The hottest Research Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

Movers and Shakers: Bas Bloem

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 515 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Neurology Parkinson's Research Healthcare Optimism
  1. Bas Bloem wants to eliminate Parkinson's disease so he can make himself unemployed. He believes that it's possible to make significant advances in treating and understanding the condition.
  2. Environmental factors, especially pesticides, may play a major role in causing Parkinson's. Bas argues that banning harmful substances could help reduce the disease's prevalence.
  3. The healthcare system in the Netherlands is more efficient for Parkinson's treatment, with less waiting time for patients. They focus on teamwork among specialists to provide comprehensive care.

Francis Crick Was Misunderstood

Asimov Press • 161 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Molecular Biology Evolution Research
  1. The Central Dogma explains that information in cells flows mainly from DNA to RNA to proteins, but it's more complex than just that. It actually includes several other information transfers that many people don't realize.
  2. Francis Crick named his idea the Central Dogma, but it’s not an unchangeable belief; it's a scientific hypothesis based on evidence. Even though people often misunderstand it, he believed in testing ideas with experiments.
  3. Recent discoveries show that some processes in biology may seem to contradict the Central Dogma, but they don't actually break its rules. The essential point is that information can only flow from nucleic acids to proteins, never the other way around.

Building a phosphorescence detector

lcamtuf’s thing • 2040 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🔬 Science Physics Engineering Research Technology Materials
  1. There isn't much information available on natural phosphorescence, so creating a detector can help explore its presence in everyday items.
  2. The device design prioritizes speed and sensitivity to detect phosphorescence briefly brought out by UV light, using specific electronics like photodiodes and amplifiers.
  3. Experimenting with common household materials showed that some items, like powdered milk and natural ruby, exhibit weak phosphorescence, although many other items didn't show any notable glow.

On hype, and the unbearable banality of ChatGPT’s poetry

Marcus on AI • 4268 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Poetry Literature Critique Research
  1. A recent study claims that ChatGPT's poetry is similar to Shakespeare's, but it's important to be skeptical of such bold claims. Many experts believe the poetry is just a poor imitation, lacking genuine creativity.
  2. The critique of the AI poetry highlights that it often reads like the work of an unskilled poet who doesn't truly understand the style they're trying to emulate. This raises questions about the quality of AI-generated content.
  3. It's essential to approach AI-generated work with caution and to not get swayed by hype, as popular claims may not always reflect the true abilities of the technology.

The Influence of Bell Labs

Construction Physics • 40086 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Research Innovation Corporations Development Science
  1. Bell Labs was a great mix of academic and industrial research. Scientists could explore their ideas without worrying about making money right away.
  2. Many companies were inspired by Bell Labs to start their own research labs. They saw that basic research could lead to big breakthroughs, like the invention of the transistor.
  3. Over time, the research environment changed, and companies became less willing to fund long-term, unrestricted research like Bell Labs did. Now, research is often more closely tied to immediate business needs.
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AI makes scientists more productive and less happy

Philosophy bear • 171 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Productivity Innovation Science
  1. AI helps scientists work faster and discover more new materials, increasing their productivity significantly.
  2. However, many scientists feel less happy because they spend less time on creative idea generation, which they found enjoyable.
  3. The gap between top and bottom performers in science has widened, with skilled researchers benefiting more from AI, leading to concerns about inequality in the field.

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.

Edge 454: Meet Magentic-One, Microsoft's New Framework for Building Multi Agent Systems

TheSequence • 56 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Frameworks Systems Innovation Research
  1. Microsoft has introduced a new framework called Magentic-One for building multi-agent systems. It allows different AI agents to work together on tasks that can change or evolve.
  2. This framework is built upon another Microsoft technology called AutoGen, which helps agents collaborate effectively. It aims to manage tasks using information from the web and files from various fields.
  3. Magentic-One is part of a growing trend in AI where multi-agent systems are gaining popularity. This reflects the diverse and innovative landscape of AI development today.

Yes, scientific progress depends on like a thousand people

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9247 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🔬 Science Mentorship Innovation Research
  1. Scientific progress relies heavily on mentorship and connections within a large academic network. Many successful scientists come from the same elite lineage.
  2. Certain families of scientists are particularly influential, as seen with many Nobel Prize winners tracing back to a small number of academic mentors.
  3. While some critique the system as elitist, having a productive cultural substructure in science can be beneficial, and it's important to support this environment for future breakthroughs.

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.

