The hottest Engineering Substack posts right now

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High-Throughput Chemistry and Engineering with Kadi Saar

Lever • 19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🔬 Science Chemistry Biotechnology Engineering Research Health
  1. Kadi Saar has an impressive background in both chemistry and engineering. She excelled in academics and sports, even winning a talent show in mental arithmetic.
  2. Her research focuses on combining high-throughput structural biology with computational chemistry to help develop new drugs. She has shown that analyzing diverse ligand structures can lead to better drug design.
  3. Kadi emphasizes the importance of enjoying the people you work with when choosing projects. Collaborating with good people makes the journey more fulfilling.

A Capacitor Will Stop That... Right?

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics Innovation Research Education
  1. Capacitors are used to manage electrical noise and improve stability in circuits. They help smooth out fluctuations in voltage.
  2. Understanding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) can prevent interference between electronic devices. This is important for maintaining performance and reliability.
  3. Decoupling is a key technique in design to isolate different circuit parts. It helps reduce noise and improves the overall functionality of the system.

The Illusory Learning Curve

Gordian Knot News • 241 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Nuclear power Engineering Regulation Productivity Manufacturing
  1. There is not much of a learning curve when building ships or power plants. Each project is unique, so little efficiency is gained from past projects.
  2. Regulation plays a big role in increasing costs for nuclear power plants, making them expensive to build. Regulations can limit the benefits of any learning curve.
  3. Despite claims of future savings, history shows that costs for nuclear plants often do not decrease significantly with experience. The actual savings are minimal.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 564

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 12 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Data science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Data Visualization Engineering
  1. Understanding AI interpretability is important for building resilient systems. We need to focus on why interpretability matters and how it relates to AI's resilience.
  2. Testing machine learning systems can be challenging, but starting with basic best practices like CI pipelines and E2E testing can help. This ensures the models work well in real-world scenarios.
  3. Visualizing machine learning models is crucial for better understanding and analysis. Tools like Mycelium can help create clear visual representations of complex data structures.

The Chronicles of GND, Part 1

filterwizard • 39 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Engineering Innovation Simulation
  1. Voltage is always measured between two points, not at a single point. You need to connect both leads of a voltmeter correctly to get accurate readings.
  2. Kirchhoff's Madness refers to thinking you can measure voltage with just one lead, leading to misunderstandings in circuits. Always define where both leads are connected.
  3. Current doesn't just disappear when it flows to ground; it travels in a closed loop. Misunderstanding this can cause problems in circuit design and analysis.
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4.4.2 The Catt Question

Fields & Energy • 319 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🔬 Science Electromagnetism Electricity Physics Energy Engineering
  1. When a voltage is applied to a transmission line, it creates a net positive charge in the top wire and a net negative charge in the bottom wire. This happens as electrons move under the influence of the electric field set by the voltage.
  2. While it seems like charge must move quickly with the wavefront, it is actually the density of charges that changes. The actual movement of electrons is slow compared to the speed of light.
  3. Understanding how charges interact with electric fields helps explain electrical conductivity and related effects. Electromagnetic phenomena involve more than just moving charges; the interaction of fields and energy is also crucial.

The New Age of Invention

davidj.substack • 47 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software AI Engineering Development Innovation Tools
  1. Building software is now much easier and cheaper because of AI tools. This means more people can try out their ideas even if they aren't experts.
  2. People who can read and write code can now create custom software for their specific needs. This opens up possibilities for personal projects that were once too complex or costly.
  3. The trend of making software easier to build may lead to a huge increase in the number of new inventions and tools. More ease means more experimentation and creativity happening at a faster pace.

Complain & Propose

Software Design: Tidy First? • 3026 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Engineering Communication Management
  1. Always offer a solution when you raise a complaint. This helps others see the way forward and saves time.
  2. Consider things from the other person's point of view. Everyone has their own valid perspective, and understanding that can improve communication.
  3. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment about others' intentions. Assume people mean well, even if they lack experience.

Developer Productivity Metrics: Education Necessary

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2098 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Productivity Metrics Engineering Communication
  1. Metrics can help improve productivity, but they can also be misunderstood or misused. It's important to communicate them clearly and use them to support developers instead of pressure them.
  2. Goodhart's Law reminds us that when a measure becomes a target, it can lose its value. This means we need to be careful about how we use metrics to avoid gaming the system.
  3. It's crucial to focus on improving the developer experience, not just making them happy. Measuring effectiveness can help identify and eliminate roadblocks that slow down productivity.

