The hottest Science Substack posts right now

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Lord Verulam's Idols

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Science Ethics History Literature Education
  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.

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, November

By Reason Alone • 46 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Art Philosophy Music Science
  1. A lot of interesting media is highlighted, like books, podcasts, and films. There's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
  2. The author encourages youth, especially those aged 16 to 19, to join programs focused on rational thinking and education. It’s a great chance for learning and growing.
  3. Several recent scientific papers and discussions are mentioned, showing ongoing debates and research that can spark curiosity. Staying informed can lead to deeper understanding of complex topics.

The RCT Agenda

Bet On It • 352 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🚌 Education Economics Research Science Academia
  1. The book highlights how the randomistas in economics might have a political agenda of serving government rather than challenging it, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  2. Many economists focus on RCTs to measure causal effects of variables, emphasizing laboratory, field, and natural experiments in research, with randomization as the core of experimentation.
  3. Randomistas often avoid engaging in the debate of free markets vs. government, favoring government-centered policies in their research strategies, leading to limited exploration of free-market economics.
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"A Theory of Everyone" by Michael Muthukrishna

Optimally Irrational • 33 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Science Social Science Behavioral Science Anthropology
  1. Muthukrishna's book looks at human behavior and society through four key ideas: energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution. These ideas help explain how life and societies develop over time.
  2. The author connects concepts from physics and social sciences, showing how energy sources have influenced human progress and how cooperation among people has been crucial for success.
  3. The book also offers insights into today's social issues, suggesting ways to improve democracy and education, while pushing for more cooperation and innovation to tackle challenges like inequality and political division.

FDA's fall 2023 vaccine plan

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1156 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines COVID-19 Public Health Immunity Science
  1. COVID-19 vaccines are being updated for the fall 2023-2024 season due to fast mutations and waning effectiveness against hospitalization.
  2. Vaccine formula may shift to target only the Omicron XBB variant for better immune system recognition.
  3. Global alignment on focusing vaccine efforts on the XBB variant signals a step towards addressing the changing landscape of COVID-19.

The Limits of Science: Why Einstein Believed Science Needs the Humanities

Humanities in Revolt • 319 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🚌 Education Philosophy Science Literature Art & Illustration History
  1. Einstein believed that a holistic education balancing science and humanities is essential for cultivating fundamental human values and morality.
  2. He emphasized that over-specialization and narrowly technical competencies can lead to lopsided thought and hinder human development.
  3. Einstein highlighted the importance of ethical values guiding scientific knowledge to maintain a healthy and humane society.

Was Carl Jung Antisemitic?

The Living Philosophy • 176 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature History Health & Wellness Science
  1. There are accusations of Carl Jung being antisemitic due to his entanglements with Nazi Germany, but he also had Jewish friends and later explored Jewish mystical philosophy like Kabballah.
  2. Jung's involvement with organizations that had Nazi affiliations, such as promoting 'Mein Kampf' as required reading for psychotherapists, raised questions about his leanings.
  3. Some of Jung's comments, like comparing Jewish people to 'weak like women' or having a 'lower potential psyche,' have been viewed as potentially antisemitic, but context suggests a nuanced evaluation is needed.

Stanford Group Helped US Government Censor Covid Dissidents and Then Lied About It, New Documents Show

Public • 473 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Government Social media Health Science
  1. Newly released documents show Stanford group assisted US government in censoring Covid dissenters and then lied about it.
  2. The Virality Project, a joint initiative, collaborated with government agencies to combat 'anti-vaccine misinformation.'
  3. Evidence reveals the Virality Project successfully censored content on social media platforms with the assistance of DHS and CISA.

Mifepristone ruling is classic anti-science strategy

Science Forever • 278 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Science Policy Judiciary Conservatism
  1. Conservatives often create confusion about science to avoid debating real issues, a strategy seen in various historical and political contexts.
  2. The recent mifepristone ruling in Texas reflects the attempt to cast doubt on scientific evidence by individuals without the necessary qualifications, which could have significant consequences for public health policies and the credibility of regulatory agencies like the FDA.
  3. The ruling not only poses a threat to abortion access but also carries broader implications by potentially undermining the FDA's authority and the trust in established medical science.

2.2 Early & Medieval Physics

Fields & Energy • 179 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
💾 History Medieval Science Philosophy Mathematics Physics
  1. The Ptolemaic model explained how planets move in terms of circles and smaller orbits called epicycles. This model was clever, even though it was eventually replaced by simpler ideas in science.
  2. During the Middle Ages, many people thought that science was stuck, but some scholars made important contributions and kept the spirit of experimentation alive, especially figures like Albertus Magnus and Roger Bacon.
  3. The study of more complex shapes, like conic sections, was overlooked for a long time. Eventually, scholars at places like Oxford started to explore motion more deeply and share their findings across Europe.

TITAA #42: Liqueured Up in the SciFi Wild West

Things I Think Are Awesome • 275 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art & Illustration Science Poetry Games
  1. Monks in the Alps make a secret green liqueur involving a mysterious alchemical manuscript and 130 plants.
  2. Chartreuse monks are facing production cutbacks to focus more on prayer due to environmental impact concerns.
  3. Recent advancements in AI art tools, video and sound generation, and narrative agents offer exciting creative possibilities.

The Last Newsletter (for a bit) 🎲

The David Charles Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Faith & Spirituality Science History Humor
  1. Using chance to reduce decision fatigue can be compelling and make productivity playful.
  2. Sometimes, when stuck on good options or feeling overwhelmed, using a random choice method like rolling a die can help move forward without second-guessing.
  3. Taking a break or sabbatical from obligations, like writing, can create space for new opportunities and growth.

