The hottest Research Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

RDEL #32: Do return-to-office (RTO) mandates lead to better performance?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💼 Business Research
  1. Reducing flexibility by mandating a return to the office decreases employee satisfaction, work-life balance, and culture.
  2. Just being in the office every day does not necessarily lead to improved firm performance.
  3. Enforcing return-to-office mandates should consider factors beyond just performance, as decisions involve balancing WFH flexibility with in-office collaboration and culture.

RDEL #30: How does imposter syndrome impact developer productivity?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Imposter syndrome affects software professionals significantly, with over half experiencing intense imposter feelings.
  2. Software engineers with imposter syndrome reported lower productivity across various dimensions, highlighting the negative impact on performance.
  3. Managers can help reduce imposter feelings in their team by prioritizing psychological safety, implementing mentorship programs, and addressing diversity to improve team dynamics and productivity.

RDEL #16: What makes a code review useful?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Good code review comments can enhance a coder's skills and lead to better implementation.
  2. Certain factors like the number of iterations and author participation can impact the usefulness of code review comments.
  3. Maintaining a positive tone, having focused conversations, and keeping reviews manageable in size are key to improving the effectiveness of code reviews.

RDEL #15: How do engineering teams manage technical debt?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. There is no perfect way to handle technical debt; every team manages it differently based on their unique circumstances.
  2. Communication is key in managing technical debt - discussing it with stakeholders is crucial to avoid delays in the product roadmap.
  3. Measuring technical debt is essential for improvement; having a clear strategy for paying it down helps maintain a balance within the team.
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RDEL #14: How does psychological safety affect engineering teams?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
💼 Business Research
  1. Psychological safety in teams allows for open communication without fear of reprimand, crucial for innovation and risk-taking.
  2. Team autonomy positively correlates with psychological safety, but this relationship differs based on project type and alignment.
  3. High psychological safety levels can reduce turnover and boost project performance in engineering teams, making it a key factor in team success.

RDEL #11: What is the relationship between self-reported productivity and system-measured productivity?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Combining self-reported data with system-measured data provides a more complete picture of productivity in software engineering.
  2. Long coding stretches can positively impact a developer's perception of productivity.
  3. Sharing productivity data with the team can empower engineers and improve overall productivity.

RDEL #9: Is there a gender disparity in the code review process?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Research shows that women perform fewer code reviews than men, and there is a gender disparity in the code review process.
  2. Men and women are equally likely to complete an assigned review, but women submit slightly fewer but larger changelists.
  3. To address code review inequities, consider implementing a round-robin review process and tracking pull request distribution to promote fairness and balance in team code reviews.

RDEL #6: Software Engineering Productivity: How do you measure it? (Part II)

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. There is no single measure of productivity in software engineering; a combination of different metrics across satisfaction, performance, activity, communication/collaboration, and efficiency/flow are crucial.
  2. The SPACE framework, introduced by researchers at Microsoft in 2021, is a popular and effective way to measure developer productivity, focusing on dimensions like satisfaction, performance, activity, communication/collaboration, and efficiency/flow.
  3. When implementing the SPACE framework, start with a clear goal, choose metrics that cover diverse categories, include both system and perception metrics, conduct regular developer surveys, and engage the team to make productivity measurement a collective effort.

RDEL #5: Software Engineering Productivity: How do you define it? (Part I)

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Software engineering productivity is challenging to define due to the complexity of human input in the software development process.
  2. Productivity in software engineering involves a balance of efficiency, effectiveness, and quality.
  3. Measuring a team's productivity requires evaluating both the efficiency of input and the effectiveness (including quality) of output.

What to expect from this newsletter

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
💼 Business Research
  1. The newsletter focuses on a single topic in engineering leadership every Monday, covering a range of areas like engineer effectiveness, onboarding, leadership, communication, and collaboration.
  2. The content is research-backed, summarizing recent research studies that are applied to engineering teams to provide actionable tips for improvement.
  3. Readers can expect direct application of the research discussed in the newsletter to help make their engineering teams better.

Tropes and evidence

The End(s) of Argument • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🚌 Education Research
  1. Tropes are narrative devices used in storytelling, which help people quickly interpret events based on surface similarities to past experiences.
  2. Tropes can sometimes lead to misinterpretations of evidence, influencing how people categorize information.
  3. Tropes serve as powerful interpretative shortcuts, but they can cause individuals to see connections or meanings that may not actually be present.

Part 2: Measuring 'noise' when assessing school shooting threats

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 0 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🚌 Education Research
  1. Noise refers to the unwanted variability in decisions made by experts when looking at the same information, leading to inconsistent decisions.
  2. The 'noise' audit process involves creating fictional scenarios and survey questions to measure the undesirable variability in decision-making when assessing threats.
  3. The study involved sending a survey to law enforcement practitioners who rated fictitious school shooting threat vignettes and selected response actions, aiming to understand how 'noise' impacts threat assessment.

