Once Upon a Biological Data Point

Professionally, I focus on creating social benefit startups. In my Saturday morning emails I share what I’m learning and thinking. Topics range from better living and parenting to business and philosophy.

1. Delay, Detect, and Defend. For years, the National Biodefense Strategy has flagged biological threats as a top-tier national security issue. AI offers breakthroughs in medicine but also in bioweapons. When ChatGPT outperforms 94% of virologists on troubleshooting complex lab protocols, it’s past time to get serious. And that’s before we consider naturally occurring threats. We should be investing in Delay, Detect, and Defend strategies. I’m not sure where to draw the line on publishing scientific knowledge (should we not talk about mirror life?). But we should be screening DNA before synthesis and using modern techniques to monitor for pathogens (without repeating the mistakes of BioWatch). Think wastewater sampling, airport air sensors, and random anonymous swabs. We need to make personal protective equipment (PPE) cheap, reusable, and comfortable. The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense challenges us that ending pandemics is more feasible now than the Moon landing was in 1961. So why not go for it?

2. Trend Breaks. Great rule-of-thumb here when learning about the world: “Many sudden trend breaks are caused by measurement changes.” For example, the rise in the number of reported natural disasters in the later part of the 20th century is likely due to better reporting. It’s a separate question if the intensity of the natural disasters is increasing lately. Many more examples in the article if you click through the chart at the beginning. One trend break that seems genuine is the rise in adolescent self-harm-related hospitalizations, which is not fully explained by changes in definitions or recommendations. For more depth on the topic, explore Jonathan Haidt's Substack. Are there other examples you think reflect real changes rather than just measurement?

3. Children's Classics? Classic children’s books help us pass down culture, teach language, and create a shared set of references. And they’re often a joy to read. Some parents tell me they wish schools included more well-known classics. Others say that when they look at older books through the lens of today’s values, they’re not sure those would be their top choices anymore. I have fond memories of: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, James and the Giant Peach, Pippi Longstocking, The Secret Garden, Narnia, Lord of the Rings, The Swiss Family Robinson, Treasure Island, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Charlotte's Web, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Dark is Rising, My Side of the Mountain, A Wrinkle in Time, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Watership Down, and Black Beauty. Which classics do you hope your kids will read? Are there ones on this list you wish they wouldn’t read?

Until next time,

Miles

P.S. The White House announced America’s AI Acton Plan. Looks like it is largely accelerationist although with more safety provisions than expected. Please share your thoughts.