The hottest Science Substack posts right now

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Relevance Realization, Cerebral Hemispheres, and the Reconciliation of Science and Mythology

Intimations of a New Worldview • 766 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Science
  1. The left and right hemispheres of the brain are involved in different cognitive styles, such as precision and generalization.
  2. There is evidence for the significant and systematic differences between the cerebral hemispheres, influencing how attention is allocated and relevance is realized.
  3. The conflict between science and mythology can be seen as analogous to the differences in cognitive styles between the left and right hemispheres, emphasizing the importance of integrating different approaches.

Join me at Nerd Nite in NYC on December 13!

Startup Strategies • 71 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Nerd Nite is happening in NYC on December 13 and features short talks from smart people.
  2. One talk will examine the corporatization of psychedelics and the idea of being "Avatared" into a brave new world of God-like tech experiences.
  3. The post about the event is behind a paywall, but you can get a 7-day free trial to read the full piece and access the archives.

Creativity is Domain Independent

Insight Axis • 671 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Science
  1. Creativity is not limited to specific fields like art or music; it is a fundamental aspect of being human, manifested across various domains like science, art, writing, and programming.
  2. The creative process involves daring to create something, followed by refining and improving upon it - a cycle present in science, art, and literature.
  3. In programming and software engineering, creativity is not just about writing code but also about the iterative process of refining, debugging, and deleting code - highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and simplification.

Everything is Racist

The Rabbit Hole • 707 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Some discussions on racism have expanded to include seemingly innocuous items like food, drinks, and activities.
  2. Various items such as coffee, fitness, AI, and potatoes have been linked to racism in different articles and discussions.
  3. The all-encompassing nature of these discussions reflects an increasing awareness and sensitivity around the topic of race.

The Case Against (Most) Books

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4657 implied HN points • 10 May 23
📚 Literature Science
  1. Consider opportunity costs when deciding to read a book cover-to-cover versus shorter pieces like articles.
  2. Categories for books worth reading fully: history books, books of historical interest, and works by brilliant storytellers on important topics.
  3. Be cautious of valuing ancient writings for wisdom over modern insights; focus on gaining wisdom from a diverse range of sources, including contemporary writers.
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Deep Research, information vs. insight, and the nature of science

Democratizing Automation • 775 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Science
  1. AI will change how scientists work by speeding up research and helping with complex math and coding. This means scientists will need to ask the right questions to get the most out of these tools.
  2. While AI can process a lot of information quickly, it can't create real insights or make new discoveries on its own. It works best when used to make existing scientific progress faster.
  3. The rise of AI in science may change traditional practices and institutions. We need to rethink how research is done, especially how quickly new knowledge is produced compared to how long it takes to review that knowledge.

The Vanishing Hardy Boys

Variations on a Theme • 159 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. The concept of the Renaissance Man, with its emphasis on broad knowledge and skills, is fading in our society as specialization becomes more prevalent.
  2. Apathy can lead to a lack of critical thinking and embracing the easy path of leisure, hindering personal and intellectual development.
  3. Specialization can create barriers to entry in professions, leading to credentialism and potential dismissal of alternative expertise, while being a generalist can offer a unique perspective and a wide range of problem-solving abilities.

Why the Turing Test is Not Enough

Insight Axis • 592 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Science
  1. The Turing Test is a thought experiment, not a formal test, and was proposed by Alan Turing to test machine intelligence
  2. Passing the Turing Test does not necessarily indicate true intelligence in AI, as it requires reasoning capabilities and explanatory capacity
  3. Artificial General Intelligence testing should involve multi-dimensional assessments beyond the Turing Test, covering various aspects like linguistic, spatial, and mathematical intelligence

Alert: The Trump administration is quietly slashing new NIH grant awards, and it's not via the budget

Can We Still Govern? • 254 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Science
  1. The Trump administration's new multi-year funding policy for NIH grants is drastically reducing the number of research grants awarded. This change means many labs might not get funding at all, harming scientific progress.
  2. Previously, about 10% of grant applications were funded, but now that number has dropped to around 4%. This makes it much harder for researchers to secure necessary funding for their projects.
  3. Researchers and the public are encouraged to speak out against this policy. It's important to contact Congress members and local media to raise awareness about the negative impact on medical research and science.

Reading List for Chapter 1: On Generation and Corruption

Fields & Energy • 359 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🚌 Education Science
  1. Reading is important for understanding complex topics like calculus and physics. Books like 'Calculus Made Easy' can help beginners grasp the basics more easily.
  2. Narratives and storytelling are essential in both fiction and non-fiction writing. They shape how we understand and connect with concepts.
  3. Scientific revolutions often depend on the context of ideas rather than just rational evidence. This means new theories can take time to be accepted.