The Technological Revolution that could Supercharge the World's Batteries

Material World • 1783 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Batteries Innovation Electronics Materials Engineering
  1. Silicon carbon batteries are exciting because they can store more energy and charge faster than regular graphite batteries. This means better battery life for smartphones and even electric cars.
  2. The challenge with silicon anodes is that they swell a lot when charging, which can damage the battery. Scientists are working to find ways to manage this problem.
  3. While silicon is promising, it's still a new technology and can be expensive. For now, it's often used alongside traditional materials to improve battery performance.

Analyze FIR filters using just high-school algebra

filterwizard • 39 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Signal Processing Mathematics Algebra Engineering
  1. FIR filters have a finite impulse response, meaning they only remember a limited amount of past input. This makes them predictable and stable, especially for applications needing fast settling times.
  2. You can think of FIR filter coefficients as a polynomial, which allows you to use algebra to analyze and create filters. This approach helps in understanding how changing coefficients affects the filter's behavior.
  3. By factoring the polynomial of an FIR filter, you can create smaller filters that combine to produce the same overall effect. This technique allows for a deeper exploration of filter design, giving you more control over the filter's characteristics.

How I got 27 hours in a week by installing one tool

High Growth Engineer • 1052 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Productivity Tools Software AI Workflow Engineering
  1. Using tools like Raycast can save a lot of time by centralizing different functions on your computer. It allows you to quickly access apps and features, making your workflow smoother.
  2. Having features like an instant AI chat is really useful for quickly finding answers to questions without interrupting your flow. You can get help right when you need it, without the hassle of opening new tabs.
  3. Text expanders are great for saving time on repetitive typing. They let you create shortcuts for common phrases, making it faster to communicate and reducing effort in your daily tasks.

May Progress Prizes and Updates to Tooling

Vesuvius Challenge • 9 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Data science Open Source Development
  1. The Vesuvius Challenge team is improving their tools for handling scroll data. They're making it easier for people to process large datasets without needing advanced tech skills.
  2. Philip Allgaier made significant updates to the VC3D tool, including fixing memory issues and making it easier to install and use. This will help users have a smoother experience.
  3. New features like freehand drawing and better options for data analysis have been added, which will boost productivity for those working with the VC3D tool.

Containerized Missile Systems Without Cranes

Tapa’s Substack • 4 HN points • 05 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Defense Logistics Engineering Aerospace Innovation
  1. Containerized missile systems aim to fit missiles into shipping containers for easy transport. This could help with quick deployment and keeping them hidden.
  2. Most missiles are too tall for standard shipping containers, requiring them to be laid down horizontally. This makes launching them more complicated.
  3. A new idea suggests using a small jump jet to lift and angle the missile for firing, making it faster and potentially cheaper than using a crane system.

4.4.1 How Do Transmission Lines Work?

Fields & Energy • 319 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
🔬 Science Physics Electromagnetism Engineering Technology Mathematics
  1. Transmission lines work by sending electrical signals through wires, where one wire gets a negative charge and the other gets a positive charge. This creates electric fields that help move energy along the line.
  2. To avoid signal loss and distortion, it's important to balance the electric and magnetic energies in transmission lines. If they are not balanced, the signal can get messed up over long distances.
  3. Oliver Heaviside developed key equations that describe how signals travel through transmission lines. His work highlighted the importance of using both electric and magnetic energies to achieve clear signal propagation.

8 guaranteed ways to annoy your senior engineer

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Engineering Software Product Management Team Dynamics Workplace culture
  1. Always provide details when asking engineers to fix something. It saves everyone time if you describe what’s wrong and what you've tried.
  2. Avoid labeling everything as urgent. This makes it hard for engineers to prioritize and can lead to burnout.
  3. Be clear and prepared for meetings. Vague invites waste time and make it hard for engineers to focus on their work.

The Sequence Opinion #547: Best Practices I am Learning While Coding with AI Agents

TheSequence • 63 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🕹 Technology Software AI Engineering Coding Testing
  1. Software engineering is changing rapidly with the use of AI agents. Teams are now using AI to help speed up their work and take on new roles.
  2. AI agents are moving beyond just helping with code completion. They now can generate entire code bases, run tests, and manage pull requests automatically.
  3. Developers are shifting their focus from hands-on coding to more strategic tasks like code review and creating documentation, as AI handles more of the coding work.

