The hottest Safety Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

But it's GMP!

Nepetalactone Newsletter • 1670 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. There are two types of scientists: those who worship hierarchy and those who understand hierarchy is a cancer to the scientific method.
  2. The EMA found several objections to Pfizer's data, showing that it did not meet GMP standards.
  3. Concerns were raised by the EMA about Pfizer's data integrity, lack of biological characterization, and inconsistencies in the data provided.

Robot Auras

Breaking Smart • 43 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. Robot auras are a proposal for a machine-native visual affect language that communicates a robot’s internal state without trying to mimic human faces or emotions, making robot behavior more legible and expressive in a non‑biomorphic way.
  2. Mapping internal states to auras is straightforward for simple kinematic variables but modern robots have many stacked states (energy, sensors, learning, world models, planning, etc.), so aura design should triage and map the most useful dimensions into simple, learnable signals.
  3. Entangled auras could serve as a practical safety and coordination layer that complements rules‑based guardrails, allowing humans, animals, and other robots to learn and respond to visible signals, but this will need standards, AR/CAD tooling, and careful color/behavior choices.

Mifepristone and the rule of law, part II

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 2037 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety
  1. The district court's decision to overturn the FDA's approval of mifepristone is based on a variety of reasons, such as standing, timeliness, exhaustion, and the merits of the FDA's actions.
  2. The court assessed issues like the criteria for standing, timeliness of the lawsuit, the exhaustion of legal claims, and the agency's compliance with regulations.
  3. In examining the merits, the court questioned the FDA's safety analysis, imposition of restrictions, political influences, and the reasoning behind decisions made over a span of decades.

Will you turn down the darn lights?

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 10 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. Modern headlights are much brighter than before, making it hard for drivers to see at night. This change is mainly due to safety standards that encourage brighter lights.
  2. The bright lights create a problem called negative externality, where too many bright headlights make it harder for everyone to see. Lowering the brightness can help improve safety and comfort for all drivers.
  3. New technology can help adjust headlights automatically based on other cars' positions. Advocating for softer lights and using adaptive headlights can make nighttime driving safer and more pleasant.

Why Hallucinations Will Never Be Eliminated

Teaching computers how to talk • 167 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. Language models are just predictions and approximations of text, which means they can sometimes make up information that sounds believable but isn't true.
  2. These models don't understand the world the way humans do; they only see words related to other words, so they can get confused easily and not follow conversations well.
  3. People who develop language models try to make them safer, but sometimes these systems can be tricked, and that’s a serious concern since they can't truly differentiate between safe and dangerous content.
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KidCrusher 350s Are Very Legal and Very Cool

Systematic Hatreds • 746 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Safety
  1. The term "mature content" in movies often glamorizes adulthood but really means responsibility like taxes and laundry.
  2. Contemporary U.S. pickup trucks like the KidCrusher 350s are criticized for being oversized and causing safety concerns, especially for children.
  3. Owning and driving large trucks like the KidCrushers reflects a toxic mix of legal freedom and appealing power that may not match practicality or safety.

Frame of Reference

Doomberg • 7718 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🔬 Science Safety
  1. Fatal energy-related incidents occur due to the risks in harnessing, storing, and transporting energy.
  2. Despite tragedies, society often continues to utilize energy sources by weighing risks and benefits.
  3. The nuclear energy industry faces disproportionate fear and opposition compared to other energy sources.

Is it time to move on?

BAD AT KEEPING SECRETS • 727 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. The author is contemplating whether they should move from a neighborhood with high levels of violence.
  2. The writer expresses their deep emotional attachment to their current home despite its dangerous location.
  3. The author shares a personal experience of gun violence near their home, sparking further consideration about whether to stay or move.

The Evidence is in: Masks DO NOT WORK

COVID Reason • 1586 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. The Cochrane Review found little evidence that masks are effective against viral transmission
  2. A new study focused on dozen research to determine the impact of masks on spread of infectious respiratory diseases
  3. Confidence intervals in the report show a relative paucity in the effectiveness of masking

A Sober Look at MDMA Therapy: What Happens Next?

