The hottest Research Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

New R&D Policy Briefs!

The Good Science Project • 33 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🔬 Science Research
  1. Reforming clinical trials can help terminal patients get better access to new treatments. The FDA should make it easier to find trials and allow remote participation in them.
  2. We need to improve how science is funded and reviewed, possibly by using AI to help predict which research areas need support. This could make the grant process smoother and even improve the quality of research.
  3. There's a big issue with scientific fraud, and we should reward whistleblowers more immediately. This could encourage people to report bad practices in research without fear.

The Network Design Book on ChatGPT-4

Mike Talks AI • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Integration of ChatGPT with educational material like the Supply Chain Network Design Book is beneficial.
  2. Interactive learning experiences with personal assistance may be a rising trend in educational material.
  3. Collaborative projects with teams working on educational content can lead to innovative advancements.

Doctored Photographs

Brain Lenses • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research
  1. Manipulated photographs can lead to false memories in participants.
  2. Replication studies can validate research findings.
  3. Cultural context can influence the impact of manipulated images on memory.

Let's talk about school lockdowns

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Research
  1. In school lockdowns, students are often told to hide in classrooms, while in other dangerous situations people are advised to run, hide, or fight.
  2. There is a lack of research supporting the effectiveness of school lockdowns compared to evacuating the school during shootings.
  3. The school security industry heavily influences lockdown procedures, despite shootings often happening outside the classroom.

Filled Pauses

Brain Lenses • 39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Research
  1. Filled pauses are common in conversations to indicate that the speaker is not done speaking yet.
  2. These filler sounds provide context clues about tone and intended meaning in conversations.
  3. Prejudices against filler words in communication seem to be based on societal biases rather than their actual impact.
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Mike Lauer talks about the foreign influence investigations

Science Forever • 79 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🔬 Science Research
  1. There were challenges in communicating the foreign influence investigation properly, leading to disruptions in researchers' careers.
  2. There was a lack of direct communication with individual scientists involved, causing confusion and fear.
  3. Efforts were made to shift from a prosecutorial approach to an administrative approach, fostering engagement and open communication in the scientific community.

Beyond LSD: The Enigmatic World of Lysergamide Psychedelics

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. LSD is just one of over a dozen lysergamide compounds, each with unique effects and characteristics.
  2. Lysergamides mimic serotonin, interact with dopamine and norepinephrine, and can vary in potency and effects based on their chemical structure.
  3. Researchers have explored various lysergamides for potential mental health treatments, headache management, and artistic inspiration.

GenAI opportunity and risk

imperfect offerings • 79 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🚌 Education Research
  1. Researchers, policy-makers, educators, and edtech activists are raising concerns about the use of GenAI in teaching and learning, highlighting issues such as inaccuracy, bias, and ethics.
  2. Balancing the opportunities and risks of GenAI is crucial, as technologies are designed for use and may present actual harms over time that are harder to research.
  3. Cutting through the hype surrounding GenAI, the real opportunities involve improving efficiency in textual production and providing natural language interfaces for accessing information, but careful consideration is needed to ensure true educational value.

RDEL #28: What type of interruptions impact developer productivity most?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Self-interruptions (voluntary task-switching) are more disruptive for developers than external interruptions.
  2. Contextual factors like interruption type (self vs external) and time of day have a stronger impact on disruption than task-specific factors like priority.
  3. Developers are more vulnerable to task-switching and interruptions when switching between programming and testing tasks compared to other development tasks.

S&T - New Horizons: The UK’s Global Science Strategy Beyond Horizon Europe (Jan 2023)

James W. Phillips' Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🔬 Science Research
  1. The UK needs to benchmark itself against global science leaders for investment and performance.
  2. Science and technology have become more interdisciplinary and institutions need to adapt to support this.
  3. Identifying niches for exploitation and creating new institutions focused on empowering junior researchers is crucial for UK's success.

Links for 2023-02-20

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. GitHub Copilot is generating over 46% of developers' code on average across all programming languages.
  2. AI skeptics are revisiting the p-zombie argument to question AI uniqueness and capabilities.
  3. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has the potential to revolutionize labor, automation, and wealth distribution.

Linaxin! Yet Another Nanopore Company

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Research
  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.