Live Session: How Modern CPUs Execute Your Code: A Deep Dive into Performance

Confessions of a Code Addict • 168 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Computing Hardware Software Engineering Education
  1. Understanding how modern CPUs work can help you fix performance problems in your code. Learning about how the processor executes code is key to improving your programs.
  2. Important features like cache hierarchies and branch prediction can greatly affect how fast your code runs. Knowing about these can help you write better and more efficient code.
  3. The live session will offer practical tips and real-world examples to apply what you've learned. It's a chance to ask questions and see how to tackle performance issues directly.

The Story of Titanium

Construction Physics • 26933 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🔬 Science Materials Research Engineering Manufacturing Medical
  1. Titanium is abundant in the earth's crust but took time to be utilized due to its bonding properties.
  2. The development of titanium as an industrial material was heavily supported by government research and funding.
  3. The story of titanium showcases the importance of serendipity in scientific discoveries and the critical role of manufacturing in technology advancement.

The Bitter Religion: AI’s Holy War Over Scaling Laws

The Generalist • 920 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Computing Innovation Research Engineering
  1. The AI community is divided over whether achieving higher levels of computation will lead to better artificial intelligence or if there are limits to this approach. Some think more resources will keep helping AI grow, while others fear we might hit a ceiling.
  2. There’s a growing debate about the importance of scaling laws and whether they should continue to guide AI development. People are starting to question if sticking to these beliefs is the best path forward.
  3. If doubt begins to spread about scaling laws, it could impact investment and innovation in AI and related fields, causing changes in how companies approach building new technologies.

The Story of the Telegrapher's Equations

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics History Technology Engineering
  1. Oliver Heaviside was a young scientist who created the Telegrapher's Equations in 1876. His work helped connect theories of electromagnetism to practical applications in telecommunication.
  2. Before Heaviside, the diffusion model was the main idea for how signals traveled. Heaviside improved this by showing that signals could travel as waves instead of just spreading out slowly.
  3. The development of these equations was influenced by earlier mathematicians like Fourier and scientists like Lord Kelvin. Heaviside's contribution built on their ideas and advanced the understanding of signal transmission over long distances.

Text to robot, olfactory, and geopolitical strategies

The Strategy Toolkit • 17 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Robotics AI Innovation Design Engineering
  1. MIT scientists are creating robots using a new method called 'text to robot', where you can describe what you want the robot to do using simple language. For example, you can ask for a robot that can walk or make lemonade.
  2. This AI-driven design approach allows for innovative robot designs, like a special robotic hand that can operate medical tools effectively. It's exciting to think about how these robots could be used in hospitals.
  3. The work combines ideas from different fields, like biology and engineering, to inspire a new generation of robots that are practical and useful in everyday tasks.

EUV With Fewer Mirrors?

The Asianometry Newsletter • 3214 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Optics Innovation Engineering
  1. A new proposal suggests using fewer mirrors in EUV lithography machines to improve efficiency. This could help capture more light and reduce costs in the chip-making process.
  2. The new system builds on existing technology and aims to complement rather than compete with ASML's machines. It's about making improvements instead of replacing what's already working.
  3. There's still a long way to go before this new design can be a reality. Many technical challenges need to be solved before it can be tested in actual lithography machines.

Now synthesize your FIR filters using high-school algebra

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 27 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Software Mathematics Signal Processing Computer Science
  1. You can create FIR filters by breaking them down into smaller parts using simple math. This makes it easier to understand how each piece works together.
  2. The sharp notches or deep points in a filter's response happen because of certain factors in the polynomial. Each notch can be traced back to specific frequencies based on these factors.
  3. To improve a filter's performance, you can add more mathematical pieces to make the response smoother in certain areas. This way, you can customize how the filter behaves at different frequencies.

I'm back, 2025 is THE year.

Abe • 63 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Engineering Startups Innovation
  1. AI technology is advancing quickly and is making tasks easier and faster. Many people are starting to see big benefits from using AI tools in their work.
  2. The focus is shifting from just building products to understanding customer needs first, especially when using AI. It's important to sell the idea before jumping into development.
  3. There is a strong interest in using AI in practical ways to create new business solutions, rather than competing in the complex technical infrastructure of AI. Many are looking for innovative ways to apply AI to solve real-world problems.

