The hottest Research Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Government Science and the Prestige Economy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1219 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🔬 Science Research Policy Innovation Economics History
  1. Government funding for science is important because there are some types of research that private companies won't invest in, even though they can benefit society. Basic research is valuable, even if it doesn't have immediate economic benefits.
  2. The idea of crowding out suggests that government funding may take talent away from private companies, but research shows that government support often leads to more innovation in the private sector as well.
  3. Prestige economies, which reward knowledge and research, can motivate scientists to do valuable work even if it doesn't yield direct financial gains. This is different from private sector jobs where profit is the main goal.

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.

Three Dumb Studies for your consideration

Experimental History • 19828 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🔬 Science Experiments Research Psychology Behavior Education
  1. Short and low-cost experiments can still provide interesting insights. Even simple studies can teach us something new.
  2. People often have unexpected reactions to pain and discomfort, like some even enjoy putting their hands in ice water. This shows that experiences can be more subjective than we think.
  3. Our preferences for things like sugar and salt are complex. People hesitate to eat them in pure forms due to social norms or taste expectations, indicating our relationship with these substances is nuanced.

A new generation of AIs: Claude 3.7 and Grok 3

One Useful Thing • 1968 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Research
  1. New AI models like Claude 3.7 and Grok 3 are much smarter and can handle complex tasks better than before. They can even do coding through simple conversations, which makes them feel more like partners for ideas.
  2. These AIs are trained using a lot of computing power, which helps them improve quickly. The more power they use, the smarter they get, which means they’re constantly evolving to perform better.
  3. As AI becomes more capable, organizations need to rethink how they use it. Instead of just automating simple tasks, they should explore new possibilities and ways AI can enhance their work and decision-making.

The Sequence Research #663: The Illusion of Thinking, Inside the Most Controversial AI Paper of Recent Weeks

TheSequence • 105 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Innovation Computing Data science
  1. Large Reasoning Models (LRMs) can show improved performance by simulating thinking steps, but their ability to truly reason is questioned.
  2. Current tests for LLMs often miss the mark because they can have flaws like data contamination, not really measuring how well the models think.
  3. New puzzle environments are being introduced to better evaluate these models by challenging them in a structured way while keeping the logic clear.
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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.

The first RCT for GLP-1 drugs and alcoholism isn't what we hoped

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1109 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Addiction Medications Clinical Trials Public Health Research
  1. GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide help with diabetes and obesity, but new research shows they might not be effective for alcohol addiction as previously thought. The first clinical trial results were disappointing.
  2. The trial had only 48 participants and mixed results, with no clear evidence that semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption. Some data suggested it might help in a lab setting, but overall findings were weak.
  3. Despite the poor results, there are still many personal stories claiming these drugs help with addiction. More research is needed, as the search for effective treatments for addiction continues.

Deep Into the Depths

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 339 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Innovation Computer Science
  1. AI tools have started using the term 'deep' to suggest they dig into more complex information, but this may often not be the case. Many still just skim the surface instead of really exploring.
  2. While AI is getting better at research by gathering information quickly, true deep research requires more human-like exploration and understanding. It's about going beyond just looking up facts.
  3. Don't be fooled by the hype around AI's 'deep research' capabilities. They are useful, but they aren't as profound or groundbreaking as some might claim.

Prompting is Managing

Breaking Smart • 125 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Management Education Cognition Research
  1. Using AI tools like chatbots is similar to managing interns. It's not about doing the work yourself but overseeing the process.
  2. Focusing on sameness in writing can help maintain quality, but it may also limit creativity. Good management knows when to stick to the rules and when to encourage originality.
  3. We need to change how we teach writing and management skills for the AI era. It’s important to build skills for overseeing new technologies rather than just avoiding them.

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.

The Sequence Engineering #661: Create Your Own Deep Research Agent with DeerFlow

TheSequence • 119 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software AI Automation Research Development
  1. DeerFlow is an open-source tool that helps automate research tasks. It uses multiple agents to make research faster and easier.
  2. The framework can do many tasks, like searching the web and creating reports, with little help from people. This makes it very efficient.
  3. It's designed for developers and engineers who want to build research systems that can grow and adapt easily.

Sex in Biology Signature Campaign

Heterodox STEM • 156 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Ecology Genetics Research
  1. Some biology societies have stated that sex is not simply male or female, which has caused confusion.
  2. A group of biologists has written a letter saying that sex should actually be defined by gamete type, meaning there are two sexes.
  3. They are asking other biologists to sign this letter to support their view and clarify the definition of sex.

How Anthropic Builds Claude’s Personality

Big Technology • 2877 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Chatbots Ethics Research Innovation
  1. Anthropic builds its chatbot, Claude, to have a personality similar to a friendly traveler. This means it tries to be open and adaptable when talking to different people.
  2. Instead of strict rules, Claude's behavior is based on a set of qualities, like kindness and wit, that should naturally show in all its conversations.
  3. The chatbot's personality is fine-tuned after training by using examples of what good conversation looks like, guiding it to respond in ways that reflect the desired traits.

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.