Something weird is happening with LLMs and chess

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1515 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI LLMs Chess Gaming Research
  1. Large language models (LLMs) can somewhat play chess, but they struggle after the opening moves. They were not specifically designed for chess, yet they can manage to play using their text training.
  2. The performance of different language models varies significantly when playing chess. Some models like 'gpt-3.5-turbo-instruct' excel at it, while others perform very poorly.
  3. It seems that focusing on instruction tuning can make LLMs worse at chess, suggesting that training style impacts their ability to play games effectively.

Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Standard Model Physics

arg min • 456 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🔬 Science Physics Statistics Philosophy Research Collaboration
  1. The Higgs discovery shows how science relies on consensus rather than just statistics. It's all about how many scientists agree on something, and that's what really gives it weight.
  2. Complex governance structures are necessary in big science projects. These systems help teams work together and make important decisions about groundbreaking discoveries.
  3. Sometimes, playful writing can lead to misunderstandings. It's important to find the right balance between being engaging and being precise when discussing complex topics.

A use-theory of testing

arg min • 436 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🔬 Science Statistics Research Mathematics Data Analysis Theory
  1. Statistical tests are designed to help separate real signals from random noise. It's not just about understanding what they mean, but what they can do in practical situations.
  2. Many people misuse statistical tests, which can lead to misunderstandings about their purpose. Communities should establish clear guidelines on how to use these tests correctly.
  3. The main function of statistical tests is to regulate opinions and decisions in various fields like tech and medicine. They help ensure that important standards are met, rather than just preventing errors.

Flying Solo

Software Design: Tidy First? • 441 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Development Innovation Research
  1. Time is precious, and we should focus on spending it in meaningful ways. It's important to prioritize what truly matters in our lives.
  2. Stepping down from a role can be a way to reclaim your time and energy. Sometimes, less responsibility can lead to a more fulfilling life.
  3. Believing in a mission or team is important, but personal time and happiness should come first. Balancing passion with personal needs is key.

No human genes have truly 100% penetrance

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genetics Molecular Biology Health Bioethics Research
  1. No human genes have 100% penetrance, meaning not all who have a certain gene will show the related traits. This makes predicting health outcomes based on genetics challenging.
  2. Genetic diseases like Huntington's seem like they have high penetrance, but variability in symptoms and onset can make them unpredictable. It highlights the complexity of genetics beyond simple Mendelian traits.
  3. The body's systems, especially the immune system, add layers of complexity that affect how genes express themselves. This makes it really hard to guarantee that a specific gene will always result in the same outcome.

Weekly Top Picks #89

The Algorithmic Bridge • 159 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Data Research
  1. The report discusses the current state of Generative AI in businesses for 2024, highlighting its growth and use.
  2. Large language models (LLMs) mainly focus on approximate retrieval rather than deep reasoning, which affects their performance.
  3. Recent studies indicate that people often prefer AI-generated art and poetry over works created by humans.

The Bitter Religion: AI’s Holy War Over Scaling Laws

The Generalist • 920 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Computing Innovation Research Engineering
  1. The AI community is divided over whether achieving higher levels of computation will lead to better artificial intelligence or if there are limits to this approach. Some think more resources will keep helping AI grow, while others fear we might hit a ceiling.
  2. There’s a growing debate about the importance of scaling laws and whether they should continue to guide AI development. People are starting to question if sticking to these beliefs is the best path forward.
  3. If doubt begins to spread about scaling laws, it could impact investment and innovation in AI and related fields, causing changes in how companies approach building new technologies.

What causes 'bad days' for developers?

Engineering Enablement • 3 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Productivity Engineering Research Developer Experience
  1. Engineers often have bad days due to issues with their tools and systems. Problems like unreliable tools or slow processes can make it tough to work efficiently.
  2. Having a bad day can lower a developer's productivity and increase their stress. Both senior and junior developers feel these effects, but in different ways; seniors may get frustrated, while juniors often doubt their abilities.
  3. Research confirmed that issues causing bad days also slow down work processes. Measuring things like how long it takes to complete tasks showed that these problems really affect productivity.

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.

Last Week in AI #292 - Meta's AI Artifacts, Perplexity's billions, xAI API launch

Last Week in AI • 238 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Research Startups Innovation
  1. Meta's AI research team released eight new tools and models to help advance AI technology. This includes new language models and tools for faster processing.
  2. Perplexity AI is seeking a $9 billion valuation as it continues to grow in the AI search market, despite facing some plagiarism accusations from major media outlets.
  3. Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, launched an API for its generative AI model Grok, allowing developers to connect it with external tools like databases and search engines.

