Nephew Jonathan

Nephew Jonathan's Substack explores innovative solutions to global challenges, advancements in learning technology, and DIY projects with scientific and environmental focus. It delves into georengineering, educational tools like Anki, hydrogen generation, societal trends, and includes narrative elements through fiction. The content features detailed technical discussions, conceptual understandings, and the societal implications of technology.

Geoengineering Educational Technology DIY Science Projects Societal Trends Narrative Fiction

The hottest Substack posts of Nephew Jonathan

And their main takeaways

The Long March Away From the Institutions (Part I)

1 implied HN point • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Institutions Philanthropy
  1. The geographic distribution of top universities and public institutions in the US shows a concentration in the East, highlighting historical factors and wealth distribution.
  2. Philanthropy has shifted from building institutions to directly addressing issues, potentially contributing to societal atomization.
  3. The dearth of social clubs and community spaces like private townhouses may be impacting civil society, leading to a need for more such load-bearing pillars.

DIY Geoengineering: The Whitepaper

2 HN points • 17 Sep 23
  1. The post discusses the concept of DIY Geoengineering and proposes using calcite nanoparticles to reverse global warming in a cost-effective manner.
  2. The use of stratospheric aerosol injection with calcite nanoparticles is suggested as a way to reflect sunlight and cool the Earth.
  3. The proposal includes a detailed budget breakdown, logistics plan, and technical considerations for implementing the DIY Geoengineering solution.

Why Anki Works: Part 1

2 HN points • 29 Jul 23
  1. The human mind doesn't work like a spreadsheet, it's much more complex.
  2. The brain tends to be lazy and store information in chunks rather than cells.
  3. Information is stored in the brain as chunks, which can be very large and break down into smaller pieces.
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Manufacturing a Backyard Hydrogen Generator: The Blueprint

1 implied HN point • 10 Aug 23
  1. Retail hydrogen is expensive due to challenges in pressurizing small hydrogen molecules.
  2. A backyard hydrogen generator can be manufactured for under $1000 and operates on propane, water, electricity, and chalk.
  3. The generator's carbon footprint is lower compared to other options, and safety precautions are crucial when working with hydrogen and high temperatures.

Why Anki Works: Part 4

1 implied HN point • 01 Aug 23
  1. Facts are mappings between concepts
  2. Understanding a fact involves making connections with other concepts in the brain
  3. Learning and recalling facts require well-connected pathways between concepts

Why Anki Works: Part 3

1 implied HN point • 31 Jul 23
  1. Anki flashcards should prompt for single, specific chunks of memory to ensure effective learning.
  2. Chunk size is not about bytes; chunks are atomic when all subchunks are solidified and automated.
  3. Color-coding can be a powerful tool for encoding arbitrary information in flashcards, like gender or accent paradigms.

Why Anki Works: Part 2

1 implied HN point • 30 Jul 23
  1. Memorization involves breaking down knowledge into small chunks to fit in your head
  2. If a chunk is too large, it needs to be broken down for better understanding
  3. The brain processes information one chunk at a time

Backyard Hydrogen Generator: Update 2

0 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
  1. Pyrolyzing propane can lead to soot buildup in the chamber and requires cleaning.
  2. Methane pyrolysis rate increases with pressure, while equilibrium ratio of H2 to hydrocarbons rises with temperature and decreases with pressure.
  3. Choosing suitable materials and operating conditions is crucial for efficient hydrogen production through pyrolysis.

Backyard Hydrogen Generator: Recap

0 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
  1. The backyard hydrogen generator can produce hydrogen using methane or propane with water and electricity.
  2. Uses for the generator include filling weather balloons or backyard chemistry, and it's not yet available for sale.
  3. The generator uses pyrolysis or steam reforming to produce hydrogen, and requires specific components like nickel for steam reforming or iron for methane pyrolysis.

Manufacturing a Backyard Hydrogen Generator: Update 3

0 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
  1. Consider using methane instead of propane for a cheaper feedstock.
  2. Different methods like reforming and pyrolysis have varying costs and efficiencies.
  3. Careful selection of materials like iron and nickel is crucial for the setup of a backyard hydrogen generator.

Chestnut Chapel: A Novel

0 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
  1. Chestnut Chapel Academy was established with a vision of philanthropy and education
  2. An unfortunate incident involving a congressman's son and alcohol overshadowed the school's events
  3. The school president faced a crisis and had to navigate media attention and legal considerations

Backyard Hydrogen Generator: Update 1

0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
  1. Consider alternative materials science for cost-efficiency
  2. Explore different options for heating elements and structural alloys
  3. Quartz may be a cheaper and viable alternative for high-temperature operations