July 2021 Linkpost

Who knew lifting weights could make your fat cells start spilling the tea on burning calories?

Philosophy & Human Nature

Does Moral Philosophy Actually Drive Progress? (applieddivinitystudies.com)
This essay questions whether investing in moral philosophy accelerates societal progress, using counterexamples like the persistence of factory farming despite ancient ethical teachings against animal harm, and the economic drivers behind slavery’s abolition rather than pure moral arguments. It notes correlations between human rights advancements and GDP growth, suggesting economic factors may be more influential. I would note that this challenges the comforting idea that past atrocities stemmed from ignorance, implying we often knowingly commit wrongs today.

Relentlessness in Parenting (lesswrong.com)
The post explores the unyielding demands of raising a child who constantly requires attention, emphasizing the emotional and practical challenges. A buddy shared this piece, which captures the meta-cognitive strain of parenting, reminding us why frameworks for handling such relentlessness can connect to broader life strategies.

Cat Person: The Viral Story That Mirrored My Life (slate.com)
A personal essay reveals how Kristen Roupenian’s viral short story “Cat Person” drew from the author’s real-life relationship details without permission, blending fiction with reality and sparking reflections on memory, consent in storytelling, and the ethics of using others’ lives for art. My friend would highlight the eerie overlap and the author’s anger at the invasion, making it a memorable dive into how narratives shape personal truths.

Academic Research & Science

Weight Training’s Surprising Impact on Fat Cells (nytimes.com)
This article details a study on mice and humans showing that resistance exercise prompts muscles to release genetic material in bubbles that signal fat cells to burn stored energy, with effects lasting up to 24 hours post-workout. Methodology involved molecular analysis of cellular crosstalk, though specific sample sizes aren’t detailed; prior studies referenced include groups like young women and overweight men. I would observe that this reshapes how we view lifting—not just for muscle, but as a direct metabolic hack for fat loss.

The Deadliest U.S. Disasters Might Surprise You (prb.org)
Research from 1970-2004 analyzed 19,959 natural disaster deaths, finding heat/drought caused 19.6% (3,906 deaths), followed by severe summer weather (18.8%) and winter weather (18.1%), while hurricanes and wildfires accounted for only 5%. Using a spatial hazard database, it mapped high-risk areas like the South Atlantic coast. A colleague would point out the implications for resource allocation, as common events like heat waves kill more over time than dramatic catastrophes.

1972 MIT Collapse Prediction Holds Up (vice.com)
Updating the 1972 “Limits to Growth” World3 model with recent data on variables like population and pollution, the 2020 study aligns closest with “business-as-usual” and “comprehensive technology” scenarios, predicting growth halt by 2030 and potential collapse by 2040 if unchecked. Methodology compared empirical data to model outputs; no specific sample sizes, as it’s simulation-based. Someone shared this sobering update, noting it implies urgent shifts beyond endless growth for a sustainable future.

Technology & Society

Can Religion Guide AI Ethics? (nytimes.com)
Exploring efforts to infuse AI with religious wisdom, the piece features initiatives like faith-based AI interactions and interfaith groups addressing biases and surveillance. Key examples include studies tailoring AI responses to spiritual queries and podcasts blending tech with theology. I would remark that this bridges secular tech culture with ancient moral frameworks, potentially countering harms like discrimination through humility and historical perspective.

Musk’s Mood on AI Safety (lukemuehlhauser.com)
The post discusses Elon Musk’s serious concern for AI risks, contrasting with many ML researchers’ optimism, and argues for more focus on safety amid rapid advancements. A pal would note the implications for prioritizing existential threats in tech development.

Visual Programming: Hacker News Insights (drossbucket.com)
Compiling Hacker News comments, this explores why visual programming often fails despite promises, citing issues like scalability and abstraction. I would add that it connects to broader tech debates on tools versus text-based efficiency.

Economics & Development

The Hidden Costs of Master’s Degrees (slate.com)
Analyzing how elite schools profit from master’s programs, often leaving students with high debt (e.g., $300k for arts degrees) and low returns, especially online via revenue-sharing with managers. Implications call for loan caps and transparency. A buddy would observe the scam-like blurring of nonprofit and for-profit education.

Rethinking ESG Investing (wsj.com)
As more funds flow into ESG, investors demand both values alignment and strong returns, amid growing trends. I would note this shifts investing toward balancing profit with positive impact, though data on performance remains key.

Co-ops and Founder Incentives (jrwiener.com)
Examining how cooperatives can better align incentives for founders through shared ownership, potentially fostering sustainable business models. Someone would highlight its practical applications for equitable development.

Envisioning Life Beyond Work (livingafi.com)
This guide helps build a post-retirement vision, addressing the common question of what to do with free time in financial independence. I would say it connects to broader economic shifts toward meaningful leisure.

Frugality Isn’t Linear (scattered-thoughts.net)
Explaining how cutting spending non-linearly extends savings, with examples like housing hacks. A colleague would note its useful frameworks for personal finance.

Climate & Environment

Mapping Future Heat Waves (nytimes.com)
Using visualizations, it shows rising extreme heat frequency (200-fold since 1950s), with projections of 97,000 more U.S. heat deaths annually by 2100 without action. Methodology draws from climate models and studies. I would emphasize the urgent need for emissions cuts and adaptations like warning systems.

The Mysterious Bird Illness (theatlantic.com)
Detailing a mid-Atlantic bird die-off with eye infections and neurological symptoms, affecting common species; cause unknown, feeders implicated. Implications for wildlife health amid human crises. A friend shared this eerie parallel to pandemics.

Reference & Curiosities

Bodybuilding Revival at 71 (theguardian.com)
Joan Macdonald transformed her health at 71, ditching meds through weight training, gaining 1.4m Instagram followers. I would note it’s proof age doesn’t limit reinvention, with muscle adaptability key.

Mons Huygens: The Moon’s Tallest Hill (en.wikipedia.org)
Detailing the Moon’s tallest hill at 5,500m, part of the Apennine range. A pal would say it’s a curious reminder of lunar exploration dreams.

Politics & Current Events (2021)

Flawed Justice in Shaken Baby Cases (nytimes.com)
Terry McKirchy faces murder charges for a 1984 shaking incident causing a man’s death at 35; autopsy linked it directly. Implications question light past sentences. My friend would note the long shadows of flawed forensics.