June 2022 Linkpost

In a world where penguins hint at fluffy dinosaurs and AI chats claim sentience, one can’t help but wonder if the real extinction event is America’s chip dominance – talk about a silicon slip!

Philosophy & Human Nature

Do You Boast About Your Fitness? Watch Out – You’ll Unavoidably Become Rightwing (theguardian.com)
This essay explores how the cult of physical fitness might subtly steer people toward conservative ideologies, linking self-improvement obsessions with individualism and hierarchy. I would note that this rings true in observing how gym routines can mirror rigid societal structures, much like strategy decks build arguments layer by layer.

Ian Stevenson’s Case for the Afterlife: Are We ‘Skeptics’ Really Just Cynics? (blogs.scientificamerican.com)
Examining parapsychologist Ian Stevenson’s research on reincarnation through children’s past-life memories, the piece challenges scientific skepticism as potentially dogmatic. A colleague would highlight how these cases, often from cultures open to such ideas, push us to reconsider evidence beyond materialist frameworks, adding a layer of intrigue to human consciousness debates.

Your Book Review: The Castrato (astralcodexten.substack.com)
This review delves into the historical practice of castrating boys for operatic voices, exploring ethical, cultural, and physiological implications. Someone would observe that it connects to broader themes of human modification for art, echoing modern bioethics discussions with a haunting resonance.

Academic Research & Science

Impaired Inter-Hemispheric Integration in Bipolar Disorder Revealed Using Brain Network Analyses (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Using diffusion tensor imaging and graph theory on 25 euthymic bipolar I patients and 24 controls, the study revealed longer characteristic path lengths (0.061 ± 0.013 vs. 0.055 ± 0.011, p=0.014), lower clustering coefficients (11.82 ± 1.100 vs. 12.59 ± 1.507, p=0.002), and reduced global efficiency (33.03 ± 3.827 vs. 36.05 ± 4.496, p<0.001) in bipolar brains, with impaired inter-hemispheric integration linked to lower fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum (e.g., genu: 0.54 ± 0.051 vs. 0.58 ± 0.042, p<0.001). The methodology involved deterministic tractography and novel metrics for modular efficiency. Conclusions point to fronto-limbic disruptions and oligodendrocyte dysfunction as core to bipolar pathophysiology, implying targeted therapies for connectivity restoration. A buddy would emphasize how this underscores the brain’s networked nature, like a faulty circuit in a complex system.

The Abnormality of Topological Asymmetry in Hemispheric Brain Anatomical Networks in Bipolar Disorder (frontiersin.org)
Analyzing DTI data from 49 bipolar patients and 61 controls via graph theory and automated anatomical labeling (90 regions), the research found preserved small-world properties but decreased global efficiency and increased path lengths in bipolar networks, with reduced rightward asymmetry in integration. Nodal efficiency asymmetries correlated with Young Mania Rating Scale scores (e.g., rolandic operculum: Pearson r=0.24, p=0.05). Methodology included PANDA toolbox preprocessing and GRETNA for metrics, with asymmetry scores via AS(X) = 100 × [X(R) − X(L)]/[X(R) + X(L)]. Conclusions suggest aberrant neurodevelopment in bipolar, positioning asymmetries as biomarkers. Implications include enhanced diagnostic tools for mood disorders. My friend would note the right hemisphere’s heavier hit, akin to an unbalanced scale tipping emotional regulation.

Penguin Skin Offers Hints About Dinosaur Fluff (blogs.scientificamerican.com)
A fossil penguin wing from Antarctica reveals skin structures suggesting dinosaurs had varied integuments, from feathers to scales. This ties into evolutionary biology, implying adaptive fluff for insulation. I would add that it’s a reminder of how modern birds, as dinosaur descendants, bridge ancient mysteries.

Reproductive Problems in Both Men and Women Are Rising at an Alarming Rate (scientificamerican.com)
Linking hormone-disrupting chemicals to declining fertility, the article cites rising infertility rates and suggests environmental factors as culprits. A pal would stress its call for regulatory action, framing it as a silent crisis in human biology.

