The hottest Neuroscience Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Dyslexia

Confidence Interval • 39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Neuroscience Genetics
  1. Dyslexia can be seen as a disability that requires support and accommodations, regardless of whether it is formally diagnosed.
  2. The concept of dyslexia as a medical condition with specific diagnosis criteria can impact the type of support individuals receive, potentially leading to advantages for some over others.
  3. The understanding of dyslexia involves studying brain structures and genetic influences, but it's important to acknowledge that the term 'dyslexia' can encompass a range of factors affecting reading ability.

Transhumanists vs. Mysterians on The Posthuman Condition

Extropic Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🔬 Science Technology Biology Philosophy Psychology Neuroscience
  1. The piece discusses the contrast between Transhumanists and Mysterians in their views on the Posthuman Condition.
  2. It highlights the error in labeling Extropians as 'posthumans' when they actually describe themselves as transhumanists.
  3. The essay stresses the importance of considering cultural and psychological consequences of changing human nature when discussing transhumanist ideas.

Naked Truth

In Bed With Social • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media Wearable Technology Neuroscience AI
  1. Social media has shifted from being truly social, leading to a digital reflection of our existence.
  2. Technology merging with wearables and biometric data is reshaping social networks to reflect our authentic selves.
  3. Anticipate wearable technologies to delve into our subconscious realms, leading to the rise of novel human data and frequencies.

Our friends shape our memory

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🔬 Science Psychology Cognition Memory Social Behavior Neuroscience
  1. Our memories are not like videos; we actually rebuild them each time we recall information. This means they can be easily influenced by others.
  2. People tend to remember things better when they are related to someone they trust or feel connected to. This makes our memories less reliable for those outside our social circles.
  3. Misinformation can spread easily because we are less accurate in recalling what people from other groups say or do. This makes us more susceptible to believing false claims about them.

Paper Summary: The Koha Code - A Biological Theory of Memory

Sigil • 19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🔬 Science Neuroscience Biology Memory Learning Cognition
  1. The Koha model proposes that dendritic spines are computational units that scan for specific temporal codes in the brain.
  2. Excitatory and inhibitory neurons can form neural circuits that use lateral inhibition to suppress other neurons.
  3. Dendritic spines change shape to amplify or dampen signals, encoding temporal patterns and competing to become the 'winning neuron'.
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Fundamental physics, new drug delivery & hair growth strategies

The Strategy Toolkit • 8 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🔬 Science Physics Neuroscience Technology Research
  1. Condensed matter physics has influenced the development of neural networks, showing that physics concepts can explain complex systems.
  2. John Hopfield created a model of neural networks that simplifies computation without focusing too much on biology.
  3. This model can remember information by using energy states, similar to how memories might work in real biological systems.

What's in a Name? [Tuesday News & Reviews]

Brain Blast • 3 HN points • 18 Jun 24
🔬 Science Neuroscience Mental health
  1. Elephants have been found to have 'names' for each other, implying a form of abstract representation and potentially more complex communication abilities than previously thought.
  2. A new potential PTSD treatment involves affect labeling where patients associate emotions with images, engaging brain circuits related to emotion regulation and inhibition.
  3. Engaging in affect labeling can help activate neural circuits that protect from extreme emotional responses and offer control over reactions to emotions, supporting mental health treatment efforts.

Consciousness

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Cognition Neuroscience Mindfulness Human experience
  1. Consciousness includes wakefulness, attention, and conscious access. These are key ideas that help us understand how we experience awareness.
  2. The author believes consciousness acts like a tool that helps us pick which thoughts to focus on. This means we can choose to think about positive things and let go of the negative ones.
  3. Studies about consciousness rely on people sharing their experiences. This means the subject is important, as they need to report when they are aware of something.

Pop Neuroscience Needs to Evolve

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
🔬 Science Neuroscience Evolution Critique
  1. Popular science writing, especially in neuroscience, can often oversimplify complex topics and lack rigor.
  2. Authors in the neuroscience field should strive for depth, nuance, and humility to better educate the intellectually curious public.
  3. Readers should seek out works that offer a sustained and balanced exploration of topics like human brain evolution.

Links for Autumn 2024

Telescopic Turnip • 2 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🔬 Science Biology Neuroscience History Technology Culture
  1. The Bat Bomb was a WWII plan to drop bats with tiny explosives over Japan, showing how unusual military tactics can be.
  2. Researchers can measure brain chemicals while people play decision-making games during awake surgeries for Parkinson's, revealing how our brains react to rewards.
  3. There are big bacteria called Aureispirae that latch onto smaller bacteria and suck out their insides, showing the strange interactions in nature.