How To 'See' The World Like Daredevil

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Research Psychology Environment Technology
  1. Some recent science suggests that it's possible for people to see the world in a unique way, similar to characters like Daredevil. It hints at untapped human abilities that we might not even know we have.
  2. There is a fascinating tree in Utah called Pando, which is actually one single tree made up of many clones. It's estimated to be between 16,000 and 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
  3. It's important to focus on positive stories and support the art and media that inspire us. Finding and sharing things we love can help create a better world.

Experiments that never see the light of day

Briefly Bio • 19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🔬 Science Research Experiments Open Science Academic Publishing Discovery
  1. Many experiments go unpublished because they're too small or inconclusive. Even if they don't seem important, they really help build bigger discoveries.
  2. It's important for scientists to share these lesser-known experiments. Sharing can help the whole field of science progress faster.
  3. Open science encourages collaboration. Scientists and companies should talk to each other about new ways to share research.

Edge 453: Distillation Across Different Modalities

TheSequence • 28 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Data science Machine Learning Web Development Research
  1. Cross-modal distillation allows one model to teach another model that works with a different type of data. This means you can share knowledge even if the models are processing images, text, or something else entirely.
  2. This method can be really helpful when there's not much paired data available. It helps improve the learning process in situations where gathering data might be difficult.
  3. Hugging Face’s Gradio lets developers create AI applications for the web easily. It's a neat tool that helps bring AI to everyday use in a user-friendly way.

🌻 E46: Next-Gen Agent or a True Leap in AI Consciousness?

Musings on AI • 72 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Innovation Development Engineering
  1. AI agents are still developing but show promise for the near future. They're getting better at aligning with human values and being more useful.
  2. Stanford's new method using Information-Directed Sampling helps AI learn more efficiently while keeping human preferences in mind. It can adapt well in changing environments.
  3. As AI becomes more common, we might see a mix of human-friendly websites and those that cater directly to AI agents. This means both types of users can interact effectively.

The onward march of semaglutide and friends

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medication Addiction Diabetes Research Public Health
  1. New diabetes drugs, like GLP-1 agonists, may help reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids. This suggests they could be useful for treating substance use disorders.
  2. These medications were originally designed for weight loss and diabetes management, but they are showing potential in other areas of health.
  3. The findings from recent studies hint at a broader impact of these drugs, which could change how we approach treatment for various health conditions, not just diabetes.

Every Three Hours Is A Chance To Make A New World: Notes from the Oklo Reactor

Welcome to Garbagetown • 575 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🔬 Science Nuclear Technology Education Environment History Research
  1. Learning something new can spark excitement and a desire to share that knowledge with others. It's fun to dive into unexpected topics that capture our interest.
  2. Exploring the intersection of science and storytelling can reveal the beauty and power of both. Stories can make complex scientific ideas more relatable and engaging.
  3. Taking a break from politics and focusing on other subjects can be refreshing. There's a vast world of knowledge and wonder beyond political discussions.

Problems at Hindenburg Research

The Bear Cave • 1982 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Research Media Reporting
  1. Hindenburg Research has been accused of copying or closely mirroring reports made by The Bear Cave without giving credit. This includes similar wording and findings in their investigations.
  2. The Bear Cave has done extensive work on issues such as safety and child abuse on platforms like Roblox, which Hindenburg has also reported on without mentioning The Bear Cave's previous contributions.
  3. There are growing concerns about the ethics of Hindenburg's reporting practices, as many see it as taking credit for others' research without acknowledgment.

Weekly Top Picks #88

The Algorithmic Bridge • 148 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Trends Education Research Podcasts
  1. AI companies are facing tough challenges towards the end of 2024. They’re struggling to keep up with expectations and demands.
  2. A guide was shared on how to avoid relying too much on tools like ChatGPT for writing. It's good to think creatively and write on your own.
  3. Only a few AI models have been able to solve a small percentage of tough math benchmarks. This shows that there's still a long way to go in AI development.

The CAP Theorem of Clustering: Why Every Algorithm Must Sacrifice Something

Confessions of a Code Addict • 529 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Algorithms Data science Software Engineering Mathematics Research
  1. Clustering algorithms can never be perfect and always require trade-offs. You can't have everything, so you have to choose what matters most for your project.
  2. There are three key properties that clustering should ideally have: scale-invariance, richness, and consistency, but no algorithm can achieve all three simultaneously.
  3. Understanding these sacrifices helps in making better decisions when using clustering methods. Knowing what to prioritize can lead to more effective data analysis.

