The hottest Science Substack posts right now

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Objections to Direct Realism

Fake Noûs • 165 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Science
  1. Many standard objections confuse appearance with ontology: apparent size changes, a stick looking bent, or double vision can be explained by physical factors like angular size, refraction, or distortion and don’t prove we perceive non-physical intermediaries.
  2. Hallucinations and illusions don’t show that normal perception is of mental images: hallucinations aren’t genuine awareness, and what justifies belief in perception is that things seem to be a certain way, not evidence of mental objects.
  3. Causal delays and debates about qualities like color don’t defeat direct realism: colors can be treated as physical spectral properties, and time lags mean we see objects as they were rather than seeing only mental entities.

The Naked Potential of 2024: Democracy, Chaos and Creativity

rebelwisdom • 1002 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. 2024 is a year with significant democratic elections worldwide, highlighting a growing apathy and distrust in the democratic process.
  2. The tension between centralized control and decentralized, regenerative movements is intensifying, leading to a clash of ideologies and perspectives in society.
  3. There is a growing movement towards seeking new ways of being and thinking, challenging existing structures and norms in society.

But it's GMP!

Nepetalactone Newsletter • 1670 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Science
  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.

Trump Team Taps Dr. Matthew J. Memoli as Acting NIH Director, to Control Political Games and Push Aside Lawrence Tabak

The DisInformation Chronicle • 2075 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Science
  1. Dr. Matthew J. Memoli has been appointed as the acting NIH director to help ease tensions within the agency during the transition.
  2. There are concerns about the previous NIH leadership, particularly Lawrence Tabak, who some claim has been dishonest and evasive regarding the origins of the COVID pandemic.
  3. Memoli's leadership could lead to changes within NIH, as the Trump transition team aims to remove other officials linked to past controversies and restore transparency.
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Best of the Best: Year End Awards

Range Widely • 1002 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. The awards featured various categories like Best Quote for One's Own Obituary and Best Nobel/Olympic Family.
  2. Interesting fact shared about the empty space in atoms: if atom nucleus was the size of a tennis ball, the electron would be orbiting in New Jersey.
  3. Fascinating insights on different topics, from Saxon riddles to Nobel Prize connections, were shared in the post.

Issue 22: Why Europe doesn’t have a Tesla

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Rigid employment rules in many European countries make firing very costly and discourage firms from taking big, risky bets. That reduces the chance of breakthrough companies emerging, though some countries manage to balance worker protections with flexibility.
  2. Vaccine science has advanced enormously — we can now see microbes at atomic detail and build vaccines in new ways — so we’re in a golden age of vaccine development. Future breakthroughs will depend on continued investment and support.
  3. Market-style reforms in communist countries usually failed because they didn’t create quick, broad winners and threatened inflation and instability. Without reforms that build fast coalitions of beneficiaries, changes were often watered down or reversed.

Summer School is In

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Science
  1. Climate change is a big issue that affects the economy, and there are many different opinions on how to deal with it.
  2. The course aims to teach students about climate science and policies, focusing on practical solutions in a complex political environment.
  3. Students will get access to a reading list that supplements the lectures, helping them explore different perspectives on climate issues.

The Beginning of Infinity

CB • 1278 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
📚 Literature Science
  1. Science advances through conjecture and criticism, with good explanations being hard to vary while accounting for what they explain.
  2. The philosophy of technology embraces problems as solvable and progress as both possible and desirable.
  3. Knowledge can be defined by its ability to transform the physical world, prompting better theories and further development.

Richard Dawkins and the British genius

Wrong Side of History • 769 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Richard Dawkins is a leading figure in making complex scientific ideas understandable to everyone. His work, especially 'The Selfish Gene,' has changed how people think about evolution and behavior.
  2. Dawkins has a strong belief in science as a way to better understand the world, often expressing skepticism towards religion. He sees a conflict between scientific thinking and certain ideologies, especially those he believes contradict basic biological truths.
  3. His views about religion, particularly Islam, have made him a controversial figure. While he values open inquiry and skepticism, critics say he can be harsh and dismissive, showing how discussions about belief can be very divisive.

