April 2021 Linkpost

A pal shared a story about bees swarming a car in New Mexico, but I would note that while it’s a curious incident, it highlights how even insects can disrupt daily life in unexpected ways.

Philosophy & Human Nature

The Pointlessness of Life (journalofcontroversialideas.org)
This essay argues that life lacks an inherent point, as our efforts ultimately lead to no valued end that persists beyond our existence. I would observe that this perspective resonates with existential questions about meaning, encouraging reflection on why we pursue goals despite their transience.

The Narrowing Circle of Moral Concern (gwern.net)
Gwern explores how modern ethics has expanded to include more beings while excluding others, like ancestors or fictional characters, from moral consideration. My friend would point out the irony in how ethical progress sometimes contracts our circle of care, making this a memorable framework for understanding shifting moral boundaries.

Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage: Solitude in Nature (poets.org)
Lord Byron’s poem celebrates the pleasure found in untamed nature and solitude away from society. I would note that in a time of constant connectivity, this reminds us of the restorative power of disconnecting, a timeless appeal for introspection.

Academic Research & Science

Sex Differences in Cannabis Effects (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
In a cross-sectional survey of 2374 cannabis users (1370 men, 1004 women), researchers found men use cannabis more frequently and in higher quantities, preferring joints and vaporizers, while women favor pipes and edibles. Methodology involved an anonymous online questionnaire analyzed with chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and t-tests (p<0.01). Key findings: men report increased appetite (75.2% vs. 70%), enthusiasm (41.8% vs. 34.5%), and musicality (49.3% vs. 37%); women report loss of appetite (11.8% vs. 8.5%) and desire to clean (47% vs. 36.4%). Withdrawal differences include men’s insomnia (32% vs. 27%) and women’s nausea (8.4% vs. 5.3%). Implications suggest tailored interventions for cannabis-related issues, as sex influences subjective effects and medical use patterns, with women using for anxiety and nausea more often.

Animal Personality and Genetic Variation (royalsocietypublishing.org)
A meta-analysis of 98 studies across species found 52% of animal personality variation attributable to additive genetic factors, with methodologies including heritability estimates from pedigree data and behavioral assays. Sample sizes varied per study, but aggregated data showed consistent heritability. Conclusions indicate personality traits like boldness and activity are heritable, implying evolutionary significance. Implications for conservation: understanding genetic bases aids in predicting behavioral responses to environmental changes.

Muon g-2 Experiment Hints at New Physics (quantamagazine.org)
Fermilab’s experiment measured the muon’s magnetic moment, deviating from Standard Model predictions by 4.2 sigma, suggesting undiscovered particles. Methodology used a magnetic ring to observe muon precession, with over 8 billion muons analyzed. Implications challenge current physics, potentially revolutionizing particle theory if confirmed.

Technology & Society

Why So Many Christians in Africa? (astralcodexten.substack.com)
Scott Alexander examines the rapid growth of Christianity in Africa, attributing it to missionary efforts and cultural fit. I would note this framework connects historical patterns to modern demographics, useful for understanding global religious shifts.

Optimal Employment Strategies (lesswrong.com)
This post discusses career models for research, emphasizing flexible hours and intellectual freedom. A colleague would highlight its practical applications for balancing productivity and well-being in knowledge work.

CFAR Participant Handbook (lesswrong.com)
The Center for Applied Rationality’s handbook offers tools for better decision-making and habit formation. I would observe it’s memorable for its meta-cognitive approaches, similar to building rational arguments in daily life.

Running the Semiconductor Fabs (noahpinion.substack.com)
Noah Smith argues for prioritizing STEM education amid egalitarianism debates. Implications include societal need for technical expertise to maintain innovation.

Economics & Development

Hedge Funds in Startups (pitchbook.com)
Hedge funds are increasingly investing in ventures, outbidding VCs. My friend would note this shifts funding dynamics, with implications for startup growth and valuation bubbles.

Fintech Billionaire in Brazil (forbes.com)
David Velez built Nubank into a $25 billion digital bank by reducing fees. I would point out its broader connections to financial inclusion in emerging markets.

Climate & Environment

Eating Rules for Climate Fight (theatlantic.com)
Simple dietary changes like reducing waste and beef can lower emissions. Useful for practical applications in daily life, as a buddy would say.

Electric Vehicles as Negative Externalities (jpagels.medium.com)
EVs impose costs like grid strain; tax rather than subsidize. Implications challenge green policies, encouraging balanced incentives.

Reference & Curiosities

René Guénon Biography (en.wikipedia.org)
Overview of the philosopher’s life and influence on perennialism. Memorable for its connections to esoteric traditions.

Handedness and Sexual Orientation (en.m.wikipedia.org)
Research suggests non-right-handedness correlates with non-heterosexuality. A reference for biological curiosities.

World’s Fairs Revival (cameronwiese.com)
Proposal to revive World’s Fairs for innovation showcase. I would note it’s useful for inspiring collective progress.

Politics & Current Events (2021)

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Pause (washingtonpost.com)
Officials paused due to rare blood clots; critics argue overreaction undermines confidence. My friend would observe the tension between caution and urgency in vaccine rollout.

Bill Gates on Vaccine Patents (salon.com)
Gates opposes sharing formulas, citing factory issues. Implications for global equity in pandemic response.

Florida Genital Inspections Bill (lgbtqnation.com)
Bill requires inspections for school sports to enforce gender rules. A colleague would note the invasive nature amid transgender debates.