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD is facing a critical juncture with the FDA, with potential historical implications for rescheduling and funding sources.
  2. There is ongoing debate on the safety, efficacy, and ethical conduct of MDMA-AT, with a focus on the role of organizations like Lykos/MAPS.
  3. Despite the current challenges and controversies, the testimonies of individuals like Cristina Pearse underscore the potential transformative impact of MDMA-AT and the imperative to enhance safety measures.

A Plane Crashed in India—and Everyone Blamed Boeing, But It’s Not So Simple

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 565 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
📰 News Safety
  1. The Air India crash involved many tragic factors, such as technical issues and possibly pilot error. It highlights how complex aviation accidents can be.
  2. There was a rush to blame Boeing for the crash, even though the reasons might be more complicated. It's important to consider all factors before assigning blame.
  3. Public perception often leans towards blaming manufacturers like Boeing in aviation incidents, showcasing the challenges companies face in managing their reputations.

America’s Air-Traffic Control System Is an International Disgrace

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1048 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety
  1. America's air-traffic control system is outdated and struggling, with too few controllers using old technology.
  2. Recent incidents highlight the mismanagement and dangers of the air traffic system, showing it has become one of the worst in the developed world.
  3. In comparison to systems in other countries like Canada, America's methods feel very outdated and inefficient.

From ‘Defund the Police’ to ‘Defund Air Traffic Control.’

Breaking the News • 923 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety
  1. The recent crash-landing of a commuter jet in Toronto didn't directly result from any recent layoffs, but future safety may be at risk due to those layoffs.
  2. Air traffic controllers and other safety professionals provide crucial oversight for safe flying. Reducing their numbers can lead to overlooked issues and potential disasters.
  3. Understanding the importance of air safety is vital. Cuts to safety teams, like those happening now, can endanger everyone who flies.

Kellie-Jay Keen is not coming to New Zealand due to fears for her life – yes, here in New Zealand!

A B’Old Woman • 719 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen canceled her trip to New Zealand because she felt unsafe and feared for her life. She wasn't confident that the police would protect her due to influence from trans activists.
  2. Many people are upset about how a few loud activists seem to be controlling police and political responses in the country. There's a feeling that women's voices are being ignored in the conversation.
  3. There's concern that creating a 'martyr' from this situation could actually empower people on the other side of the debate. While the 'Let Women Speak' rally is still planned, it's unclear how it will affect the protests.

Last Week in AI #254: DeepMind's AI cracks geometry problems, Meta commits to open-source AI, China and US firms hold secret AI safety talks, first AI chatbot for presidential candidate, and more!

Last Week in AI • 457 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. DeepMind's AlphaGeometry AI solves complex geometry problems using a unique combination of language model and symbolic engine.
  2. Meta, under Zuckerberg, is focused on developing open-source AGI with the Llama 3 model and increasing compute infrastructure.
  3. US AI companies and Chinese experts engage in secret diplomacy on AI safety, signaling unprecedented collaboration amid technological rivalry.

I have a right to be here

Men Yell at Me • 949 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Safety
  1. Running in public spaces can feel dangerous for women because of harassment and violence from men. This creates fear and anxiety about simply existing in those spaces.
  2. Women’s bodies in public are often sexualized and blamed for harassment, making it hard for them to feel safe. Society frequently tells them to stay inside or take precautions instead of addressing the root of the problem.
  3. Despite the threats, it's important for women to keep asserting their right to be in public spaces. Running and walking let them claim their freedom and say, 'I belong here.'

Meet Maria Weston Kuhn, the Gen-Z Warrior Taking on the Car Industry

Ladyparts • 659 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. Maria Weston Kuhn is a Gen-Z advocate in the car industry, inspired by a personal car accident experience.
  2. There is a significant gender safety discrepancy in car crashes, with women being disproportionately affected.
  3. The car industry's negligence in addressing car safety for women is highlighted, including the exclusive use of male crash test dummies.

