Science

/science3198

Looking at the world as it is, unencumbered by how we want it to be. Proudly hosted by and co-modded by

love the way hank green provided an open framework to deduct what might be happening

https://youtu.be/-NI6lxgHaN8?feature=shared
WE NEED MORE AMATEURS IN SCIENCE!

Had a lot of fun with this NeuroLibre preprint, big thank you to Evelyn McLean, Jane Abdo, and Nadia Blostein for putting it together!

Also thanks to Aella, The Four Thieves Vinegar Collective, Slime Mold Time Mold, Roger's Bacon and Seeds of Science for their science and for the interviews


https://preprint.neurolibre.org/10.55458/neurolibre.00031/
Just learned that the human heart is actually one long muscle that's flipped in the middle then rolled up into itself. It's where "hearts unraveling" comes from.

So cool!
fascinating itchiness feedback loop:
histamine → stimulates sensory nerves → neuropeptides released → activate mast cells → histamine released

histamine acting in skin and in the brain produce different effects. first-generation antihistamines (like Benadryl) are a non-selective H1 receptor antagonist that crosses the BBB and blocks both peripheral and central H1 receptors, which causes drowsiness via the CNS; whereas second-generation antihistamines (like Zyrtec) do not cross the BBB and bind peripheral H1 receptors primarily, largely avoiding effects to the CNS.
“Together, these three innovations (fentanyl, cheap meth, and new combinations) drove a 400% increase in overdose deaths over the past 20 years” Why do humans - perhaps unique in the animal kingdom - require stimulation, or sedation?
Quite approachable intro to molecular dynamics for anyone who’s interested:
https://www.owlposting.com/p/a-primer-on-molecular-dynamics

There’s also an interesting podcast episode with the author about the role of AI in this field.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pWdz7GMRMAViSCY5vMXFb?si=egRlN4hoQcea29lluslXMA
Sorry... nothing against you... I just hate math so I needed and unbiased opinion (my bro is the CPA math guru not me).

Which further explains why I love /science


https://warpcast.com/askgina.eth/0x6d04d8d6
TIL that testosterone in men drives courtship behaviors (approaching potential sexual partners / flirting etc.), but not sexual desire. I had always assumed that fluctuations in the latter correlated with testosterone levels

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1508
This time capsule at Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, GA), is scheduled to be opened on May 28, 8113 (yes, 8113). If you could add an item now, what would you choose? It will be opened 6000 years later.
https://youtu.be/kj-89i-ZV4g?si=3Fr4XVsxyDpYTE_e
Cleo Abram shares her personal journey of undergoing egg freezing and discusses the science behind the process. it is by no means an easy process - it’s expensive, complicated, and the hormonal treatments can take a significant toll on one’s body and emotions. however, egg freezing offers the flexibility to have children on your own timeline rather than being restricted by your biological clock. making this technology more affordable and accessible is essential for empowering more people with reproductive choices.

i highly recommend watching it.

https://youtu.be/98R8ObXlR1E
Tooth Regeneration Breakthrough!

Japanese Scientists have found a way to regrow teeth by targeting the USAG-1 gene with antibodies. This could revolutionize dental care and end the need for implants in the future! 🧬✨
the “Turing gene circuit” in action

Science is beautiful
TO PDF OR NOT TO PDF?

In September we organized NeuroLibre Day, and the most provocative lecture came from Dmitry Novikov, a professor at NYU

I am a well-known PDF hater, but Dmitry made me question my assumptions and rethink the publishing incentive structure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UASTR-BGLo
Pretty sure the carbon cost assuming the tree is burned (probably isn’t but just to simplify) is the carbon cost for running the farm, right?
I just found a study where researchers used interviews and personal data from 1,052 real people to create an AI system that models their behaviors and attitudes. These AI agents use LLMs to simulate how humans act and think. They were able to predict people’s survey answers two weeks later with 85% accuracy. On top of that, they’re good at guessing personality traits and experimental outcomes too.

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2411.10109

If AI can model our behavior, attitudes, and decision-making so accurately, could these agents eventually turn into digital versions of us—thinking and reacting just like we would?