How STEM is Sleepwalking into Wokery

Heterodox STEM • 270 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🚌 Education STEM Academia Science Identity politics
  1. STEM education is facing challenges with the introduction of ideologies like 'Indigenous science', leading to a shift in traditional approaches.
  2. University environments are becoming increasingly focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion, which can sometimes lead to conflict with academic freedom and rational discourse.
  3. There is a concern among some STEM professors about the impact of ideological pressures on teaching quality, mental health, and innovation within academic environments.

It’s The Cover Up, Stupid: Emails Impeach Kristian Andersen’s Congressional Testimony on the Pandemic’s Origin

The DisInformation Chronicle • 580 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health Science Corruption Transparency
  1. Follow the documents and money to get to the truth, not just the science.
  2. Constant evidence suggests a cover-up regarding the pandemic's origin.
  3. Scientists and officials involved in the investigation have been misleading in their testimonies and actions.

Bupropion

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 117 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Medication Science Research Analysis
  1. Bupropion is a versatile antidepressant with different brand names for various uses like depression, smoking cessation, and weight loss.
  2. Bupropion works differently than most antidepressants by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to no sexual side effects.
  3. Through meta-analysis, studies have shown that Bupropion is more effective than a placebo in treating depression.

Oppenheimer The Movie

Life in the 21st Century • 235 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Science Technology History Politics
  1. The movie 'Oppenheimer' sheds light on the brilliance and quirks of J. Robert Oppenheimer, but falls short in addressing the broader story of science and technology.
  2. Scientific and technological developments are independent of personal character flaws and traits, focusing on facts and discoveries instead.
  3. The film 'Oppenheimer' struggles with its third act by overly emphasizing Oppenheimer losing his security clearance, losing depth in addressing the broader political context of the Cold War era.

Sunday West 48

Wrong Side of History • 227 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Politics Music Literature Science
  1. Video of Canon Club event on Richard Wagner by Paul Lay is now available.
  2. Ed West shares insights on various topics - from culture war politics to historical figures surviving difficult times.
  3. Citizens' assemblies and AI advancements are discussed in relation to societal impact and accountability.

Elon: Get the DEI out of Science Funding!

Critical Mass • 23 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Science Policy Activism Funding
  1. Government science funding should focus on real science instead of social issues. This is important for advancing research and technology.
  2. Leadership in science organizations should prioritize science over activism. This might help improve efficiency and focus.
  3. Cutting unnecessary spending in science funding can help tackle global challenges. It's a step toward maintaining economic strength for the future.

The Future Is Plastics, Benjamin

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Pollution Health Science Society Economics
  1. Microplastics are everywhere in our bodies. They are found in blood, organs, and even in breast milk, but we still don't know how much damage they can cause.
  2. Big oil companies are pushing to make even more plastics. They see profit in plastic production despite the environmental harm it causes.
  3. Bottled water may contain a lot of small plastic pieces. Some scientists are now drinking less bottled water because of the high levels of micro and nanoplastics found in it.

On messing around

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Discovery Exploration Mindset Science
  1. Being a 'happy mutant' means being curious and passionate about your interests, even if others don't understand them. It's about exploring what fascinates you without needing to justify it.
  2. Mistakes and experiments are crucial for innovation and discovery. Sometimes the best inventions come from unexpected errors or just playing around with ideas.
  3. Having a growth mindset helps you embrace exploration. Following your instincts and interests can lead to amazing discoveries you never planned for.

2E - 1517's Teen Fall Camp

1517 Fund • 484 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🚌 Education Event Technology Science Camping
  1. 2E - 1517's Teen Fall Camp is a unique opportunity for exceptional teenagers to gather in the Bay Area for a weekend of camping, tech, and mischief.
  2. The camp aims to bring together socially geeky teens who are passionate about science, technology, and collaborating with like-minded peers and mentors.
  3. Teens can attend for free but need to cover their own travel costs, and applications should be submitted by August 1st.

Agentic

Gradient Ascendant • 16 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Science Energy Economics
  1. Many people feel like life is getting worse even though, in many ways, it is improving globally. We're healthier and living longer, but people feel they have less control over their lives.
  2. There are two main ways to create wealth: by making something new (the 'forge') or by taking from existing resources (the 'siphon'). The siphon can lead to corruption and inequality, while the forge creates opportunities for everyone.
  3. Modern AI has the potential to help people gain more control and agency over their lives, but it can also take it away if it is used in ways that benefit only a few. It's important for designers to focus on increasing people's agency.

A pro-science, pro-progress, techno-optimistic middle school health textbook from 1929

More is Different • 16 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🚌 Education Science Health History Child development
  1. Science has made our lives better, giving us more comforts and longer life. We owe a lot to advancements like vaccinations and better sanitation that have improved health and safety.
  2. The book contrasts modern science with older practices from different cultures, showing how those without scientific methods faced more health challenges. It suggests that knowledge from science helps us understand and solve health problems better.
  3. The early chapters celebrate people's achievements in science, calling them heroes. It highlights how these individuals fought disease and changed health practices, showing the importance of curiosity and courage in scientific discovery.

Making Math

SCIENCE GODDESS • 98 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Math Science STEM Craft Education
  1. Crochet Coral Reef project combines art, craft, and STEM to engage people in science communication
  2. Bias against material play and embodied cognition can hinder funding for alternative STEM engagement methods
  3. Using hands-on activities like crocheting can help make math and science more accessible and engaging for a wider audience