K-12 SSDB data used in top academic journal article

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🚌 Education Research
  1. Getting an article published in top-tier academic journals like Nature, New England Journal of Medicine, and Science Advances is crucial for a researcher's career.
  2. The study discussed in the post analyzed how NRA donations at county-level are affected by school shootings, showing a significant increase.
  3. Research findings highlighted that school shootings lead to increased NRA donations, with higher impact when there are more fatalities, and donations continue for years after the incident.

GPT-4o, Gemini-Flash, Frontier Safety Framework, Scam Detection, EU investigations, Fake ads.

Secure GenAI • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Google is investing in virtualization technology for Android using Pixel to power ChromeOS, enhancing security.
  2. Google's Gemini Nano feature alerts users about potential phone scams in real-time, aiding in scam detection.
  3. The EU is investigating Meta for child protection issues and has warned Microsoft about non-compliance with the Digital Services Act.

Summing up 20 years of The Oriental Economist Report

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 17
💼 Business Research
  1. The Oriental Economist Report was published for 20 years, originally by Japan's Toyo Keizai, and later became an independent newsletter in 2003.
  2. The lead of the very last issue of the report from April 2017 summarized what the publication got right and wrong over the 20 years.
  3. The attachment also included the lead of the very first issue back in March 1997, providing insights into the expectations and views on Japan at that time.

Coming soon

Fileforma Research • 0 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. The post is about Fileforma Research, with more details coming soon.
  2. Murage Kibicho is the author behind the post.
  3. There are options to share the post on Facebook, Email, Note, and Other platforms.

The robots of IROS 2023

Robots & Startups • 0 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Research
  1. The International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) showcases cutting-edge research in robotics and the latest trends in commercialization, offering insights into upcoming advancements and opportunities to network with top roboticists.
  2. Highlights at IROS 2023 included the presence of various robotics providers like Foxglove, Hello Robot, Anyware Robotics, and Tangram Vision, along with discussions on ROS 2 and the upcoming ROSCon 23.
  3. The conference featured a diverse range of robots, from rolling to legged ones, including unique designs like the Diablo from Direct Drive Tech and distinctive structures from companies like Sol Robotics, providing a glimpse into the future of robotics technology.

Bots&Beer in person on Wednesday! Plus SO much news I nearly broke the newsletter

Robots & Startups • 0 implied HN points • 30 May 22
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Bots&Beer event happening in person on Wednesday - in-person networking opportunities are back!
  2. MassRobotics has launched The Robotics Medal, an award for female researchers - recognizing and celebrating their contributions to the field
  3. day free trial for Robotics & Startups subscription available - a chance to explore and access full post archives

More interesting things in robotics this week

Robots & Startups • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
🕹 Technology Research
  1. Scientists have created millimeter-sized robots that can be controlled with magnetic fields for various applications in biomedicine and manufacturing.
  2. Research, development, and production of new materials depend greatly on the availability of fast means of testing them.
  3. Consider subscribing to Robots & Startups to access more robotics content with a free 7-day trial.

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #006 -- FDA: Prevent Strokes With Drugs That Cause Them!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Dioxins are natural environmental chemicals; evidence contradicts their harmful effects and supports nutrients in animal products as protective.
  2. FDA approved Lipitor for stroke prevention in Type 2 diabetes despite studies indicating its potential to cause strokes.
  3. Raw food vegans and vegetarians may have health risks like B12 deficiency and elevated homocysteine due to their diet composition.

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #007 -- Cancer: It's Not the Meat, But How You Cook It

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. The method of preparing and cooking meat can influence its association with cancer, rather than the type of meat itself.
  2. Studies associating dietary factors with pancreatic cancer have been inconsistent, sometimes wrongly attributing the association to fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol without proper justification.
  3. High-cholesterol, high-fat diet showed reduced inflammation in baboons, shedding light on the complexity of interpreting cholesterol levels in relation to heart disease.

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #008 -- Steinberg Strikes Back: The Cholesterol Wars

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Cholesterol levels can be influenced by factors like inflammation, oxidation, and receptor dysfunction. Consider these factors when interpreting cholesterol levels.
  2. The protective effects of vegetables against lung cancer are dependent on the individual's genes. Having specific alleles can greatly impact the level of protection offered by vegetables.
  3. The bill proposed by Senator Richard Burr creates a close relationship between the government and pharmaceutical companies, potentially shielding vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits.

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #009 -- Low Cholesterol, Violent Suicide, and the Policosanol Scam

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Low cholesterol levels may be associated with violent suicide, particularly in certain areas of the brain, though the exact relationship is still not fully understood.
  2. Policosanol, a supplement marketed for lowering cholesterol, was found ineffective in reducing cholesterol levels in a study, raising concerns about its efficacy and the integrity of research conducted by the Cuban firm promoting it.
  3. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in facilitating the flux of hydrogen ions across cell membranes, despite theories predicting otherwise, highlighting the multifaceted functions of cholesterol in the body.

