We dissect John Calhoun’s “Universe 25” experiment (limitless resources → societal collapse) and map it to modern nutrition economics. Post lays out data on UPF‑driven chronic disease and proposes market/policy fixes—nutrient‑density incentives, communal food culture, regenerative ag. Would love feedback from the HN crowd on the viability of these levers.
dc396•9mo ago
I'd be a bit hesitant to rely too heavily on Universe 25. For one thing, people aren't (generally, there are exceptions) rats. For another, it doesn't appear Universe 25 was independently replicated. In a quick Google search, I found https://www.the-scientist.com/universe-25-experiment-69941, which says:
"Were the results of the Universe 25 experiment reproduced by other scientists?
The social effects of population density vary between organisms and populations. Calhoun’s work inspired many scientists to focus on behavioral studies, but the specific experiment has not been replicated."
This surprises me a bit as it seems like it'd be relatively straightforward to replicate. This is one of my frustrations with behavioral science: so many (potentially) interesting results, but little replication and increasing refutation, leading to the current "replication crisis".
FWIW from a non-scientist.
aurizon•9mo ago
We see a parallel in Russia where a dominant KGB derived cadre monopolises resources$$ and the 'wretches'go to war and the birth rate declines..
Russia had limitless resources, based on oil/gas/minerals and yet the KGB cadre has reduced them to desperation. War products are destroyed, some help, some poke sticks at the wretches..
Another parallel might be Animal Farm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm
jcarterwil•9mo ago
dc396•9mo ago
"Were the results of the Universe 25 experiment reproduced by other scientists?
The social effects of population density vary between organisms and populations. Calhoun’s work inspired many scientists to focus on behavioral studies, but the specific experiment has not been replicated."
This surprises me a bit as it seems like it'd be relatively straightforward to replicate. This is one of my frustrations with behavioral science: so many (potentially) interesting results, but little replication and increasing refutation, leading to the current "replication crisis".
FWIW from a non-scientist.