LLM links, 11/17

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Robotics Research
  1. AI agents are most helpful when they can repeat simple tasks many times, rather than doing complex, one-time jobs. It’s better to have them automate quick tasks consistently.
  2. Chatbots face serious challenges, especially when discussing sensitive topics like suicide. They should guide users to seek help but also create a safe conversation environment.
  3. There’s concern that new AI models may not improve in accuracy and could actually make mistakes more often. This suggests that AI will always struggle to tell the truth from lies.

The Topography of Thought Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Learning Cognition Creativity
  1. Your writing style can show how you think and might predict your success. It's not just about the words you use, but how you organize your ideas.
  2. Some people can express a lot of different ideas briefly, while others might take longer to get through them. This can affect how effectively they communicate their thoughts.
  3. Understanding how successful people manage their ideas can help us improve our own writing and storytelling skills. It’s useful to have data to back up what we believe about writing.

Neuroscience is pre-paradigmatic. Consciousness is why

The Intrinsic Perspective • 28015 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🔬 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.

Do red and processed meats cause cancer?

Unsettled Science • 840 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Nutrition Cancer Public Health Research Health Policy
  1. The World Health Organization says processed meats cause cancer, but only one type of cancer has been linked directly to them, which is colorectal cancer.
  2. The IARC's decision was based on a small number of studies, which raises questions about how strong the evidence really is.
  3. Many people reacted strongly to the news, fearing that all red meats are dangerous, but the evidence used may not support that broad conclusion.

AI Roundup 094: Pixtral et Le Chat

Artificial Ignorance • 46 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Policy Research Business
  1. Mistral AI launched a new model called Pixtral that is strong in handling different tasks while using fewer parameters than some big competitors. This showcases advancements in AI technology.
  2. Le Chat, Mistral's popular chatbot, is now comparable to ChatGPT, offering features like web search and image generation for free during its beta phase.
  3. The DOJ is pushing for changes in Google's AI partnerships due to antitrust concerns, which could affect how AI technology develops and is shared among companies.

How I Write Posts

Construction Physics • 21087 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Reading Editing Tools
  1. The author's writing process involves mainly two types of posts: explanation-driven and exploratory. They often write to understand complex topics themselves and then share their findings.
  2. Extensive research is a crucial part of the author's writing process. They gather information from a variety of sources like books, dissertations, and online resources.
  3. The author follows a structured approach starting from research, reading, and thinking, then moves on to compressing and structuring content, before finally drafting, editing, and posting their work.

New report: How altered states shape our minds

Monomythical • 53 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Meditation Psychedelics Self-Improvement Research
  1. The jhanas are meditation practices that can create strong, blissful experiences similar to psychedelics. Many people who try them report significant changes in their lives and well-being.
  2. There is still limited research on the jhanas, which makes studying their effects challenging. Most researchers have not yet focused on these practices, making it harder to find participants for studies.
  3. A new report highlights the experiences of people who attended jhana retreats, providing valuable insights. It aims to spark more questions and research into how these meditation states influence our minds.

The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon: DSM 666

Unsafe Science • 45 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🔬 Science Psychology Academia Sociology Research Bias
  1. The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon introduces new words to highlight biases and issues in psychology and academia. It aims to make these concepts clearer and more accessible.
  2. This resource shows how language can shape our understanding of societal problems. By using specific terms, it helps pinpoint dysfunctions within various fields.
  3. Overall, the Orwelexicon encourages critical thinking about psychology and social science. It invites people to reflect on how words influence perceptions and beliefs.

Declining trust in Zeus is a technology

Experimental History • 20553 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔬 Science Research History Technology Innovation Experts
  1. Randomized-controlled trials are a relatively recent method in the history of scientific evidence.
  2. Challenging old beliefs, such as trust in ancient gods like Zeus, can lead to important scientific advancements.
  3. There is a need for more transparency and accessibility in expert knowledge to earn public trust in institutions and experts.

First letters found in new scroll

Vesuvius Challenge • 58 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💾 History Ancient Archaeology Literature Culture Research
  1. A new scroll called PHerc. 172 has been discovered, and it was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius around 79 AD.
  2. Scientists are excited because they clearly see ink in the scroll for the first time, allowing them to start reading its Greek text.
  3. The team is looking for help to further analyze the scroll and unlock more of its content, as many words are already close to being readable.

News! & Longer Living Through Chemistry

Unsettled Science • 545 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🔬 Science Research Health Chemistry Lifestyle Wellness
  1. A new Substack newsletter is being launched due to challenges faced in a joint project. Leaving the previous newsletter was not an easy decision but necessary to move forward.
  2. There is a mention of an anti-aging pill in the news. It's important to think carefully about whether to take such a pill or not.
  3. The focus is on exploring longer life through chemistry. This suggests that science might hold keys to better health and longevity.