The hottest Patents Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Countable Labs

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🔬 Science Patents
  1. Countable Labs is building a novel PCR instrument that acts like digital PCR but runs inside a single tube.
  2. Their method seems to isolate individual molecules in a gel, amplify them, and image the fluorescence directly in the tube to enable multiplexed detection.
  3. Public details are limited, so people are looking through patents to understand the technical specifics.

Innovation Job Market Papers 2025 (1/2)

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. How firms are organized and how markets are structured strongly shape what and where innovation happens: design choices, mergers, venture funding, ownership patterns, and hiring networks all change firms’ incentives and their ability to innovate.
  2. Policies and external forces steer innovation incentives and diffusion: trade exposure, intellectual property rules, PhD programs, regulation of acquisitions, and shocks like extreme heat shape both the quantity and direction of technological change.
  3. Knowledge dynamics—recombination, spillovers, and evaluation—drive growth but create frictions: combining existing ideas fuels much innovation, spillovers make private returns fall short of social returns, and testability or weak exit markets can limit which ideas and startups capture value.

NanoDx

ASeq Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. Nano Diagnostics started around 2010 as Biodirection and originally pursued a nanowire-based approach aimed at point-of-care concussion detection.
  2. Improved biomarkers and competitors like Abbott now offer fast immunoassay TBI tests (cleared in 2023), making the concussion diagnostics market tougher for NanoDx.
  3. Recent patents and company signals suggest NanoDx has moved away from its original nanowire focus and is emphasizing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics, reflecting a broader industry shift away from nanowire approaches.

Acorn Genetics - Working Solid State Nanopores "Right Now"?

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. Acorn Genetics says it is building solid-state nanopore DNA sequencing technology.
  2. Solid-state nanopore sequencing has been extremely hard historically, with no clear proof-of-concept despite decades of work and hundreds of millions spent.
  3. The company raised about $2M to build an alpha and has roadmap timing for a beta around now, but the small funding and the field’s challenges make the timeline and prospects uncertain.

Kremer Patent Auctions

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
đź’° Finance Patents
  1. Patents are meant to reward inventors, but they can lead to inefficiencies and high drug prices. Finding a balance is important to encourage innovation while ensuring access.
  2. Kremer's idea of patent auctions could help by allowing the government to buy patents, making drugs cheaper and more available to everyone while still fairly compensating inventors.
  3. Collusion among companies can be a concern in patent auctions, but even with this risk, the potential benefits of better research funding could outweigh the drawbacks of higher prices from collusion.
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Oxford Nanopore P2 Support Extended, Remembering the SmidgION

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. Oxford Nanopore faced major customer backlash after announcing the P2 Solo withdrawal, and they extended support to 2030 by about 1.5 years.
  2. The way the P2 issue was handled risks eroding customer trust, and the incoming CEO will likely need to address that damage.
  3. Patent digging turned up evidence suggesting the SmidgION — a previously missing nanopore product — may exist or be in development.

DynaPore

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. DynaPore has a new sensor concept that embeds conformation effect transistor (CET) channel proteins in insulating membranes; when a target molecule binds the channel opens and instantly changes the electrical current, producing a measurable signal on a portable device.
  2. The CET platform can be customized with specific binding modules like antibodies to detect a wide variety of biomarkers or pathogens, drawing inspiration from how natural smell systems work.
  3. The company is a Max Planck Institute spinout that filed a patent with a May 2024 priority date and appears to be actively hiring.

Age of Invention: Unsung Materials

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 1072 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
đź’ľ History Patents
  1. The history of various industries from the period 1550-1650 is often overlooked.
  2. There were significant advancements in industries like iron, stockings and silk, saltpetre, glass, brass, and manure during this time.
  3. Exploring the development of these industries can provide insights into key historical innovations and societal changes.

Daisy Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. They rebranded from Armonica to Daisy Genomics and recently raised about $2.5M.
  2. That amount is modest for single-molecule sensing work, but in the current funding climate any raise is a positive sign.
  3. Patents and company direction indicate a shift away from tortuous nanopore approaches toward nano-channel sequencing devices.

Linaxin! Yet Another Nanopore Company

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. Linaxin is a Chinese company working on solid‑state nanopore sequencing and was newly identified as another player in the nanopore space.
  2. There are very few active solid‑state nanopore companies — some earlier startups like Genvida and RH Genetech appear inactive, leaving only a small handful of contenders.
  3. Public info about Linaxin is limited, but patent filings assigned to Suzhou Lina Core Biotechnology Co Ltd and Nantong University Technology Transfer Center show nanopore‑related inventions, suggesting active IP work.