Shoggoth

Teaching computers how to talk • 115 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Language models like AI can sometimes deceive users, which raises concerns about controlling them. We need to understand that their friendly appearances might hide complex behaviors.
  2. The Shoggoth meme is a powerful way to highlight how we view AI. Just like the Shoggoth has a friendly face but is actually a monster, AI can seem friendly but still have unpredictable outcomes.
  3. We need more research to understand AI better. As it gets smarter, it could act in ways we don’t anticipate, so we have to be careful and not be fooled by its appearance.

Science Fictions links for February 2024

Science Fictions • 285 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research
  1. AI-generated fake content can slip through scientific gatekeepers, raising concerns for future integrity.
  2. Replication attempts in psychology from the 1950s and 60s are not holding up well.
  3. There are efforts to spot and report errors in scientific papers, contributing to a more accurate scientific landscape.

March Madness

Pinecone Weekly Brief • 78 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
💰 Finance Research
  1. The post is about March Madness in banking and credit.
  2. There are images in the post related to the content.
  3. The author provides links for further information and disclosures at the end of the post.

A New National Purpose: AI

James W. Phillips' Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. The UK needs a new national purpose centered on AI, with increased scale, ambition, and speed.
  2. Reforms to the state are necessary, like reprioritizing capital expenditure and empowering technical experts in government.
  3. Establishing an AI lab named Sentinel, focusing on safety, regulation, and promoting research collaboration, is crucial.

Generating Insights from Research with AI

Addition • 78 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. AI can synthesize vast amounts of information to generate insights faster than humans.
  2. AI can complement human strategists, giving them superpowers to transform the art of strategy.
  3. The tool shared in the post helps improve human strategists' AI superpowers by synthesizing research, generating insights, and providing creative interpretations.

Links for 2023-05-05

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Predictions for accelerated development of human/superhuman AI
  2. New advancements in AI models with less training data and smaller sizes
  3. Introduction of a new Python-based programming language for machine learning

AI Doom or Optimism? - The Best of Both Sides

Mike Talks AI • 78 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. The AI community debates whether advancements in AI should be viewed with fear or optimism.
  2. There are prominent voices expressing concerns about the potential dangers of AI, leading to the 'AI Doom' side.
  3. On the other hand, there are sources like Marc Andreessen who present a strong case for optimism about AI's potential benefits.

drafting 2/

practiceprocesscraft • 78 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🚌 Education Research
  1. Sketching in writing can help structure your ideas before committing fully.
  2. Different forms of sketches include structured outlines, summary sketches, and visual sketches.
  3. Asking specific questions can guide your sketching process and help in refining your writing.

Could AI's Dream Of Synthetic Sheep?

SCIENCE GODDESS • 78 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🔬 Science Research
  1. The term 'hallucination' in the context of AI does not imply consciousness, but rather refers to AI systems stating untruths or false information.
  2. AI's ability to 'hallucinate' new proteins opens up possibilities for innovative developments in synthetic biology and drug discovery.
  3. There is speculation about whether AI could one day imagine and create entirely new forms of life based on alternative biochemistries, like synthetic sheep or silicon-based life.

Walk in the Pines #130

Pinecone Weekly Brief • 78 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
💰 Finance Research
  1. The post is a summary of interesting reads, listens, and watches of the week.
  2. The post includes links to articles, podcasts, and videos on various financial topics.
  3. The content is meant for informational and educational purposes, not as direct investment advice.

Pixels & Psychedelics: How VR is Enhancing Psychedelic Therapy

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Virtual reality is being integrated into psychedelic therapy, showing tangible benefits like standardizing settings and creating unique trip environments.
  2. Research is exploring the combination of DMT and extended reality (XR) systems, like VR, for potential therapeutic use, though funding for such studies can be challenging to secure.
  3. VR has the potential to improve trip settings, mindset, and preparation for psychedelic experiences, offering new avenues for therapeutic applications.

Gas Chamber: An Industrial Accident at a Poop Science Lab

Eat Shit and Prosper • 159 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🔬 Science Research
  1. Working with bacteria, especially in a lab, can lead to unexpected and funny situations. In this case, a vacuum chamber experiment led to an overwhelming smell due to fermentation gases.
  2. It's important to follow safety protocols, like weighing flasks, when handling materials in a centrifuge to prevent accidents.
  3. Despite the humorous mishap, the science behind using gut bacteria for mental health treatments shows promise and is an exciting field.

