The hottest Science Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Debunking of Oliver Sacks

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 593 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Science Writing
  1. He popularized neurology through widely read books, films, documentaries, and by inspiring doctors and writers.
  2. Recent reporting suggests he often embellished or even invented details in his case studies, meaning some of his stories may not have been factual.
  3. This episode is part of a broader wave of debunking popular science and serves as a reminder to be skeptical of medical tales that sound too dramatic to be true.

They Called Him “Crooked Cohen”

The DisInformation Chronicle • 405 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📰 News Science Writing
  1. The COVID pandemic exposed flaws in science writing, with inaccurate reporting on various issues like vaccines, masks, and the origin of the virus.
  2. It is crucial to distinguish between science writing and journalism, as science writers often rely on experts' opinions without conducting investigative reporting.
  3. The case of Jon Cohen, labeled 'Crooked Cohen,' showcases a prime example of misleading pandemic science writing, emphasizing the importance of accurate and unbiased reporting.

[COPY] Science Goddess #1

SCIENCE GODDESS • 98 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🔬 Science Science Writing
  1. Science writing is about communication and requires both good transmitters and receivers.
  2. There is a significant gender gap in science readership, with women being underrepresented in science magazines.
  3. Physics is a project of quantification, aiming to assign numbers to physical aspects, leading to a richer understanding of our world.

Crisis Averted update & what’s next

Force of Infection • 40 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Science Writing
  1. The new book, 'Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks,' has been released and is receiving positive reviews from major publications.
  2. The author appreciates reader feedback and encourages them to share their thoughts on the book after reading it.
  3. A new update will be shared on Monday regarding the Outbreak Outlook and future plans for regional editions.

Douthat's Chronic Lyme Journey

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jun 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Science Writing
  1. Ross Douthat's memoir, _The Deep Places_, highlights the challenges of chronic Lyme disease, blending his personal story with science and social commentary.
  2. Douthat advocates for experimental treatment in chronic Lyme cases, questioning traditional evidence-based medical approaches that may not always be effective.
  3. The narrative showcases Douthat's journey through illness and growth in a compelling and thought-provoking manner, shedding light on the complexities of chronic diseases.
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Science Goddess #1

SCIENCE GODDESS • 1 HN point • 24 Feb 23
🔬 Science Science Writing
  1. Science writing is a form of communication to convey wonders, discoveries, and pitfalls of science to a broader audience.
  2. There is a need to consider the diversity of the audience in science communication, especially to reach underrepresented groups like women.
  3. Physics is a project of quantification, aiming to assign numbers to different qualities of the physical world, leading to both wondrous and troubling advancements.