Claude Plays Pokémon

Teaching computers how to talk • 62 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Gaming Research Metrics Innovation
  1. AI playing games like Pokémon can show us how smart it really is. It might be better than other tests because games need quick thinking and problem solving.
  2. Recent projects like Claude playing Pokémon on Twitch highlight how slow and confused current AI can be. It took Claude a long time to beat just one part of the game.
  3. Today's AI tests often focus on math or coding, but playing games might give a clearer picture of intelligence. We should use games to see if AI can think and adapt like humans do.

Biotech

ChinaTalk • 681 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Biotech Pharmaceuticals Innovation Health Research
  1. China's biotech industry has transformed from copying foreign drugs to developing innovative medications that compete globally. This shift shows that they are now making significant progress in drug discovery.
  2. Companies like BeiGene and Legend Biotech have successfully created cancer therapies that are approved internationally, demonstrating China's growing capability in biopharmaceuticals and bringing new options to cancer patients worldwide.
  3. New drugs from Chinese companies like Akeso are showing promise in clinical trials, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer treatment. This trend attracts global attention and investments, signaling a bright future for China's biotech sector.

Evo 2 Can Design Entire Genomes

Asimov Press • 490 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Biotechnology Genomics Computing Research
  1. Evo 2 is a powerful AI model that can design entire genomes and predict harmful genetic mutations quickly. It can help scientists understand genetics better and improve genetic engineering.
  2. Unlike earlier models, Evo 2 can analyze large genetic sequences and understand their relationships, making it easier to see how genes interact in living organisms.
  3. While Evo 2 offers exciting possibilities for bioengineering, there are also concerns about its potential misuse. It's important to handle such powerful technology responsibly to avoid harmful applications.

Huawei Founder on US v China and Basic Research

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Research Innovation Policy Economics Development
  1. Basic research is crucial for long-term success. Without it, countries can't make significant advancements and keep up with other leading nations.
  2. There are many challenges in the tech industry, but rather than focusing on the negative, it's important to keep moving forward and adapt. China is making progress through collaboration among its numerous chip companies.
  3. Support for theoretical scientists and researchers is essential. Their work, though often misunderstood and slow to show results, is key to the future development and innovation of the country.

The End of Search, The Beginning of Research

One Useful Thing • 2047 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Software Innovation Automation
  1. New AI Reasoners can think better and solve tougher problems by producing thinking steps before answering. This makes them more effective than earlier chatbots.
  2. AI agents are being developed to autonomously pursue goals, but they currently face limitations when tackling complex tasks. They show promise with narrow, task-specific applications.
  3. OpenAI's Deep Research represents how specialized AI can work like a human researcher by engaging deeply with academic topics, paving the way for significant advancements in research efficiency.

NIH Dissolving Pricey Infectious Disease Centers as Scripps’ Kristian Andersen Prepares to Flee the US for Norway

The DisInformation Chronicle • 590 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Research Pandemic response Government funding
  1. The NIH is shutting down its expensive Infectious Disease Centers, which were started to handle emerging diseases. This move means that some funded researchers might lose their grants.
  2. Kristian Andersen, a researcher involved in the controversial 'Proximal Origin' paper, is leaving the US to take a position at the University of Oslo. His past work has sparked serious scrutiny about its ties to grant funding.
  3. There are ongoing investigations into whether Andersen misled intelligence agencies regarding the origins of COVID-19. This has raised concerns about academic integrity and accountability.

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.

Open Thread 382

Astral Codex Ten • 1170 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Startups Research
  1. There are meetups happening this week in Oxford, Shanghai, and Austin where people can connect and share ideas.
  2. A few fellowships are available for those interested in AI safety and reasoning, with opportunities to work and collaborate in the Bay Area.
  3. Grants are being offered for projects that explore how AI can support open inquiry, encouraging creative and innovative approaches.

Can donors save science?

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🚌 Education Philanthropy Science Technology Policy Research
  1. Renaissance Philanthropy aims to change how funding works by acting like an investment fund, helping donors target specific goals without the heavy lifting of managing projects themselves.
  2. The organization identifies key areas in science and tech where philanthropic funding can make a real impact, especially at a time when government support is shrinking.
  3. A new model of philanthropy can encourage more donors to get involved by picking clear objectives and making the process less daunting, ultimately leading to more effective giving.

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.

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.

AI-Designed Enzymes

Asimov Press • 457 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Chemistry AI Research Engineering
  1. Researchers are now able to design complex enzymes from scratch using AI. This new ability could help create custom enzymes for various chemical reactions.
  2. The process of designing these enzymes is not easy, as they need to change shape during reactions. Scientists have developed methods to improve their ability to predict how these enzymes will work.
  3. Even though the newly designed enzymes are not as fast as natural ones yet, this work is a big step toward making more effective enzymes for scientific and industrial purposes.

☀ The Doomsday Clock needs a pro-progress switch to the Genesis Clock

Faster, Please! • 1370 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Innovation Automation Research
  1. The Doomsday Clock is getting closer to midnight, signaling the world's increasing dangers like nuclear threats and climate change. We need a new way to measure progress, like the Genesis Clock, which focuses on humanity's advancements.
  2. The Genesis Clock would celebrate achievements in technology and health, such as extending human lifespans or solving major diseases. It encourages us to look forward to positive developments instead of just fearing potential disasters.
  3. AI can be our collaborative partner, helping us work better together rather than taking jobs away. It's about designing AI that complements human skills and enhances our research and creative processes.