Mixing antidepressants and psychedelics: 5 Questions for psychopharmacologist Kelan Thomas

The Microdose • 589 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. Psychedelic clinical trials often exclude participants taking SSRIs to isolate the effects of the single drug being studied.
  2. The main risk of mixing SSRIs and psychedelics is serotonin toxicity, but in healthy volunteers, the risk seems low.
  3. Tapering off SSRIs can have risks, including the return of depression or anxiety symptoms and serotonin discontinuation syndrome.

Prepare For Liftoff: Your Magic Mushroom Prep Guide

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. Proper preparation is key for a safe and enriching magic mushroom experience. Respect the unpredictability of mushrooms and take precautions like testing samples, staying in a safe environment, and having a responsible trip sitter.
  2. Set and setting are crucial for a positive trip. Choose a comfortable and safe environment that aligns with your intentions, and approach the experience with a positive mindset.
  3. Research and know the specifics of the magic mushrooms you're consuming, including species, strains, dosages, and potential risks. Opt for a trusted trip sitter and be mindful of physical health considerations when using psychedelics.

What if tanker crew deaths are intolerable?

Gordian Knot News • 783 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Safety
  1. When building ships, having clear rules helps keep everything running smoothly. If everyone knows the guidelines, they can work together to create quality ships on time.
  2. Bringing in third parties like the Ocean Safety Directorate can disrupt the process. Their focus on preventing accidents leads to extra paperwork and slowed productivity.
  3. If the rules are too strict or unclear, it can result in delays and lower quality. Maintaining a balance between safety and efficiency is key to successful shipbuilding.

On Dwarkesh's 3rd Podcast with Tyler Cowen

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2195 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. The conversation covered a range of topics from Tyler Cowen's book on economists to discussions about AI and existential risk.
  2. Tyler is praised for his in-depth knowledge and skill of pivoting conversations and asking relevant questions.
  3. The post also focuses on debunking misconceptions and clarifying points made by Tyler Cowen.

at what point do we stop?

derailleur • 999 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🎾 Sports Safety
  1. The Giro d'Italia race has seen multiple major contenders falling due to various reasons like crashes and illness.
  2. There is increasing concern about the safety and well-being of athletes in cycling events, especially in challenging conditions.
  3. There is a need to address weather-related challenges in cycling by making the sport's institutions more resilient to such events.

Nobody goes to New York City anymore. It’s too crowded.

Silver Bulletin • 679 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety
  1. The subway in New York City is still very popular, even setting daily ride records after COVID-19. More people ride the subway daily than fly on the busiest days in the U.S.
  2. While crime is a concern in cities, New York's violent crime rates are lower than often perceived. The actual number of violent incidents, especially in the subway, is quite low compared to the number of rides.
  3. Many people are still using public transportation, despite some opting for cars or working from home. The subway remains the main way to get around the city, showing resilience and demand.

DNA in Covid-19 vaccines: 7 pieces of context missed from Florida Surgeon General’s unnecessary warning

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1815 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. The amount of DNA fragments in Covid-19 vaccines is relatively small compared to other particles.
  2. DNA fragments are present in all vaccines and various medical treatments, and are kept at minimal levels for safety.
  3. Human bodies have natural mechanisms to deal with foreign DNA and prevent integration into our genes.

Taller Vehicles Kill More Pedestrians

Systematic Hatreds • 235 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. Taller vehicles, especially SUVs, are more likely to kill pedestrians due to their higher front-ends.
  2. The size and height of vehicles matter more than weight when it comes to pedestrian safety in collisions.
  3. Rising vehicle heights have been associated with approximately 1,000 excess pedestrian deaths.

Why can't the NRC be like the FAA?

Gordian Knot News • 227 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety
  1. The FAA operates with honesty and clear rules, allowing for innovation in air travel without misleading the public about safety.
  2. Prototypes undergo strict testing, with clear pass/fail criteria, ensuring every design is thoroughly evaluated before approval.
  3. Once a design is certified, individual plants can be built locally without constant oversight, streamlining the process and promoting efficiency.