Japan’s Declining Commercial Innovation, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 179 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💼 Business Science
  1. Japan has experienced a decline in commercial innovation since the 21st century, with its share of important patents decreasing, putting it at risk of falling in global rankings
  2. There is a debate on the reasons behind Japan's innovation decline, with one side focusing on the lack of new breakthroughs in basic science and the other on corporations' inefficiency in utilizing scientific advances
  3. Japan faces challenges in funding and supporting PhD programs, leading to a decrease in the number of PhDs produced, impacting the country's scientific output and innovation potential

You Can’t Pseudoscience (Or Even Science) Your Way Out Of A Genuine Trans Rights Debate

Singal-Minded • 1480 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Science
  1. There's a big debate about defining sex, and it's not as simple as just male and female. Many scientists think there are more factors involved than just what you're born with.
  2. Trump's executive order on sex has stirred up a lot of controversy and confusion. Some people believe it doesn’t recognize the complexity of gender identity and can negatively affect many trans and nonbinary individuals.
  3. Discussions about gender and sex can get really tangled. It's important to clarify definitions and separate scientific facts from political opinions to have a more honest conversation.

Can the Policy Community Make Fun of Itself?

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Scientists use humor to critique and cope with the challenges in their fields, creating a shared experience.
  2. The scientific community embraces humor through platforms like the Annals of Improbable Research and the Ig Nobel Prize.
  3. While scientists engage in self-deprecating humor, the policy community lacks a culture of lighthearted critique due to the seriousness of their work.

Why it's silly to debate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Joe Rogan about vaccines

georgelakoff • 1139 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Science
  1. Don't engage in debates with individuals lacking credibility or spreading misinformation to avoid giving them legitimacy and amplifying false ideas.
  2. Choosing not to participate in a debate can be a strategic decision to avoid being drawn into a futile discussion that may not change minds.
  3. When confronted with falsehoods, focus on promoting accurate information and engaging in meaningful conversations rather than getting caught up in unproductive debates.

2 men with same problem, one a POTUS, one a bench pipetting scientist, one a leader, one a fraud: Trump vs Malone, how do they have same problem? 1)Trump, was against lockdowns & vaccine now supports

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 511 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Science
  1. Trump initially against lockdowns and vaccines, now supporting them. Needs to address why he shifted his stance.
  2. Dr. Malone, an advocate of mRNA technology, faced criticism for supporting vaccines based on his technology but then going against them. People question his credibility.
  3. Both Trump and Malone need to address their inconsistencies and the public's distrust towards their actions and statements.

Quant. & Lit.

Sucks to Suck • 982 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Western culture values youth culture, affecting perceptions of adulthood
  2. Exposure to rationalist thinking can challenge writing and argument clarity
  3. Creative work requires a balance between rationalism and subjectivity for valuable outcomes

Is small always beautiful?

Everything is Light • 550 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Big projects are often criticized now, despite historical admiration for large monuments.
  2. The idea that 'small is beautiful' originated from an anti-growth and anti-technology activist named E F Schumacher.
  3. Advocating for large-scale technological projects like nuclear energy is crucial for future progress and sustainability.

Desiderata #13: links and commentary

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5621 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
📚 Literature Science
  1. Energy drinks with taurine may extend lifespan, according to a recent study.
  2. Cormac McCarthy, a renowned novelist, has passed away, leaving a legacy in the literary world.
  3. The publishing world is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming release of 'The World Behind the World' by Simon & Schuster.

The New Joe Rogan Interview with Dr. Robert Malone

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Science
  1. A new two-and-a-half-hour interview on Joe Rogan is now available on Spotify and YouTube.
  2. He was invited by the U.S. State Department to give a keynote at the United Nations Biological Weapons Convention and delivered it via Zoom the same day as the podcast.
  3. He is presented as an original inventor of mRNA delivery and vaccination and a member of the CDC vaccine advisory committee, and he plans to publish notes and video from the UN session and related AI discussions.

