Scott Alexander examines how compounding pharmacies are producing cheaper versions of GLP-1 agonist drugs, exploring the economics, safety, and future implications of this practice. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the 'compounding loophole' that allows compounding pharmacies to produce cheaper versions of GLP-1 agonist drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic). He explains how these pharmacies operate, the cost differences, safety concerns, and potential future implications. The post covers the legal basis for this practice during drug shortages, the impact on drug manufacturers like Novo Nordisk, and speculates on what might happen when the shortage ends. Scott also touches on the broader implications for drug pricing and availability. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines the current research on Long COVID, analyzing its prevalence, symptoms, and potential impacts to assess personal risk and societal implications. Longer summary

Scott Alexander reviews the current research on Long COVID, examining its prevalence, symptoms, duration, and impact on different groups. He explores various studies, discusses potential mechanisms, and evaluates the psychosomatic argument. The post concludes with an assessment of personal risk and comparisons to other post-viral syndromes, emphasizing the uncertainties still surrounding Long COVID. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander discusses various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including strategies, mysteries, controversies, and global impacts. Longer summary

This blog post discusses various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the 'hammer and dance' strategy, smoking cessation, mysteries surrounding Japan's low case numbers, takeout food safety, ventilator numbers, the UK's policy reversal, density and infection rates, hydroxychloroquine controversy, concerns about developing countries, donation opportunities, cost-benefit analysis of lockdowns, US stimulus bill negotiations, and media coverage of the pandemic across the political spectrum. The post also includes short links to other coronavirus-related news and developments. Shorter summary

This post examines the pros and cons of using gene editing technologies in humans, discussing scientific, medical, and ethical considerations. Longer summary

This post discusses the potential uses, risks, and ethical implications of gene editing technologies in humans. It covers the science behind CRISPR, its safety and efficiency, the relationship between genetics and disease, and potential applications in treating conditions like cancer and HIV. The authors explore complex questions around genetic enhancement and 'designer babies', highlighting both the promise and perils of this technology. They conclude that while gene editing holds great potential, especially for certain genetic diseases, its use must be carefully regulated and ethically considered. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander follows up on his critique of a book about the Baumol effect, presenting data that challenges the book's claims about rising wages driving cost increases in education and healthcare. Longer summary

Scott Alexander follows up on his review of Tabarrok and Helland's book about the Baumol effect and rising costs in education and healthcare. He expresses disappointment with Tabarrok's response to his critique and further explores the issues. Scott presents data showing that wages in high-productivity sectors and for doctors and teachers have not risen as much as claimed, which challenges the book's central thesis. He also clarifies his understanding of how the Baumol effect can make things less affordable for individuals even if not for society as a whole. The post analyzes various data sources and graphs to support these points, maintaining a critical stance towards the original book's arguments. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander shares a diverse collection of links on topics including architecture, history, science, politics, and economics, offering brief commentaries and insights on each. Longer summary

This post is a collection of various links and brief commentaries on diverse topics. Scott Alexander covers subjects ranging from architecture and history to science, politics, and economics. He discusses the Obama Presidential Library, unusual historical facts, effective altruism, AI policy careers, Bitcoin mining, and scientific studies on parenting and voter ID laws. The post also touches on topics like gender discrimination in tech, nuclear energy startups, and dietary trends. Throughout, Scott provides his characteristic mix of curiosity, skepticism, and humor in discussing these wide-ranging subjects. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander criticizes branded combination nootropics, explaining why they are often ineffective or harmful, and advises careful individual experimentation with single substances instead. Longer summary

Scott Alexander criticizes branded combination nootropics, arguing they are often poorly designed and potentially harmful. He begins by mocking the ridiculous names and exaggerated claims of many such products, then explains why even well-intentioned combinations are problematic. The post discusses how nootropics affect individuals differently, making one-size-fits-all approaches ineffective. Scott emphasizes the importance of careful individual experimentation with single substances, rather than relying on pre-made combinations. He also cautions against assuming synergistic effects between different nootropics, noting that even well-studied psychiatric drug combinations often fail to show benefits. The post concludes by advising readers to approach nootropics cautiously and individually, rather than relying on branded combinations. Shorter summary

A monthly links post collecting and commenting on various interesting articles and studies from around the web, ranging from scientific research to philosophy to economics. Longer summary

This is a links post collecting various interesting articles and studies from around the web. Topics range from scientific research (like glucosamine effects on lifespan) to economics (like Amazon's employee policies) to philosophy (like debates on free will). Scott provides commentary and analysis on each link, often connecting them to previous discussions or adding his own insights. The post covers a wide variety of subjects including medicine, politics, evolution, and technology, with a mix of serious academic content and more lighthearted items. Shorter summary

Scott shares and comments on various interesting links, ranging from charity history and religious debates to scientific discoveries and technological developments. Longer summary

This is a link roundup post covering various interesting articles and findings. The topics range from efficient charity and religious debates to scientific discoveries about pain medication and sleep, and from unusual technological developments to curious psychological phenomena. The post includes commentary on each link, often with Scott's characteristic humor and skepticism, particularly about certain scientific claims. The links cover subjects as diverse as tiny mobile houses, digital-biological converters, and unusual seizure triggers. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander announces the launch of MetaMed, a company offering personalized medical research, and describes his positive experiences with their rational approach to medical questions. Longer summary

Scott Alexander announces the official launch of MetaMed, a company offering personalized medical research. He describes his experiences with the company, highlighting their commitment to solving difficult medical questions without taking shortcuts. Scott mentions a recent journal club discussion on antioxidants and multivitamins, and praises the company's rational approach to evaluating alternative medicine. He compares MetaMed to existing medical information aggregators like UpToDate, emedicine, and Wikipedia, suggesting that MetaMed could supplement these sources with rationalist medical analysis and personalized research. Shorter summary