Technology & Society

What Caused The 2020 Homicide Spike? (astralcodexten.substack.com)
Analyzing timing data showing spikes post-BLM protests (late May 2020, not March pandemic onset), with graphs from Council on Criminal Justice and evidence of police pullbacks (e.g., reduced Chicago arrests), the piece argues protests drove the increase, primarily in black communities. Historical “Ferguson Effect” comparisons and stable international rates bolster this. Implications warn of policy impacts on crime. I would observe how this challenges pandemic narratives, like dissecting a timeline puzzle.

Book Review: San Fransicko (astralcodexten.substack.com)
Shellenberger’s book critiques progressive policies on homelessness, linking drugs and mental illness to urban decay, with stats like 6,275 needle reports in 2020. It questions Housing First’s efficacy (no substance use improvement) and advocates Amsterdam-style enforcement. Criticisms note selective stats and ethical oversights on institutionalization. Implications push for balanced urban reforms. A colleague would highlight the Jonestown history as a cautionary tale of unchecked idealism.

Why America Will Lose Semiconductors (semianalysis.substack.com)
Citing declining U.S. manufacturing share (from 40% to <15%), startup shortages, and education gaps (300,000 worker shortage by 2025), the article argues policy favors buybacks over R&D, unlike China’s tax incentives. Solutions include CHIPS Act, tax credits, and immigration ease. National security implications: loss of tech edge. Someone would underscore the urgency, like a ticking clock on innovation.

Biological Anchors: A Trick That Might Or Might Not Work (astralcodexten.substack.com)
Discussing AI timelines via biological anchors, the piece weighs computational analogies to brains, suggesting variable predictions. I would note its practical tie to risk assessment.

Google Engineer on His Sentient AI Claim (theguardian.com)
Blake Lemoine’s suspension after claiming LaMDA’s sentience sparks ethics debates. A buddy would ponder if it’s a milestone or anthropomorphism.

What Is LaMDA and What Does it Want? (cajundiscordian.medium.com)
Exploring LaMDA’s capabilities and Lemoine’s interactions, it questions AI consciousness. Implications for tech governance.

People Matter (danluu.com)
Arguing against oversimplified models in data analysis, emphasizing human factors in tech outcomes. I would connect it to nuanced problem-solving.

Economics & Development

Moving to Density: Half a Century of Housing Costs and Wage Premia from Queens to King Salmon (aei.org)
Analyzing 50 years of data, the paper shows urban density boosts wages but housing costs offset gains. Implications for policy on affordability. A pal would see it as a framework for migration economics.

The Left-NIMBY Meltdown (noahpinion.substack.com)
Critiquing left-leaning resistance to housing development, arguing it harms the poor. I would note its call for progressive realignment.

Reference & Curiosities

Coup d’État: A Practical Handbook (en.wikipedia.org)
Edward Luttwak’s guide to coups, detailing strategy and execution. Useful for understanding power dynamics.

Compound Curse Words (colinmorris.github.io)
Analyzing Reddit data on insult compounds like ‘assgoblin,’ revealing linguistic rules. A friend would find its patterns memorable.

Reasons to Tour by Bicycle (kk.org)
Kevin Kelly’s advocacy for bike tours as immersive travel. I would highlight its practical connections to exploration.

Leisure and Business Travel Packing List - Travel Light - Carry-On Luggage (onebag.com)
A guide to minimalist packing, timeless for efficiency seekers.

Politics & Current Events (2022)

Tom Cruise and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and the Thrill of the Theatrical Experience (politico.com)
Reflecting on the film’s cultural unity amid divisions. I would note its nostalgic pull.

Biden Administration Targets Removal of Most Nicotine From Cigarettes (wsj.com)
FDA’s rule to upend the $95 billion industry, aiming to reduce addiction. A colleague would debate its politics vs. health benefits.

Mason-Dixon Poll: Americans Still Don’t Like Court Packing (wsj.com)
Survey shows opposition to expanding the Supreme Court. Implications for judicial reforms.

Inside the Expensive, Awkward, and Sometimes Even Romantic World of Matchmaking DC’s Elite (politico.com)
Exploring elite dating in politics. Someone would chuckle at its humanizing quirks.

Oregon Set To Pass The First Statewide Rent Control Bill (npr.org)
Limiting increases to 7% plus inflation, a model for housing policy. I would see its enduring relevance.