A Voyage to the Island of Equalis

Heterodox STEM • 185 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. In the Island of Equalis, the focus on diversity and inclusion can sometimes overshadow the importance of skill and merit in science. This means that some scientists may be chosen based on who they are rather than what they know.
  2. The idea that all answers in science should be equally accepted leads to confusion and a lack of clear truth. Instead of prioritizing accurate results, they value opinions and consensus, which can lead to false conclusions.
  3. Funding for research projects is often based on diversity rather than the quality of the work. This can result in ineffective studies and failed experiments, as seen by the issues with collapsing bridges and unsuccessful crops.

The Rosicrucian Enlightenment

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💾 History Science
  1. The Rosicrucian movement was influential in shaping modern science, linking spiritual beliefs with the pursuit of knowledge and experimentation.
  2. Prominent figures like John Dee played key roles in merging different ideas of science and magic while promoting natural knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
  3. Despite its initially hopeful visions, the Rosicrucian adventure faced challenges, leading to disappointment and a shift in focus towards reforming society through science and brotherly love.

What I read in 2025

Get Down and Shruti • 27 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📚 Literature Science
  1. Science advances through bold guesses, open criticism, and the mix of intuition plus formal rigor; progress falters when methods or authority become unquestionable (scientism).
  2. Biographies and memoirs bring out the human complexity behind history and politics, giving nuanced insight into leaders, movements, and India’s pluralism and conflicts.
  3. Reading widely across science, history, political economy, and fiction connects abstract ideas to real-world problems, improving understanding of institutions, policy, and how societies change.

Nelson in the Arctic. Polar bears, geese, and filled breeches.

The Common Reader • 744 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💾 History Science
  1. Young Nelson went to the Arctic at just 15 years old, which was unusual for boys his age. His strong desire and connections helped him join the expedition.
  2. The journey was filled with challenges, like navigating thick fog and ice that could crush their ships. Weather changed constantly, making it tough to travel.
  3. Despite the harsh conditions and dangers, the crew encountered wildlife and gathered supplies. They had to work hard and cooperate to survive in the icy environment.

You live in a world that philosophy built

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 3283 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Science
  1. The Catholic Church venerated Aristotle and opposed Galileo because they trusted ancient philosophy over new scientific ideas.
  2. Living in a world where science evolves, we give more weight to current evidence than ancient texts or philosophers.
  3. Lessons from history remind us of the importance of valuing empirical evidence over established theories.

The Sigmoidal Moral Value Function

Bet On It • 191 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Science
  1. The effects of radiation don't work in a straight line. At low levels, the harm is minimal and at high levels, they can be dangerously lethal. Instead, the impact follows an S-shaped curve.
  2. Just like spending time with kids has diminishing returns, relationships also follow a similar sigmoidal pattern. A little time can have no effect, but after a certain point, more time won't significantly improve the bond.
  3. This S-shape model isn't just for science; it also applies to moral beliefs and our feelings about pain, hinting that our moral intuitions might follow similar patterns as seen in nature and relationships.

2.3 Francis Bacon & The Birth of Scientism

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
💾 History Science
  1. Francis Bacon is often called the father of scientism, which is the belief that science is the only way to know things. He wanted science to help humans gain power over nature.
  2. Bacon introduced the idea of cognitive biases, which are ways our thinking can be flawed. He identified different types of biases that can affect decision-making.
  3. His vision for science included a society where scientists could lead and guide people, similar to kings with the knowledge to improve life and solve problems.

The Counterpart Files

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Science
  1. Every possible outcome of our lives exists in different worlds. This means that every decision we make has created branches that lead to different versions of ourselves.
  2. With new technology, people can explore their 'Counterpart Files' to see these different lives and choices, leading to both excitement and sometimes shock about what they find.
  3. The idea that we are all interconnected and share a more profound identity across these worlds suggests that at a fundamental level, we might be more similar than we think.

Rats!

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💾 History Science
  1. The Black Death, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread through fleas that lived on black rats. These rats were common in medieval cities and facilitated the disease's transmission to humans.
  2. Symptoms of the plague could vary, with bubonic plague being the most common form, marked by painful swellings or buboes in the body. Other forms like pneumonic and septicaemic plague had even higher fatality rates.
  3. The historical records show that the plague has struck multiple times through history, leading to massive fatalities and changes in society due to the horrors it inflicted.

Myth & Math

Seven Senses • 519 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Astrology mixes art and science, with a long history that goes back thousands of years. It's been used for everything from planting crops to influencing our personalities.
  2. Many people today enjoy astrology for self-discovery, but its teachings can get simplified and lose depth. It's important to remember that each person's experience with astrology is unique.
  3. Astrology encourages us to think about free will and destiny. We can choose our paths while also being influenced by the cosmos around us.

