This 2013 Cell Reports study investigated brain connectivity in children with autism. Using fMRI, researchers found increased local connectivity in the posterior insula and reduced long-range connectivity between the insula and other brain regions, specifically visual and default mode network areas, in autistic children compared to typically developing children. This atypical connectivity pattern correlated with social deficits, suggesting that over-connected local circuits within the insula may disrupt its ability to integrate information from other brain areas crucial for social cognition. This local overconnectivity could potentially lead to an internally focused processing style, contributing to the social challenges observed in autism.
This blog post presents a simple bookmarklet designed to remove fixed position headers on websites. The author, frustrated by obstructive sticky headers, created a JavaScript snippet that can be saved as a bookmark. When clicked, this bookmarklet iterates through all elements on the current page, identifies those with a fixed position (typically headers), and sets their position to static, effectively removing the sticky behavior. The post highlights the bookmarklet's effectiveness in reclaiming screen real estate and improving the browsing experience. It also includes the code snippet for easy copying and implementation.
Hacker News users generally praised the bookmarklet for its simplicity and effectiveness in removing annoying sticky headers. Some users expressed concerns about potential website breakage, while others offered alternative solutions like browser extensions (e.g., uBlock Origin) or Stylish. A few commenters suggested improvements to the bookmarklet's code, such as handling elements with position: fixed differently or providing an option to restore the original header. The discussion also touched upon the broader issue of intrusive web design and the ongoing battle between users and websites trying to maximize ad revenue. One commenter even shared a personal anecdote about creating a similar tool years prior, highlighting the long-standing frustration with sticky headers.
This study examines the prohibition of purple clothing for non-imperial family members in ancient China, arguing it wasn't a consistent, empire-wide ban but rather a series of evolving regulations with varying degrees of enforcement. The authors analyze historical texts, including legal codes and anecdotal evidence, to demonstrate that while purple dye was indeed associated with imperial authority, the restrictions on its use fluctuated across different dynasties and were often targeted at specific ranks or social groups. Factors influencing these prohibitions included the availability and cost of purple dye, the desire to maintain social hierarchy, and the evolving symbolic significance of purple itself. The study concludes that understanding the “purple prohibition” requires a nuanced approach that considers the specific historical context rather than assuming a blanket ban across all of ancient Chinese history.
Hacker News users discussed the historical and cultural context of the prohibition of purple dyes in ancient China. Some highlighted the sumptuary laws' role in maintaining social hierarchies by restricting access to luxury goods like purple dye, often reserved for the emperor. Others questioned the paper's assertions, pointing to potential mistranslations and a lack of clarity around which specific "purple" dyes were prohibited. Several commenters noted the difficulty of determining the exact shades of historical colors and suggested that the forbidden dye might have been a specific, expensive shade, rather than all purple hues. The practicality of enforcing such a ban and the potential for black markets were also debated. Finally, a few users shared anecdotes and additional resources regarding historical dye production and the symbolic significance of colors in different cultures.
A 2013 study suggests that the introduction of iodized salt in the US during the early 20th century played a significant role in raising IQ levels, particularly in iodine-deficient regions. Researchers found a correlation between iodine levels in soil (and thus food) and IQ scores, demonstrating higher IQs in areas with more iodine and a notable increase in cognitive abilities in iodine-deficient areas after iodization programs were implemented. This suggests that a simple public health intervention like iodizing salt can have a profound impact on population-level cognitive performance.
Hacker News users discuss the complexities of attributing IQ gains solely to iodine. Several commenters highlight other potential contributing factors during the same period, such as improved nutrition, education, and reduced exposure to lead. Some express skepticism about the methodology used in the study, questioning the reliability of historical IQ data and the potential for confounding variables. Others point out the importance of iodine for overall health, especially for pregnant women and developing fetuses, regardless of its impact on IQ. The genetic component of intelligence is also raised, with some arguing that iodine supplementation primarily benefits those with pre-existing iodine deficiency, rather than boosting IQ across the board. A few users share anecdotes about the noticeable cognitive improvements they experienced after addressing their own iodine deficiencies.
Summary of Comments ( 59 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42988303
HN users discuss the study's methodology and implications. Some express skepticism about fMRI's ability to accurately measure "hyperconnectivity" and question whether the observed differences are causative or merely correlated with autism. Others point out the small sample size and the difficulty of controlling for comorbidities like ADHD. The most compelling comments highlight the need for longitudinal studies to understand how brain connectivity changes over time in autistic individuals and whether these changes influence social development. Several commenters also caution against interpreting the findings as inherently negative, suggesting that "hyperconnectivity" could represent a different, not necessarily deficient, way of processing information. A few personal anecdotes from autistic individuals offer valuable perspectives on the lived experience of autism and the diversity within the autistic community.
The Hacker News post titled "Brain Hyperconnectivity in Autism and Its Links to Social Deficits (2013)" has several comments discussing the linked study and broader autism research.
Several commenters express skepticism of the study's conclusions and methodology. One commenter points out the small sample size (25 autistic children and 25 neurotypical children) as a potential limitation, arguing that larger studies are needed to confirm the findings. Another user questions the use of resting-state fMRI as a reliable measure of brain connectivity, suggesting that the observed hyperconnectivity might be an artifact of the method rather than a genuine neurological difference. This commenter also mentions the complexity of autism and the difficulty of pinpointing a single underlying cause.
Another thread discusses the difficulties in diagnosing and studying autism. One user, who identifies as having autism, describes the vast heterogeneity within the autistic community and the challenges researchers face in accounting for individual differences. They express concern that studies like this might oversimplify the complex nature of autism and lead to misinterpretations.
Some commenters also discuss the implications of the "hyperconnectivity" theory for understanding and treating autism. One commenter speculates on potential interventions that could target the specific brain circuits involved in social deficits. Another questions whether "hyperconnectivity" is a helpful or accurate description of the observed brain activity, suggesting that it might be more nuanced than simply "too many connections."
Finally, a few commenters mention other research areas related to autism, including genetic factors, environmental influences, and the role of the gut microbiome. They point to the complex interplay of these factors and caution against focusing solely on neurological explanations.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a mixture of cautious interest, skepticism, and in-depth discussion of the study's limitations and broader implications. Several commenters highlight the complexity of autism and the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective interventions. They also raise important methodological questions and emphasize the heterogeneity of the autistic community.