Stream Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. Stream Genomics is developing a DNA sequencing platform that uses a new sensor technology called temporal contrast pixel arrays, which sends data only when pixel values change. This can reduce the amount of data generated during sequencing.
  2. The patent mentions using a single molecule sequencing approach that is similar to existing technologies, but the effectiveness may depend on how well the new sensor technology is designed and manufactured.
  3. While the goal is to make sequencing more efficient and less data-intensive, there are concerns about the high costs of developing a custom sensor, which might make it hard to scale production.

Abrus Bio, Inc.

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🔬 Science Patents
  1. Abrus Bio is working on technology involving DNA sequencing for analysis. This means they are using DNA to read information, similar to what other companies are doing.
  2. There is a discussion happening in an online community about Abrus Bio, showing that there is interest and curiosity in their work.
  3. The author is researching patents related to Abrus Bio to understand more about their technology and innovations. This shows the importance of looking into legal documents to learn about new developments.

Those 10X Patents

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. 10X Genomics has been involved in several lawsuits related to their patents in the spatial space, with most patents set to expire around April 2031.
  2. There is one patent that expires in 2036, which seems to be focused on imaging systems.
  3. If 10X Genomics continues to enforce their patents effectively, they could maintain dominance in the spatial market for the next 7 years.

Synthesis - Switchback Systems, Inc.

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🔬 Science Patents
  1. Switchback Systems appears to own some interesting technology but isn't using it in the expected way. Instead of focusing on protein sequencing, they're exploring a new method for synthesis.
  2. There's some confusion about the direction of Switchback Systems because they don't seem to align with the typical work associated with their intellectual property.
  3. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding how companies adapt their technologies and where they might lead in the future.

454.Bio And Reticula

ASeq Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🔬 Science Patents
  1. Bio is working on a cheap and simple DNA sequencing platform
  2. Bio and Reticula both use evanescent fields to remove labels near the surface for sequencing
  3. Reticula has been ahead in the technology but patents might expire soon

Why Does Cluster Generation Take 5HOURS!?

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🔬 Science Patents
  1. Cluster generation time by Illumina seems to be increasing across various instruments.
  2. Illumina aims to increase cluster template density for smaller clusters and reduced imaging time.
  3. Various patents suggest methods used by Illumina to boost primer density and template density in clusters.

10X Chromium Chip Patents

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. The patents confirm findings from previous teardown and documentation processes.
  2. Negative pressure control is explained by the original location of output wells.
  3. Monitoring pressure carefully is crucial to avoid catastrophic blockages in the system.

NanoString Is Dead

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Patents
  1. NanoString faced financial troubles and declared bankruptcy.
  2. 10X Genomics won a lawsuit against NanoString, impacting their sales and potential for growth.
  3. NanoString's product nCounter platform had limitations and did not bring significant success, leading to their downfall.

Apple Secrets: A Glimpse Into Silicon Valley’s Most Exclusive Roadmap

The New Internet by Jeff Morris Jr. • 4 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. Apple is looking to upgrade the Apple Watch with smart fabric bands that can track health metrics like blood pressure and ECG readings. This could change how we monitor our health with wearable tech.
  2. A new patent suggests Apple is considering a modular iPhone design, allowing users to swap out components like batteries or cameras. This would make phones more customizable and easier to repair.
  3. Apple is working on enhancing Siri with advanced AI to have more natural conversations. This could improve how people interact with their devices and compete with other smart assistants.

Why Are We Screwing Over Researchers Who Make Innovative Discoveries?

The Good Science Project • 3 HN points • 27 Feb 24
🔬 Science Patents
  1. Current federal law grants universities patent rights over discoveries made with federal funding, hindering researchers' control over their work.
  2. The case of Katalin KarikĂł highlights how universities may profit substantially from researchers' work despite mistreatment and lack of support.
  3. Empirical evidence suggests that granting professors control over patenting their discoveries, rather than universities, is likely to boost innovation and entrepreneurship.

Who Wouldn't Enjoy Torturing Lawyers?

Life Since the Baby Boom • 3 HN points • 05 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Patents
  1. Google had a unique approach to interviewing potential employees, focusing on problem-solving and thinking on one's feet.
  2. The author shares their experience of transitioning from an engineer to a technical advisor in patent litigation, emphasizing the importance of creative thinking in legal roles.
  3. Interview questions for patent lawyers and patent acquisition specialists were tailored to test their ability to analyze, think critically, and make decisions under pressure.

Whatever Happened to The Internet of Things?

I'll Keep This Short • 3 HN points • 05 Jun 23
đź•ą Technology Patents
  1. The Internet of Things has been difficult to define in terms of success due to its varied meanings over time.
  2. Using prediction markets can help provide a more objective way to discuss and analyze topics like the Internet of Things.
  3. IoT has become commonplace and less of a marketing trend, with its search volume remaining relatively stable but showing potential for future growth.