What Learning by Doing Looks Like

Construction Physics • 25889 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Innovation Research Manufacturing Energy
  1. Learning curves show that the more something is produced, the cheaper it gets. This happens because experience helps make production more efficient.
  2. The evolution of polycrystalline diamond drill bits shows that real-world experience is key to improving technology. Companies learned from failures and made better bits over time.
  3. Understanding how different bits work in different rocks was crucial for progress. Customizing the design of drill bits based on experience led to much better drilling performance.

OpenAI’s Deep Research: The "Big Bang" Event for AI Agents

Enterprise AI Trends • 400 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Productivity Research Innovation
  1. OpenAI's Deep Research feature allows users to get thorough research done quickly, acting like a smart research assistant. This can save a lot of time compared to traditional searching methods.
  2. Deep Research is designed to work on its own, leading the research process instead of needing constant input. This makes it more productive and user-friendly.
  3. As Deep Research becomes popular, competition in the AI space will change. Companies will now need to clearly explain how their offerings are better than Deep Research, raising the standard for AI tools.

Five of My Favorite Papers and the Stories Behind Them

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 372 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🔬 Science Research Academia Publications Analysis Education
  1. Five chosen papers reflect intense moments of learning and clarity during writing. They are special, not necessarily the most popular ones.
  2. The feeling of being 'in the zone' is compared to a competitive athlete's experience, highlighting hard work leading to success.
  3. Updates include easier access to past writings and resources for paid subscribers, plus discounts for students and military personnel.

Deep Research, Deep Bullshit, and the potential (model) collapse of science

Marcus on AI • 14386 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Science Research Data Ethics
  1. Deep Research tools can quickly generate articles that sound scientific but might be full of errors. This can make it hard to trust information online.
  2. Many people may not check the facts from these AI-generated writings, leading to false information entering academic work. This could cause problems in important fields like medicine.
  3. As more of this low-quality content spreads, it could harm the credibility of scientific literature and complicate the peer review process.

The Sequence Radar #559 : Two Remarkable Papers This Week: Self-Improving Agents and the Limits of LLM Memorization

TheSequence • 56 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Development Innovation Models
  1. The Darwin Gödel Machine is a new AI system that can improve itself by changing its own code, leading to better performance in coding tasks. This approach mimics evolution by letting different versions of the AI compete and innovate.
  2. A recent study found that large language models have a limited capacity for memorizing information, roughly 3.6 bits per parameter. This helps us understand how these models learn and remember data.
  3. Both papers highlight how AI can evolve and learn, with one focusing on self-improvement and the other on what models can and cannot remember. Together, they show the potential and limits of AI development.

Funding science is actually a badass thing to do

Experimental History • 9269 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🔬 Science Research Funding Policy Technology Education
  1. Funding science is essential because it helps us gain knowledge, which is the key to improving our lives. Every advancement we've made comes from learning and understanding more about the world.
  2. We need to be careful not to fall into traps of thinking we can solve problems by reducing knowledge. Instead, we should focus on increasing our understanding to overcome challenges.
  3. Fixing the science funding system could be simple. For example, by avoiding payments to for-profit publishers and reducing unnecessary grant application processes, we can make better use of our resources and support innovative research.

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.

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.

Are Hydrocarbons Really “Fossil” Fuels?

Doomberg • 249 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🔬 Science Energy Geology Environmental Research Innovation
  1. Some scientists think hydrocarbons, which we call fossil fuels, might not actually come from ancient plants and animals. There are theories suggesting they could be formed from other natural processes deep within the Earth.
  2. In 1986, an oil drilling experiment in Sweden found hydrocarbons in an unusual location, challenging the idea that oil only comes from fossilized organic matter. This raises questions about our understanding of how hydrocarbons are formed.
  3. The concept of fossil fuels could be more complex than we thought. It encourages us to explore alternative origins for these energy sources instead of assuming they're all from the remains of past life.

The Sequence Research #558: The New Reinforcement Learning from Internal Feedback Allows LLMs to Reason Without External Rewards

TheSequence • 70 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Research Innovation
  1. Reinforcement learning is a key way to help large language models think and solve problems better. It helps models learn to align with what people want and improve accuracy.
  2. Traditional methods like RLHF require a lot of human input and can be slow and costly. This limits how quickly models can learn and grow.
  3. A new approach called Reinforcement Learning from Internal Feedback lets models learn on their own using their own internal signals, making the learning process faster and less reliant on outside help.

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.

The Second Gemini

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2374 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Research Tech Trends
  1. Google's Gemini Flash 2.0 is faster and smarter than previous versions, making it a strong tool for those who want quick assistance and information.
  2. Deep Research is a new feature where users can get detailed reports based on multiple websites; it's useful but still needs improvement in accuracy and relevance.
  3. Projects like Astra and Mariner are experimental tools that aim to enhance user experience by providing real-time assistance and better interaction through voice and web browsing.