The Digest

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Edition: April 30

Criticism, Mathematics, and the importance of questioning the status quo

Criticism can be uncomfortable. It can be frustrating. But ultimately, it’s crucial to progress - whether it be professional, personal, or societal. So instead of sticking to our own ideas and our own status quo, what would happen if we embraced a culture of criticism? We’re betting some pretty incredible things. Let’s dive in.

Edition: May 7

The probability of a coin toss and (preventative) healthcare heads home

First up, break your brain on a quick thought experiment. Then, breast healthcare is getting a major upgrade. Plus: a quick look back through the years on Juliet’s transformation (that Juliet from Romeo and Juliet).

Edition: May 14

Move over Batman. This time our hero is... bats?

There is an invisible force quietly lurking in our bodies: low-level inflammation. It’s meant to be benevolent, but is far from harmless. But, could bats hold the solution?

Edition: May 21

How the arts transport us to different worlds and alter our brains

Music, art, and philosophy all evoke powerful emotions, shape our perspectives, and transport us to other worlds. Music can even change our brain chemistry, which may just change how we look at patient care. Speaking of transport, take a visit down memory lane with this article on Nostalgia.

Edition: May 28

Running season - or discovery season?

Spring is in full swing, but the warm weather isn’t the only thing we’re buzzing about. Apparently, this is the season of discovery too. After perusing how the marathon became 26.2 miles, check out the color-changing sutures that could change wound care as we know it. Then, there’s a new jellyfish! Or at least, new to us.

Edition: April 23

What lies in the shadows and why weather apps are always wrong.

We live in the age of data overload; we arguably have more data than our brains can effectively comprehend. So, how do we start making sense of all of the information? To start, we can take a lesson from past artists and weather forecasting. Plus: is it time to retire Peer Review?

Edition: April 9

Update now and save time later. And pricing negotation is here! For drugs at least.

Edition: April 16

No more Instagram face and the zen of repair.

We're in the Age of AI, but cyborg aesthetics are...over? Plus, the craft of repair and the irresistible draw of working with your hands.

Edition: April 2

Everything connected and the impact on infrastructure with a side of philosophy versus science?

Technology moves at the rate of Moore's Law...maybe faster these days. But do networks keep up? And with the reliance of more and more devices on networks, are humans in charge of security and performance able to keep up with bad actors? Here's hoping yes, but a commerical led to a rabbit hole, and this week is about connectedness and its effects on existing infrastructure. And then, is there truth? Does consensus exist in science?

Edition: March 19

Make my dreams your reality. Or, make your dreams my reality? So goes the song!

Fantasy is important to creativity and innovation. First, you have to dream or envision something before you can build it. But how often do we get carried away with what the future holds? Plus, do you have a soundtrack to your life? To your day? Is making a playlist "art?"

Edition: March 26

Are we ruled by a bell curve?

Do we really all sort to a bell curve? If you're hoping a machine can be trusted to define beauty, then yes. Even aesthetics is ruled by a bell curve. One step further, is it possible that we're just heading to an age of average? Average face? Average house? Average success? If your car, coat, and sneakers match your neighbors, are you in? Or average?

Edition: March 5

Technology in everything, everywhere, all at once. Plus, the Oracle of Omaha has words of wisdom for you.

AI is the hottest thing (or bubble, only time will tell). It's everywhere suddenly and nearly everyone (in tech) is trying to figure out how to contribute or how to take advantage of it. What's signal and what's noise? Or as Warren Buffett wrote in his annual newsletter, "the weeds wither away in significance while the flowers bloom."

Edition: March 12

Is there enough skin-in-the-game within healthcare?

Primary care gets a fresh set of eyes (Amazon's). Re-visit Taleb's take on why surgeons shouldn't look like surgeons. Meet a guy who so obsessed with anti-aging, he's spending $2 million a year on 30 doctors turning back the clock (or trying to).

Edition: February 26

Did Voice-as-a-Platform fail because of monopolies? Or is healthcare failing patients because of monopolies?

Monopolies. They are everywhere while supposedly nowhere thanks to anti-trust laws. Did monopolistic practices prevent voice-as-a-platform from realizing it's true potential? It felt incredible 5-7 years ago with turning lights on and off or asking for quick factoids. I'm often reminded of this SNL Alexa skit. But did large tech companies hinder the growth of voice because they were more focused on how voice helped their suite of products instead of allowing voice to be unburdened by the bottom line? Also, distance can matter. And when private equity is buying up all of the local practices, should we be worried about costs of future care?