Scott Alexander responds to comments on his post about new telemedicine regulations, addressing various concerns and criticisms raised by readers. Longer summary

Scott Alexander summarizes and responds to various comments on his original post about new telemedicine regulations. He addresses concerns about drug addiction, debates the effectiveness of telemedicine compared to in-person care, discusses the issue of 'pill mills', clarifies his analogy about blind people accessing Braille, responds to criticism of his characterization of Christian doctors, examines which part of the government is responsible for the regulations, and looks at how other countries handle telemedicine prescriptions. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines conflicting narratives about cancer treatment progress, analyzing data to show that while some improvements are due to social factors, there's evidence of genuine advancements in cancer treatment and outcomes. Longer summary

This post examines the progress made in the 'War on Cancer' by analyzing cancer incidence rates, mortality rates, and five-year survival rates. Scott Alexander explores two competing narratives: one suggesting significant progress and another claiming limited success. He delves into the data, considering factors like age adjustment, smoking trends, and early detection biases. The analysis reveals that while some improvements are due to social factors like reduced smoking, there's evidence of genuine progress in cancer treatment. Stage-specific survival rates have improved, and studies adjusting for various confounders still show advancements. The post concludes that while progress may not meet the grand expectations set in the past, there has been a gradual but real improvement in cancer treatment and outcomes. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander explores biological factors like lead exposure, omega-6 fatty acids, and lithium levels as potential explanations for historical crime rate trends, particularly the possible increase from 1850 to 1980. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses potential biological explanations for historical trends in crime rates. He provisionally accepts that crime may have increased from 1850 to 1980, contrary to his previous belief. He then explores three biological factors that could explain this trend: lead exposure, omega-6 fatty acid consumption, and lithium levels in water. Scott argues that increased lead exposure from industrialization, a dramatic rise in omega-6 fatty acid consumption, and decreased lithium in water due to modern purification methods could all contribute to higher crime rates. He presents evidence linking these factors to aggression and crime, including studies on dietary supplements reducing violence in various populations. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander defends psychiatric treatment for suicide attempts, arguing that most are impulsive decisions by people with treatable mental disorders rather than rational choices. Longer summary

Scott Alexander argues in favor of psychiatric treatment for attempted suicide, emphasizing that while there may be rare cases of rational suicide, most attempts are impulsive decisions made by people with mental disorders. He presents evidence that the majority of suicide attempters later regret their actions and that psychiatric treatment can significantly reduce suicide rates. The post discusses statistics on mental disorders among suicide attempters, the temporary nature of many suicidal crises, and the effectiveness of psychiatric interventions. Scott also addresses common misconceptions about psychiatric hospitalization and argues that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for most patients. Shorter summary