challenges of recursion may have led to unique pathways for human development.
  3. Gendered differences in genetic, cognitive, and cultural factors could have influenced the evolution of self-awareness and recursion in humans.

Belief exhaustion (part one)

Brain Pizza β€’ 728 implied HN points β€’ 05 Mar 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Ideologies Psychology Neuroscience Crisis
  1. Belief exhaustion is the emotional and psychological toll on individuals rigidly adhering to extreme beliefs, resulting in mental and emotional fatigue.
  2. Some people experience belief exhaustion and end up giving up their convictions due to the demanding nature of their beliefs.
  3. The collapse of political regimes sometimes shows the phenomenon of belief exhaustion, where individuals abandon their certainties leading to a rapid disintegration of shared reality.

474: Apple Cloud Gaming, Elon Musk vs Tesla & OpenAI, LVMH, Dialup Era, Batteries, Chip Smuggling, Neuralink + Humans, and Malaria Vaccine

Liberty’s Highlights β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Gaming AI Cryptocurrency Medical Neuroscience
  1. Reflect on past technological transitions to appreciate progress made and inspire future advancements
  2. Batteries are crucial for transitioning to clean energy but require significant investment and innovation
  3. Exciting developments in technology, from Apple allowing game streaming to Neuralink's brain implants

Analyze Brain Regions, not Neurons

John Ball inside AI β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jul 24
πŸ”¬ Science Neuroscience AI Cognitive Science Brain function Human behavior
  1. It's better to study brain regions rather than just neurons because brain regions are responsible for specific functions, and damage to these regions leads to predictable problems.
  2. AI development has focused too much on the workings of individual neurons instead of understanding how brain regions connect and work together as a system.
  3. Understanding meaning is crucial for AI to function like human brains, as language and thought come from the brain's ability to store and connect experiences.

Bacterial Xanax

Eat Shit and Prosper β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 19 Nov 23
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Mental health Neuroscience Pharmacology Gut Health
  1. The human brain has many neurotransmitters that affect how we feel, much like how different tastes shape our eating experience. Just as tasting food can change our mood, our brain's chemistry can influence our emotions.
  2. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax, were discovered to help with anxiety before scientists fully understood how they worked. They enhance the effects of a natural calming neurotransmitter called GABA, but researchers are still figuring out if our bodies have natural versions of these calming substances.
  3. Gut bacteria might play a role in anxiety by producing compounds that assist with brain function. If these helpful bacteria are reduced or absent, it could lead to anxiety disorders, suggesting that restoring these good bacteria could help some people.

A Bridging of Dimensions

α΄‹ΚŸα΄€α΅Ύs β€’ 628 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Mathematics Biology Neuroscience Consciousness
  1. Former government officials have revealed details about UFO crash retrieval programs involving non-human intelligence and advanced materials.
  2. The use of topological materials in UFO technology could explain exotic properties, like strange isotopes and materials able to deform into higher dimensions.
  3. Connections between the human brain's multi-dimensional functions and UFO phenomena could suggest a link between consciousness and unexplained aerial phenomena.

Introducing Deep Symbolics

John Ball inside AI β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Artificial Intelligence Cognitive Science Machine Learning Neuroscience Computer Science
  1. Deep Symbolics (DS) aims to improve upon Deep Learning (DL) by incorporating how brains work, especially in understanding and using symbols rather than just statistics. This is important for developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
  2. Unlike traditional DL systems that learn in a single training run, Deep Symbolics can continuously learn and adapt, similar to how humans pick up new knowledge and skills throughout life.
  3. Deep Symbolics focuses on creating a more brain-like model by using hierarchical and bidirectional patterns, which improves its ability to process language and resolve ambiguities better than current AI systems.