In Hyperbolic Geometry, Two Parallel Lines Are Taken to Converge in One Direction and Diverge in the Other

Zero HP Lovecraft • 24 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🔬 Science Quantum physics Neuroscience Technology Cybernetics Philosophy
  1. In Hyperbolic Geometry, parallel lines converge in one direction and diverge in the other
  2. Birthright is a place with strict rules and restrictions, where modern technology like projecting is forbidden
  3. The story reveals a unique and dangerous portal gun rivalry that transcends time and reality

Thoughts From Inside the Intensity Machine

•ꪜꫀᥴꪻꪮ᥅ꫝꫀꪖ᥅ꪻ• • 2 HN points • 24 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Tech industry AI Product Management Neuroscience
  1. The tech industry has shifted towards perpetuating its generative model over genuine innovation, leading to a mechanization of value generation.
  2. Revolutionary technological change requires higher flexibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and reflexivity in research and product development, contrasting with the current 'move fast and break things' culture.
  3. Human agency involves deliberately changing conditions to create new problems, embracing novelty and deliberate decision-making to shape collective imaginary and make a positive impact.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 465

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🕹 Technology AI Data science Machine Learning Software Development Neuroscience
  1. AI writing assistants are helping indie authors write faster and come up with story ideas. Tools like Lex are changing how creatives approach their writing.
  2. Recent research shows that parts of the brain, like the hippocampus, work similarly to AI models known as transformers. This discovery helps us understand both artificial intelligence and human memory.
  3. The State of AI Report 2022 reviews important trends in AI, including technology breakthroughs, commercial applications, and safety concerns. It provides valuable insights for both researchers and industry leaders.

Tales from Both Sides of the Brain: A Life in Neuroscience

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jul 21
🔬 Science Neuroscience Memoir
  1. The memoir 'Tales from Both Sides of the Brain: A Life in Neuroscience' by Michael Gazzaniga discusses his personal and professional journey in cognitive neuroscience, focusing on his work with split-brain patients.
  2. Split-brain patients are individuals who have undergone a procedure that severs the corpus callosum, leading to unique insights into brain function and consciousness.
  3. The memoir provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of cognitive neuroscience and the complexities of the human brain.

Brains, Mammals, and the Brains of Mammals

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🔬 Science Evolution Anatomy Biology Neuroscience Genetics
  1. Our ancestors were successful in evolution, leading to our existence today. Every single one of us is part of a long line of evolutionary success.
  2. Mammals have evolved unique traits such as mammary glands, four-chambered hearts, and specialized teeth, making them distinct from other species.
  3. The mammalian brain has evolved to be large, well-connected, and specialized, with a balance between autonomy and integration, as shown in the structures like the forebrain and the corpus callosum.

EEGs: What Can They Do?

Rough Diamonds • 3 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🔬 Science Neuroscience Psychiatry Neurotech
  1. EEGs measure brain activity by recording fluctuations in electrical signals.
  2. Different brain wave frequencies on EEGs correspond to different mental states like sleep, relaxation, alertness, and conscious perception.
  3. Consumer-grade EEG devices are noisier than clinical ones but can still provide useful insights into brain activity, especially for applications like monitoring drowsiness or stress.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 380

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Data science Machine Learning Neuroscience Data Privacy Artificial Intelligence
  1. Managing up is about sharing important facts with your manager to improve teamwork. It helps them understand what's slowing you down and what support you need.
  2. Data discovery platforms are evolving from traditional data catalogs, focusing on better ways to understand data context. This helps users find and utilize data more effectively.
  3. Generative adversarial transformers are a new kind of model that can produce high-quality visuals while being more efficient in computation. They could enhance creativity in visual content creation.

044: Nutrition in Neuroscience Part 4

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 19
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Neuroscience Sleep Mental health
  1. Basal ganglia plays a crucial role in decision-making by controlling the investment of energy based on perceived value signaled by dopamine.
  2. Understanding the autonomic nervous system is important for managing stress responses and bodily functions like digestion and sexual health.
  3. Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting mental health, making it easier to maintain a healthy mindset alongside cognitive work.

041: Nutrition in Neuroscience Part 1

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jan 19
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Neuroscience Brain health
  1. Nutrition significantly impacts brain health, mental and emotional well-being, senses, and motor functions.
  2. Neurons in the nervous system are key cells, supported by glial cells, and require nutrients like creatine, glucose, sodium, potassium, and cholesterol for optimal function.
  3. Calcium acts as a crucial second messenger in the nervous system, requiring ATP energy to maintain low cytosolic levels, highlighting the importance of dietary calcium and energy metabolism for brain health.

