The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Wealth Always Hits a Limit

European Straits • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
💼 Business Technology
  1. Businesses based on software, finance, and intellectual property enjoy increasing returns and can escape price competition, letting a small owner class concentrate large amounts of wealth.
  2. Global reserve-currency dynamics (especially the dollar’s dominant role) break normal exchange-rate rebalancing, locking in advantages for southern-side digital and financial firms while hollowing out domestic manufacturing.
  3. Physical manufacturing remains constrained by currency and price competition, so overall wealth concentration will eventually hit limits via currency shifts, falling consumption, and political backlash.

Friday Links

Niko McCarty • 39 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Forever chemicals are really tough to break down because of their chemical structure. Researchers are looking for ways to engineer microbes that can help eliminate these harmful substances.
  2. SGLT2 inhibitors can help the immune system clear out old cells, which could be important for health. There’s growing interest in how these inhibitors can benefit kidney treatment.
  3. Advances in cotton plant genomes could make it easier to breed better plants in the future. This could lead to improvements in cotton production and farming.

The chemical reason that PFAS are "forever chemicals"

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', are super strong substances that don't break down easily in our bodies. Once they get in, they can stick around for a long time, causing potential health issues.
  2. These chemicals are hard to get rid of because our bodies mistake them for fat, allowing them to be reabsorbed instead of eliminated. This reabsorption can lead to long-term interference with our health.
  3. NeutraOat might help reduce the impact of PFAS by trapping these chemicals and preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. It could be an important tool in managing their harmful effects.

DeFi Education Q&A (April 2023)

DeFi Education • 479 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🔮 Crypto Technology
  1. The Q&A sessions feature experts in finance and software, sharing their knowledge. It's a great chance to learn from experienced professionals.
  2. New subscribers get a quick overview of what to expect during these Q&A sessions. They can understand the format and benefits right away.
  3. These sessions are aimed at engaging the community and answering questions, making them interactive and informative for everyone involved.
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In defense of curiosity driven research

Heterodox STEM • 120 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Curiosity-driven research is essential for advancing science and understanding complex theories. It helps discover fundamental truths that may not have immediate practical applications.
  2. Recent funding cuts to foundational research, especially in STEM fields, can harm the growth and competitiveness of scientific knowledge in the U.S. These cuts prioritize immediate economic gains over long-term scientific exploration.
  3. Mathematics plays a crucial role in science and technology, influencing discoveries and innovations that impact everyday life. A strong focus on mathematical ideas can lead to transformative advances in various fields.

*Important* Academy Launch

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Technology
  1. The Academy is designed to help people kickstart their careers in crypto by teaching them essential skills. It offers courses on investing, building, and trading in the cryptocurrency space.
  2. Joining the Academy now comes with a $100 discount for early sign-ups, giving you access to over 40 video lessons that cover crucial topics like fundamental analysis and market timing.
  3. The course is a good way to deepen your understanding of cryptocurrency, especially for those who want to keep their job while learning how to work with DAOs and build their brand.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #21

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Google is making seven small nuclear reactors to power its AI data centers. This is a big step for clean energy in tech, aiming for carbon-free power by 2035.
  2. The US economy is doing really well compared to other rich countries. It's growing faster and has better output per person than places like Europe and Japan.
  3. SpaceX successfully caught a returning rocket in mid-air. This shows how technology can make amazing ideas a reality.

The origins of human-centered design

Can We Still Govern? • 151 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🪑 Design Technology
  1. Human-centered design started in the military during World War II. It focused on understanding how people interacted with equipment to prevent crashes and improve safety.
  2. John Arnold formalized human-centered design processes in the 1950s, laying the groundwork for its use in technology and public services.
  3. In recent years, human-centered design has gained attention in government to enhance services. It's about putting people's needs first to build trust and engagement.

Letter #153: Susan Li (2023)

A Letter a Day • 117 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Meta CFO Susan Li discussed the strong Q2 results, digital ad spending, AI investments, and future ambitions during an interview.
  2. AI investments have positively impacted engagement and revenue growth on Meta's platforms.
  3. Meta's new app 'Threads' is focused on user experience first before considering monetization.

May 2025 Updates

New Things Under the Sun • 160 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Recent studies show that government funding for research and development (R&D) yields high returns. Estimates suggest that every dollar spent on non-defense government R&D could generate benefits worth up to 210%.
  2. The composition of R&D funding has changed over the years. While support for applied research has dropped, funding for basic research has remained stable as a fraction of GDP.
  3. A significant research paper claiming that AI boosts innovation was retracted due to issues with the data and its credibility. This highlights the need for careful evaluation of research, especially when it could have major implications.