How (and Why) to Avoid Death by Notification

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Notifications are distractions that can lead to memory issues and reduced focus. It's essential to limit them to save time and mental energy.
  2. Our social media presence can drown out our real selves. It's vital to express thoughts without seeking validation to understand our true identity.
  3. Creating art and finding stillness are crucial for self-discovery. By disconnecting from devices, we can focus on meaningful activities and tap into our inspirations.

Luxuriating, Heretical Questions, The Age 30 Crisis

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🚌 Education Science
  1. Social media use habits can reveal gender differences, like adding 'o' to 'so' which is a strong predictor of being female.
  2. Verbal intelligence among college graduates has decreased over 40 years, implying a college degree doesn't represent the same verbal ability as before.
  3. The ratio of unmarried men to women varies by age, with more men at younger ages, but fewer men as age increases.

Lord Verulam's Idols

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Science
  1. Francis Bacon proposed a new idea of science that focused on human control over nature and knowledge. His vision was about creating a scholarly place that could influence society.
  2. Bacon is often labeled as the 'Father of Scientism' rather than the father of modern science. This suggests that his ideas shaped more than just scientific methods; they also influenced how we think about science and its role in society.
  3. Literature like Bacon's work, along with stories like 'Brave New World' and '1984,' can serve as warnings about the dangers of letting scientism dominate our lives. They encourage us to think critically about where scientific progress is leading us.

A Letter to Elon

Gordian Knot News • 461 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Science
  1. The Hanford Reservation is wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on cleanup efforts that don't actually reduce radiation. The cleanup costs could reach up to $600 billion without making real progress.
  2. The Low Dose Hypothesis (LNT) is questioned because it's believed that our bodies have strong systems to repair damage from radiation. Many people think LNT isn't necessarily true and might even be outdated.
  3. If a new, more accurate model for radiation harm was used, it could save money and allow for cheaper and safer nuclear power. This change could help nuclear energy reach its full potential.

Physics Professors Are Using AI Models as Physics Tutors

The Algorithmic Bridge • 552 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. AI is being used by physics professors as personal tutors, showing its advanced capabilities in helping experts learn. This might surprise people who believe AI isn't very smart.
  2. Just like in chess, where computers have helped human players improve, AI is now helping physicists revisit old concepts and possibly discover new theories.
  3. The acceptance of AI by top physicists suggests that even in complex fields, machines can enhance human understanding, challenging common beliefs about AI's limitations.

The Black Spatula Project

Am I Stronger Yet? • 564 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. A mistake in a scientific paper about black plastic utensils showed that math errors can change health implications. This finding led to a community initiative to check past papers for errors.
  2. The project aims to use AI to find mistakes in scientific papers, helping researchers ensure their work is accurate. This could lead to better practices in publishing and scientific research.
  3. Many ideas have emerged for improving how we check scientific work, such as creating tools to validate papers and verify information. The community is in the early stages of exploring these possibilities.

Links for January

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 515 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Jimmy Carter once told a funny story about a rabbit that scared him while fishing, and it became a big deal in the news, even though he only shared it privately.
  2. There's interesting talk about how we classify mental disorders nowadays and if labels like 'ADHD' will still be relevant in the future.
  3. Recent studies show that drinking alcohol can lead to a higher risk of cancer, and it's great when reports present this information clearly and let people draw their own conclusions.

212. Books to Read and Gift (2023)

Hardcore Software • 297 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Science
  1. The post highlights a list of books recommended for reading and gifting in 2023.
  2. The books cover various topics including history, economics, technology, and social issues.
  3. The author provides personal opinions and insights on each book, making it a curated collection.

Anna Gát: What to Read This Weekend #48

interintellect • 216 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. Universities are no longer investing in equipping students to face humanity's challenges.
  2. There is a tension between the secular and enchanted in societal thinking.
  3. Understanding and navigating the complexities of cancer treatment can be hopeful with a positive prognosis.

Can donors save science?

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🚌 Education Science
  1. Renaissance Philanthropy aims to change how funding works by acting like an investment fund, helping donors target specific goals without the heavy lifting of managing projects themselves.
  2. The organization identifies key areas in science and tech where philanthropic funding can make a real impact, especially at a time when government support is shrinking.
  3. A new model of philanthropy can encourage more donors to get involved by picking clear objectives and making the process less daunting, ultimately leading to more effective giving.

Why It's Good To Say It's Not Bad

Everything Is Amazing • 1289 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science
  1. National Compliment Day celebrates saying pleasantly approving things to others.
  2. Praising performance can lead to higher rates of offline improvement and memory consolidation.
  3. Collaboration in science, like in the newsletter, can lead to more interesting and accurate results.

Wizard of Oz and The Tin Men

Robots & Startups • 179 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Science
  1. Robotics can have 'dirty secrets' that are important to uncover and understand.
  2. The Astrobotic's Peregrine Lunar Lander incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges in space exploration.
  3. Subscribe to Robots & Startups for more insights and to access full post archives.