AI to Interpret Your Mind

Reasons to Be Optimistic • 4 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🔬 Science Neuroscience Imaging Machine Learning Research Brain Activity
  1. Machine learning models can interpret human thoughts from brain scans, reconstructing images seen by individuals.
  2. Historical developments in noninvasive brain imaging, like MRI and fMRI, have paved the way for advancements in understanding the human brain.
  3. Recent progress in brain image reconstruction using technologies like transformers and diffusion models show promising potential for capturing and reconstructing multi-frame thoughts and experiences from brain scans.

Noninvasive Brain Activity Imaging

Rough Diamonds • 2 HN points • 05 Jan 24
🔬 Science Medical Devices Neuroscience
  1. Noninvasive brain activity imaging allows for measuring and mapping brain activity without surgery or bulky machines.
  2. Different imaging modalities like fNIRS, functional ultrasound, and portable MEG offer varying levels of convenience, spatial resolution, and depth of brain activity detection.
  3. Innovations like functional ultrasound and OPM-MEG show promise in providing noninvasive and portable options for measuring brain activity.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 349

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jul 20
🕹 Technology Data science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Neuroscience Deep Learning
  1. Deep learning has important ideas that have been around for a while. If you're new to it, learning these basics can really help you understand current research.
  2. GPT-3 is creating a lot of buzz, and it's important to think critically about the hype. Understanding the difference between hype and reality helps us navigate new technologies better.
  3. Evaluating machine learning models is similar to testing software. New methods can help us better assess how well these models work, which is key to making them reliable.

Space is a sensory-motor sequence in the hippocampus

Artificial General Ideas • 1 implied HN point • 12 Aug 24
🔬 Science Neuroscience Cognitive Science Psychology Biology Artificial Intelligence
  1. The hippocampus may not just represent physical space but instead processes space as a sequence of sensory and motor experiences. This means how we perceive space comes from our interactions, not just where we are.
  2. Place cells in the brain react to specific sequences of observations rather than directly to locations themselves. This explains why experiences in different environments can create similar neural responses.
  3. New models, like causal graphs, allow for better understanding and planning in navigational tasks. They can adapt to new environments quickly by using learned sequences without needing to rely on exact spatial representations.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 328

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 05 Mar 20
🕹 Technology Data science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Neuroscience Natural Language Processing
  1. The brain is not like a computer. Many scientists believe we might be misunderstanding how our brains work by using this comparison.
  2. BERT models are widely used in language processing, but we still need to learn more about how they really function.
  3. Understanding machine learning doesn't have to be complicated. There are resources that explain it in simple terms with practical examples for everyone.

Vocabulary, granularity, & terministic screens | LSW#46

The Leading Sapiens Weekly • 1 HN point • 08 Mar 24
🚌 Education Language Neuroscience Cultural Change Learning Techniques Interpretation
  1. Understanding problems as conditions of the game can help navigate workplace challenges more effectively.
  2. Immersion in challenges rather than resistance can enhance performance and freedom in various domains.
  3. Having a rich vocabulary and nuanced understanding can lead to better predictions and responses, benefiting overall effectiveness.

043: Nutrition in Neuroscience Part 3

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 19
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Neuroscience Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Nutrition has a significant impact on mental and emotional health, the function of the senses, and control over body movements.
  2. Certain nutrients like vitamin A play crucial roles in preventing conditions like night blindness and setting circadian rhythms.
  3. Understanding the connection between nutrition and neuroscience can help manage pain, sensitivities, and overall physiological well-being.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 264

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 13 Dec 18
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Data science Neuroscience Computer Science
  1. Understanding how biological intelligence works can help us create better AI. It’s all about connecting different fields like neuroscience and psychology.
  2. Laughter in the workplace can boost team success. Measuring laughter might actually help improve innovation in projects.
  3. New methods in AI allow for training models while keeping data private. This could make using sensitive information like medical records safer.

Two Brains, One Team: System 1 and System 2

FutureIQ • 1 implied HN point • 20 Mar 23
🔬 Science Neuroscience Psychology Behavior Cognition Learning
  1. We have two brains: a lizard brain that controls instincts and emotions, and a rational human brain for logical thinking.
  2. System 1 (fast, automatic, emotional) and System 2 (slow, logical) take turns solving tasks based on complexity and time constraints.
  3. System 1 and System 2 work best when they collaborate like a driver and a navigator, each having their roles.

The Neuroscience of Meditation

About to Learn • 0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Neuroscience Self-awareness
  1. Meditation can lead to better attention and emotion regulation by changing the brain's structure.
  2. There is potential for increased self-awareness through mindfulness meditation, though more research is needed to confirm this.
  3. Studies show that mindfulness meditation can significantly help with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and sleep disorders.