The Disco Jazz Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Technology
  1. An Indian disco record, Disco Jazz, found a new, enthusiastic audience years after its release due to algorithms and word-of-mouth.
  2. Disco Jazz stands out for its blend of genres and unconventional elements compared to traditional Indian disco music.
  3. The rediscovery of 'Aaj Shanibar' led to increased interest from international DJs, new releases, and proceeds going to the singer for her future music projects.

Are You a Neganthropologist?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Technology
  1. Our current tech-driven era is creating massive entropy in both the planet and human minds, but there’s a possible alternative called the Neganthropocene where we redesign systems to regenerate knowledge, care, and the commons.
  2. The pace of digital change prevents society from forming a new, stable epoch, short-circuiting collective memory and social systems and driving regression, polarization, and the risk of authoritarian dynamics.
  3. Technology is a pharmakon — both poison and cure — so we must learn to master and redesign AI and networks to avoid the ‘proletarianization’ of human skills and to build contributory economies that foster imagination and collective intelligence.

The Hypothetical Image

Cybernetic Forests • 199 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology
  1. Diffusion models in AI strip images and rebuild them from noise, creating fictional, incomplete resurrection of images based on training data.
  2. The aestheticization of AI-generated images can erase the social meaning and historical significance of the original images, impacting memory and cultural value.
  3. The use of generative AI blurs the lines between reality and fiction, creating hypothetical images that remix past cultural forms without acknowledging the traumas or historical context they are built upon.

Oppenheimer The Movie

Life in the 21st Century • 235 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  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.

Supply AND Demand

Knowledge Problem • 235 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Market value is determined by the interaction of supply and demand, allowing for price discovery.
  2. The traditional assumption in the electricity industry of fixed supply catering to demand is becoming obsolete due to digital technologies enabling flexible demand.
  3. Digital technologies and dynamic pricing are empowering consumers to have more control over their electricity bills and contribute to a greener future.

AI × Education: Some Thoughts on How I'm Approaching My Courses This Fall

The Absent-Minded Professor • 235 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🚌 Education Technology
  1. Spend time building relationships and explaining AI tools instead of blocking or preventing students from using them.
  2. Focus on building trust with students rather than setting traps or relying solely on technology to prevent cheating.
  3. Consider re-evaluating assessments to ensure they align with learning objectives, especially if AI tools expose weaknesses.

Industry Impact, Predictive Tech, and Financial Prospects of Solar Storms Forecasting

Space Ambition • 199 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Solar storms can disrupt important systems like GPS, communications, and power grids. Understanding these storms helps us protect our technology and infrastructure.
  2. Predictive technology now allows us to forecast solar storms 20 hours in advance. This gives us time to prepare and possibly avoid some of the negative impacts.
  3. As satellite technology grows, so does the risk from solar storms. We're learning to adjust satellite operations to minimize damage and keep them functioning better in space.

This politics newsletter was almost destroyed by Facebook's algorithm changes

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. Facebook's algorithm changes can seriously hurt online businesses. It happened to a politics newsletter that lost a lot of traffic and income overnight.
  2. Switching to a subscription model helped save the newsletter. This change allowed them to focus on their loyal readers instead of just chasing traffic.
  3. Building a direct relationship with subscribers is important. It helps secure income and creates a more dedicated community around the content.

The Otonomist - May 2023 Special Issue

The Otonomist • 439 implied HN points • 31 May 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. You can invest in Otonomos through the Funding Club on their online portal.
  2. By investing, you get exposure to a tech ecosystem without direct risk from individual ventures.
  3. Owning Otonomos Mirror Tokens gives you a stake in the special purpose LLC and guarantees equivalent dollar shares in Otonomos Holdings.

Inside the guts of Figma's S-1 Filing

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Figma is growing fast and has lots of international users. Most of its revenue comes from outside its home country, showing there's still room to grow.
  2. The company is profitable and has strong customer retention. Figma has improved its profits in recent years and continues to attract big accounts.
  3. Figma's IPO is important for the tech industry. A successful listing could encourage more companies to go public and bring new excitement to the market.

The New Fundraising Playbook: Seed-Strapping

Tanay’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Seed-strapping is when a startup raises a small amount of money and then grows instead using its own revenue. This lets founders keep more control over their company.
  2. AI has made it easier for startups to succeed without needing lots of funding. Companies can now build products faster and sell them sooner, leading to quick profits.
  3. While seed-strapping offers benefits like less dilution and more financial discipline, it can also come with challenges like competition from better-funded startups and limitations on growth.