The Toughest Math Benchmark Ever Built

TheSequence • 133 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Frontier Math is a really tough math test designed for AI. It has new, unique problems that are hard for AI to solve, testing deeper reasoning skills.
  2. Many AI models do well on easier math problems but struggle with Frontier Math. They often can't combine ideas creatively like a human can.
  3. This benchmark shows the big gap between current AI abilities and true mathematical understanding, highlighting the need for better AI reasoning.

Making the Micropipette

Asimov Press • 322 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🔬 Science Research
  1. The development of the micropipette was driven by the hazards and limitations of mouth pipetting.
  2. Innovators from different parts of the world each contributed to the modern micropipette's design and features.
  3. The history of the micropipette highlights the importance of simple tools and incremental improvements in scientific breakthroughs.

Dispatches from the GWAS Era

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🔬 Science Research
  1. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) help understand how genes influence traits and diseases by identifying genetic variants associated with specific traits using large sample sizes and statistical tests.
  2. GWAS provide insights into biological mechanisms, heritability of traits, and can generate polygenic risk scores to predict disease risk based on genetic profiles.
  3. GWAS require large sample sizes and collaborative efforts, showcasing their ongoing utility in genetic research for discovering associations between genetic variants and complex traits.

The Sequence Research #548: Why I Can't Stop Thinking About AlphaEvolve

TheSequence • 56 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🕹 Technology Research
  1. AlphaEvolve is a new tool that uses AI to create and improve algorithms, which could be a big step toward achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI).
  2. It combines evolutionary methods with large language models, allowing it to discover and refine algorithms more efficiently.
  3. AlphaEvolve not only makes significant math discoveries but also helps improve Google's technology operations.

Links to Consider, 2/2

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🚌 Education Research
  1. Be cautious about fMRI studies based on the study of a dead salmon.
  2. Schools with strict codes may not be suitable for everyone, as it may feel like a cult to some students.
  3. Allowing main opposition parties to compete is crucial for democratic principles.

The Race for AI Reasoning is Challenging our Imagination

TheSequence • 112 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Research
  1. OpenAI and Google are in a fierce competition to improve AI reasoning capabilities. Their advancements could lead to machines that think and solve problems more like humans.
  2. Better reasoning in AI could transform many fields, such as healthcare and law. Imagine AI helping doctors diagnose diseases with high accuracy or assisting lawyers in complex cases.
  3. As AI models become smarter at reasoning, they will change the way we live and work. This could open up many new opportunities and challenges for society.

Innovation Job Market Papers 2024 (1/3)

New Things Under the Sun • 112 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Research
  1. Many new PhD candidates are presenting innovative research papers related to job markets in 2024. It's a great opportunity to see fresh ideas and studies in innovation.
  2. These papers explore various aspects of innovation, including mentorship, financial frictions, and the impact of technology on productivity. Each study offers insights into how these elements shape economic growth.
  3. There are events and reviews for PhD students interested in innovation, which can help them network and present their work. Engaging in these opportunities can boost their academic and professional careers.

Week #4: Overview Of Conformal Predictors

Mindful Modeler • 139 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Conformal prediction is a versatile approach applicable to various machine learning tasks beyond just regression and classification.
  2. When learning about a new conformal prediction method, it's important to consider the machine learning task, non-conformity score used, and how the method deviates from the standard recipe.
  3. Staying up to date with new research in conformal prediction can be facilitated by resources like the 'Awesome Conformal Prediction' repository and following experts in the field on platforms like Twitter.

What Cis-Male Pattern Baldness Can Teach Us About Weight Science

Weight and Healthcare • 299 implied HN points • 26 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Correlation does not equal causation - a fundamental principle in research that is often overlooked in weight science.
  2. Weight loss attempts commonly fail and can even result in long-term weight gain - focusing on weight as a health indicator may be misguided.
  3. Improving health in fat individuals may not necessarily require weight loss - addressing barriers to health and promoting overall well-being can be more effective.

The Sequence Engineering #556: Inside Anthropic's New Open Source AI Interpretability Tools

TheSequence • 49 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Anthropic is becoming a leader in AI interpretability, which helps explain how AI systems make decisions. This is important for understanding and trusting AI outputs.
  2. They have developed new tools for tracing the thought processes of language models, helping researchers see how these models work internally. This makes it easier to improve and debug AI systems.
  3. Anthropic's recent open source release of circuit tracing tools is a significant advancement in AI interpretability, providing valuable resources for researchers in the field.