A Confession and an Announcement

rebelwisdom • 1277 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Science
  1. The book discusses a personal experience with a powerful psychedelic drug and its impact on the individual and collective wisdom.
  2. The book reflects on the integration of psychedelic science and spirituality in understanding and navigating the challenges of the present time.
  3. The author aims to prompt inquiry and critical thinking around the potential of psychedelics in transforming society and addressing current crises.

The plan for meta-rationality

Meaningness • 359 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🚌 Education Science
  1. The book being written focuses on meta-rationality, with previous parts discussing rationalism and reasonableness.
  2. The author plans to release the book in separate paperbacks/Kindle editions before putting it online for free.
  3. The concept of meta-rationality emphasizes caring for the situation more than abstractions, questioning what the situation needs, and understanding when rationality is relevant.

Top Links 782 America's largest firms employ fewer workers. Three housing crises not one. Less money for science and conscious walking.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Science
  1. Big companies in America are hiring fewer workers than before. This trend can change the job market.
  2. There are actually three different housing crises happening at the same time, affecting people's living situations.
  3. Funding for science is decreasing, and people are becoming less aware of their surroundings while walking.

Underrated reasons to be thankful IV

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1437 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Science
  1. Meditation can help you feel really good, almost like drugs or other intense pleasures, and it’s cool that you can explore new ways to relax without getting addicted.
  2. Your brain can automate tasks as you practice, which makes it easier to do complex things without thinking too hard about every detail.
  3. Even though there are worries about pollution, some studies suggest that common plastics might not harm your health much, which is a relief.

What I read this week...

chamathreads • 845 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
📰 News Science
  1. Scientists are testing room-temperature superconductors
  2. Health insurers have hidden information about medical bills
  3. Taylor Swift gave out over $55 million in bonuses

Is Chess A Waste Of Time?

Zwischenzug • 845 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Chess can be seen as a serious pursuit or a wasted talent.
  2. Some individuals regret dedicating their life to chess, while others find it to be a form of art.
  3. Chess may offer a unique training in structured thinking, attracting scientists and proving fruitful for a shift in focus.

What I'm reading (April 2024 edition)

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 199 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Science
  1. Statistics and probability have a complex history that affects many sciences today. It's important to understand that probability is more about uncertainty than just measuring how often something happens.
  2. Books like 'Normality' explore how the idea of normal has been used to marginalize certain groups of people. The meanings of normal have changed over time and can be harmful.
  3. The connection between different thinkers and ideas can help us understand reality better. Books like 'The Rigor of Angels' look at these links and ask important questions about what we truly know.

Seven Glass Beads

Outlandish Claims • 199 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
📚 Literature Science
  1. Herman Hesse's novel 'The Glass Bead Game' explores a world where different fields merge through a game played with glass beads, but ends in a tragic twist when the protagonist tries to share his wisdom and fails.
  2. The stories of trinitite, MENACE (Matchbox Educable Naughts And Crosses Engine), and the Valdice Monastery show how abstract ideas like nuclear weapons, early AI models, and forced labor intertwined with concrete consequences, shaping the 20th-century mindset on science and philosophy.
  3. The shift in mindset between Hermann Hesse's and Neal Stephenson's work reflects the evolution of the perception of abstract and concrete ideas over the 20th century, influenced by events like the Cold War, science advancements, and societal changes.

Which intelligence?

Paola Writes • 471 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Science
  1. Intelligence comes in various forms beyond traditional measures like logical-mathematical or linguistic-verbal.
  2. The definition of human intelligence can be complex, with factors like motivation and self-awareness playing a role.
  3. Efficiency in gaining skills may be a significant factor in measuring intelligence, but human intelligence is complex and cannot be solely defined by efficiency.

A Library of Books That Really Changed Minds

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Readers who change their minds draw on a wide range of books — fiction, philosophy, history, science, and religious works — not just contemporary bestsellers. These diverse genres offer different ways to challenge assumptions and reshape worldview.
  2. Many of the books that shifted people’s views are critiques of modern progressive ideas, managerial elites, or prevailing secular dogmas. They often question ‘woke’ orthodoxy, identity politics, and the cultural power of experts.
  3. The books that most often change minds are long, rigorous, and committed to truth rather than tribal comfort. Serious recommendations and sustained, argument-driven writing help bring readers to new perspectives.