Open Thread 425

In the weekly visible open thread, readers of ACX (Authors Cooperative) are invited to share their thoughts, ask questions, and discuss any topic they wish. This platform fosters a global community through various channels, including an unofficial subreddit, Discord server, and bulletin board. While most content is freely accessible, some exclusive content is available to subscribers, who can sign up for access here.

One of the highlights of this week's open thread is the revelation of another ACX Forecasting Contest winner, mAd-topo. This individual is a statistics PhD specializing in Bayesian methods. Currently seeking an academic position, mAd-topo invites potential employers to learn more about their qualifications and consider them for any available roles. Additionally, mAd-topo reaches out to any "law nerd" who reads this thread, encouraging them to bet on his prediction markets related to an upcoming Italian referendum. This will help him make an informed decision when casting his vote on Sunday.

Another engaging discussion in the open thread revolves around a post regarding a constitutional amendment concerning the size of Congress. Some readers have explored the possibility that the reversed meaning in the amendment was indeed a typo. Commenter i_eat_pork conducted research into the amendment's history and confirmed that the reversal was, in fact, a typographical error. Furthermore, commenter Caral discovered that the amendment might have been ratified by an additional state in 1790. However, this development raises legal questions, as District of Columbia (DC) officials were never informed about this amendment. There is no clear mechanism for alerting the legal system to this oversight, presenting an opportunity for an enterprising constitutional lawyer to investigate and potentially resolve this issue.

Additionally, readers of ACX have taken the opportunity to advertise a new cryonics company called Nectome. This revolutionary service aims to preserve the entire body, including the brain, at a nanoscale, subsynaptic level. Nectome claims to be capable of preserving every neuron and synapse in the brain, as well as nearly every protein, lipid, and nucleic acid within each cell and throughout the entire body. Unlike traditional cryonics methods that require extremely low-temperature liquid nitrogen coolant, Nectome's process is stable for months at room temperature and compatible with various storage conditions. This innovative approach offers a unique alternative for those interested in the potential future revival of preserved individuals.

Throughout the open thread, readers continue to engage in diverse discussions, share their work, and connect with one another. The platform's inclusive nature allows for a wide range of topics to be explored, fostering a dynamic and supportive community. As the open thread concludes, the community looks forward to next week's edition, eager to delve into new discussions and discoveries.