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #010 -- Redefining Heart Disease: Discovering Vitamin K All Over Again

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Dietary cholesterol may be essential for some individuals with genetic defects in cholesterol synthesis.
  2. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in preventing arterial calcification and atherosclerosis.
  3. High-heat cooking can turn meat into a source of toxic compounds like acrylamide, emphasizing the need to consider cooking methods for health.

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #012 -- Freedom in the New Year; Low-Carb to the Rescue

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Low-carb diets may be more effective for weight loss and inflammation suppression compared to low-fat diets.
  2. Ron Paul's presidential campaign is supported for advocating health freedom and addressing issues like raw milk and the Federal Reserve.
  3. Chris Masterjohn is working on a Special Report on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), diving into their essentiality, risks of excess, and optimal forms and ratios.

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #013 -- How Essential Are the Essential Fatty Acids?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. A new Special Report titled 'How Essential Are the Essential Fatty Acids?' has been released critically reviewing the evidence on omega-3 fatty acids and their anti-inflammatory effects
  2. A book review called 'The Cholesterol Wars: Steinberg Strikes Back' challenges the theory that cholesterol causes heart disease and discusses its flaws
  3. Various insightful articles and videos on different health topics like Vitamin K2, cruciferous vegetables, and neuroscience experiences are featured in the newsletter

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #001 -- Research Corruption and More

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Government guidelines for cholesterol and blood pressure may be used to expand the number of people prescribed pharmaceutical drugs.
  2. Corruption in Alzheimer's research and major journal complicity were highlighted.
  3. Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be present in food, emphasizing the importance of natural, whole foods over processed options.

Disclaimer

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. The author of the post is pursuing a PhD in Nutritional Sciences with a focus on Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition, but is not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician.
  2. The information shared in the post is well-researched with references to peer-reviewed journals, but the author does not provide medical or health advice.
  3. Readers are responsible for using the information in the post at their own discretion and seeking guidance as needed.

Version 7 of the COVID Guide is Now Out!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. The COVID Guide provides science-backed nutritional and herbal defense strategies against COVID, incorporating data from 41 randomized controlled trials.
  2. The guide categorizes strategies into three tiers based on quality, trustworthiness, and essential nutrient status: Essentials, Best Add-Ons, and These Might Help.
  3. Tailoring the protocol to individual needs and risks is emphasized in the guide, which offers free updates as new research emerges.

How Dangerous Is the Indoor Air in Public Spaces?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. In enclosed spaces, the number of people, time spent, and ventilation are crucial to minimize the risk of virus transmission.
  2. Coughing and speaking can release virus particles into the air, making enclosed environments potentially risky.
  3. Masks could help in indoor public spaces by blocking large droplets, though their effectiveness against aerosolization is still unclear.

Does Exposure to Animals Provide Immunity to COVID-19?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Recovery from SARS can result in cross-reactive immunity to COVID-19, potentially lasting years.
  2. Some individuals without exposure to COVID-19 show T-cell immunity, likely acquired from other animal coronaviruses.
  3. This study suggests that pet ownership or exposure to animals may offer immunity to COVID-19, but deliberate exposure to animals should not be encouraged.

IgA Antibodies, Vitamin A, and COVID-19

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Different types of antibodies have specific functions in the immune response, with IgA playing a crucial role in protecting mucous membranes.
  2. Current COVID-19 antibody tests focus on IgM and IgG, but new findings suggest IgA may be key in defense against the virus.
  3. Vitamin A deficiency can impact IgA levels, potentially affecting the body's ability to fight infections like COVID-19.

NSAID Use in COVID-19 Remains Questionable

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Recent research suggests that the association between NSAID use and COVID-19 severity or mortality is still uncertain and remains debatable.
  2. The study found that the use of NSAIDs in the 30 days leading up to a positive COVID-19 test showed an increased risk of hospitalization, but this association was not statistically significant.
  3. The authors recommend using NSAIDs only when necessary and at the lowest possible dose for the shortest duration, as more research, particularly randomized controlled trials, is needed to determine their impact on COVID-19 outcomes.

12 New COVID-19 Studies

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. Neutrophils respond to SARS-CoV-2 by producing NETs that damage lung tissue, resembling Spiderman's tactics.
  2. Viral load in COVID-19 patients across ages shows no significant difference, indicating children's immune response may explain lower symptom frequency.
  3. Women display a stronger T cell response to COVID-19 than men, possibly contributing to better outcomes for women.

A Few Interesting COVID-19 Studies From Today

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Research
  1. One study showed promising results for tocilizumab in reducing mortality from COVID-19, specifically reducing ICU admission and ventilation need.
  2. Bovine lactoferrin, when given to pregnant women, has shown to cut IL-6 levels in half, which could be relevant in COVID-19 treatment.
  3. A small study from Singapore indicated that a combination of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 may be helpful in reducing the risk of initiating oxygen therapy for COVID-19 patients.