There's a technology built into our cars to make driving safer – but we're not using it.

Odds and Ends of History • 1541 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. There's a built-in technology in cars for safer driving that's not being utilized properly.
  2. The eCall system can connect drivers to emergency services with just a press of a button, providing important data like location and car details.
  3. The potential of eCall data to optimize emergency response and improve road safety is hindered by lack of integration among different emergency service systems.

Why Isn't the Car Driving?

Tippets by Taps • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. Self-driving tech loses its novelty fast and becomes an expected part of daily life after only a few weeks.
  2. Using self-driving removes low-level stress and cognitive load, turning long or stressful drives into relaxed, usable time.
  3. The real barrier is psychological trust, not capability — people resist ceding control to algorithms, though younger generations will accept it sooner.

Rough roads ahead

PASSAGES • 239 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Safety
  1. Checking trailer lights is essential before hitting the road
  2. Driving in challenging conditions requires focus and caution
  3. Stay prepared with GPS and attention to surroundings during road trips

The Nuclear Reorganization Act

Gordian Knot News • 153 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety
  1. The proposed Nuclear Reorganization Act aims to replace the current NRC with three new agencies to improve nuclear safety and certification. This could streamline the testing and certification of nuclear designs.
  2. The Nuclear Monitoring Agency will ensure that radiation levels around plants are monitored and reported publicly, helping residents stay informed about any potential risks.
  3. The emphasis is on creating a competitive environment in the nuclear industry while balancing safety with regulation. This approach aims to minimize barriers to entry and foster innovation.

Why The WHO Shouldn't Grant Diet Drug Request To Be Added To Essential Medicine List - Part 3

Weight and Healthcare • 299 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety
  1. The research on the effectiveness, harms, and benefits of diet drugs requesting to be added to the WHO essential medicine list has several key issues: short study durations not capturing long-term effects, small and non-representative study populations, minimal weight loss effects, and failure to adequately assess adverse events.
  2. Cost-effectiveness analyses supporting the diet drugs are based on assumptions that being higher weight correlates with lower health-related quality of life and a belief that the treatment will induce weight loss and health benefits, which are not adequately proven by the research cited.
  3. The research includes conflicts of interest, such as studies funded by the drug manufacturers, and lack of long-term data to support claims of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. These factors raise concerns about the suitability of these drugs for the WHO essential medicine list.

Is there a third way?

Gordian Knot News • 146 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Safety
  1. Engineers focus on balancing trade-offs in design, while lawyers emphasize resolving conflicts through argument. This leads to different approaches in their fields.
  2. The shift from an engineering model to a legal model in areas like nuclear energy has created an unbalanced system where safety decisions are one-sided.
  3. A solution needs to ensure fair accountability, meaning decision-makers should face real penalties for failing to balance safety and functionality effectively.

📜 Granting rights to AI may save humanity: A Quick Q&A with … Simon Goldstein

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. Granting legal rights to AI could encourage cooperation between humans and AI. This would help prevent conflicts and promote beneficial interactions.
  2. A clear set of property and contract rights for AI could lead to better relationships, as both sides would be more likely to trade and support each other.
  3. By recognizing AIs' rights, we can reduce the risk of destructive behavior and promote a safer future where human and AI interests align.

Weekly Top Picks #98

The Algorithmic Bridge • 233 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Safety
  1. Anthropic is about to release its first reasoning model, which shows a new direction in AI compared to OpenAI's past methods. This could change how AI systems think and make decisions.
  2. OpenAI plans to launch GPT-4.5 soon and GPT-5 in a few months. They are shifting towards a more unified model to keep up with competitors, signaling a fast-paced race in AI technology.
  3. There's a significant shift from focusing on AI safety to emphasizing AI capabilities. Companies are now more about developing powerful AI instead of just ensuring safety, which could change the landscape of AI development.