Searching for Posthumanist AI

Cybernetic Forests • 259 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Large Language Models are anthropocentric and pose challenges to moving beyond human-centric ideologies
  2. Post-humanism emphasizes decentering humanity and focusing on the health of the planet and interconnected natural systems
  3. AI's current state reflects human biases and design decisions, and a posthumanist approach would require a shift towards technologies that facilitate listening and understanding the world outside ourselves

The Human Use of Human Beings

Life in the 21st Century • 137 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Norbert Wiener emphasized the importance of feedback for learning in technology and society.
  2. Wiener warned against the negative impacts of allowing militarism to lead technological development.
  3. Wiener's critique highlights the need to value technology based on its benefit to human beings, not just for its own sake.

Machine learning eats up science

Mindful Modeler • 219 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Research papers increasingly focus on AI and ML, indicating a growing trend in the scientific community.
  2. AI and ML offer significant benefits in terms of saving time, automating tasks, and enabling research.
  3. Challenges like bias, fraud, and lack of reproducibility persist, with a major concern being the reliance on pattern recognition over understanding in ML and AI.

Earnings: TSMC, ASML, AEHR, Telecom

Mule’s Musings • 417 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. ASML's recent earnings revealed a drop in orders and concerns about future growth, particularly due to challenges in their Chinese market and demand from major clients like Samsung and Intel.
  2. TSMC reported strong earnings with high demand for AI-related products and plans for significant capital investment, showing confidence in their growth despite market fears.
  3. The semiconductor industry is facing a shift, with lithography spending likely slowing down, but both ASML and TSMC are positioned to adapt to these changes for future growth.

Xenobots: Self-Replicating Biobots

Solve Cancer in 365 days • 2 HN points • 14 Sep 24
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Xenobots are made from frog cells and can swim, heal, and move in groups. They are different from regular robots because they are living organisms created by scientists.
  2. Researchers design Xenobots by separating skin and heart cells and using computer algorithms to find the best ways to make them move. This combines biology with engineering.
  3. Xenobots can self-replicate by using loose stem cells to create new Xenobots. They could help with pollution cleanup and even serve purposes in medicine, like repairing organs.

A Look at Spying by Israel in the U.S.

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 140 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. Many former Israeli intelligence agents have high positions in major U.S. tech companies. This raises questions about how deeply Israel's influence reaches into American business.
  2. Unit 8200, an elite Israeli intelligence group, is known for serious military operations and has developed invasive surveillance methods that affect many people, including civilians.
  3. Apps and social media platforms aren't just tools for communication; they can be battlegrounds for information control, leading to concerns about privacy and data usage.

This Week in Marketing: Zero-Click Search, Anti-Slop TikTok, YouTube DMs, and Monopoly-Free Meta

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. TikTok is giving users more control over their feeds by allowing them to limit AI-generated content. This is a response to concerns about low-quality, repetitive content.
  2. Google's new updates are changing how we search online, and many marketers are recognizing that fewer users are clicking on links. People are trusting AI-generated summaries without visiting original websites.
  3. YouTube is bringing back direct messaging after several years, which could lead to more personal interactions on the platform. This change may help connect creators and fans in a more direct way.

The Lawyers are Coming

DeFi Education • 979 implied HN points • 18 Jun 22
🔮 Crypto Technology
  1. Lawyers are becoming more involved in the industry due to recent problems. Their rising presence is creating a new field of work.
  2. Several failures and collapses have pushed the need for legal support in business matters. This has led to more legal cases being opened.
  3. As the legal landscape evolves, businesses should be aware of potential legal issues. It's important to stay informed and prepared for any changes.

The Intimacy Crisis: Sex and Social Media with Katherine Dee

The Bigger Picture • 818 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. The internet is a carnival that can disconnect us from real intimacy, eroding our ability to make sense and find truth.
  2. Online identity is becoming more fluid, causing a clash between affinity-based and experience-based identities.
  3. Social media gamifies communication, impacting our ability to have authentic conversations and eroding relational skills needed for true intimacy.

Bestseller In Japan: “Degrowth Communism” As The Answer to Climate Change, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 599 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Technology
  1. Some believe 'Degrowth Communism' is the answer to climate change, promoting shrinking the economy, but it may pose risks by lowering living standards globally.
  2. Advanced countries show a trend of reducing CO2 emissions while still experiencing economic growth, indicating growth and technological progress are crucial solutions to climate change.
  3. Karl Marx emphasized the potential of technology for growth, contrasting with the view that the economy would hit a 'stationary state'; however, he underestimated capitalism's ability to address its own challenges.

The Japanification of Work: Lessons from an Ageing Nation

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Japan is facing a major challenge with an aging population, as more people are over 65 than under 5. This creates pressure on the economy and social systems.
  2. To tackle the labor shortage, Japan is using technology like robots and exoskeletons to support care workers and assist the elderly. Employers are also adjusting work policies to help older workers.
  3. Other countries can learn from Japan's approach to handle aging populations by rethinking retirement, encouraging women in the workforce, and being open to skilled immigration.