Faster coding isn't enough

Dev Interrupted • 32 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Development Engineering Workflow
  1. AI is changing software development, but it's mostly helping with coding and testing. Other important parts, like planning and reviewing, still need a lot of human effort.
  2. Relying too much on AI for speed can be a mistake. It's better to focus on improving the entire development process, not just trying to code faster.
  3. To use AI effectively in development, teams should create clear rules, encourage trying new things, and make sure quality and security aren't compromised.

The Birth of Transmission Line Theory

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🔬 Science Physics History Mathematics Electromagnetism Engineering
  1. The first Transatlantic Telegraph Cable in 1858 was crucial for developing transmission line theory. It helped researchers understand how to send messages over long distances.
  2. Lord Kelvin created an early model for long cables, focusing on how to evenly spread resistance and capacitance. This helped explain why the first cable failed.
  3. Oliver Heaviside later added the concept of inductance to the equations, which improved the understanding of transmission lines even further.

Mach 1 with Python!

Bite code! • 733 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Programming IOT Hardware Software Engineering
  1. You can measure distance using sonar technology, which was once considered advanced but is now easily available and affordable for projects like Raspberry Pi.
  2. Creating fun experiences, like detecting when people pass through a giant Mario pipe and playing a sound, requires careful planning and some troubleshooting.
  3. Working with hardware can be tricky, as it often involves dealing with unexpected issues and requires patience, but it can lead to creative and playful outcomes.

Google DeepMind's AI playbook for engineering at hyperspeed | Philipp Schmid

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Development Innovation Cloud Computing
  1. AI is changing how engineers work and learn. It's making it easier for new people to start coding and improving team collaboration.
  2. Using AI tools effectively requires continuous learning and adapting. Engineers should stay open-minded and embrace new technology to thrive.
  3. There's still a gap between what leaders expect from AI and what developers actually experience. Just adding AI doesn't guarantee better productivity, so thoughtful integration is key.

Bugs Optional?

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1723 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Engineering Quality Assurance Project management
  1. Bugs don't have to be a normal part of software development. Some teams manage to almost eliminate bugs by approaching their work differently.
  2. Instead of seeing bugs as inevitable, teams can work to understand and prevent them right from the start. This includes practices like continuous integration and team collaboration.
  3. Changing how we think about bugs from a normal part of life to something rare can help create a better work environment and improve software quality.

The Chronicles of GND, Part 2

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics Design Innovation Systems
  1. In modern circuits, many designs operate on a single supply instead of a split supply. This means they only use a positive voltage and treat ground as the reference point, which changes how we think about electrical connections.
  2. It's important to create separate nets for ground and a '0V' reference in circuit layouts. Mixing currents from both can lead to problems, even if they seem similar in potential.
  3. Using a low-impedance ground plane isn’t always the best solution. In sensitive systems, small voltage drops and current flow can significantly affect performance, so careful design is essential.

Icesteading: Executive Summary

Transhuman Axiology • 178 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24
🔬 Science Engineering Environment Research Innovation Technology
  1. Icesteading is the idea of creating colonies on artificially insulated icebergs in warm ocean waters. These 'ice-islands' could serve as places for living, working, or even launching space missions.
  2. The insulation around these icebergs can make them last for decades or even centuries before melting. This involves using materials like air or foam to keep the ice from warming up too fast.
  3. Building on these ice-islands avoids the legal and political issues on land. They offer more freedom and the chance to create underground spaces, making them a unique alternative to traditional islands.

GenAI Isn’t Replacing Devs (And It Shouldn’t)

HackerPulse Dispatch • 8 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Artificial Intelligence Programming Languages Engineering Tech industry
  1. Firing programmers to replace them with AI can backfire. Companies might end up facing big problems like untrained workers and high costs to hire good developers back.
  2. Experience and human intuition are important in software development. AI can't solve every problem, and skilled developers are still needed for complex tasks.
  3. The new Python 3.14 interpreter will make code run faster without needing any changes. This is great for developers because it saves time and effort.

Mission Control Center - brains of the Space System. How does it work?

Space Ambition • 319 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Space Tech Engineering Innovation Data processing Artificial Intelligence
  1. The Mission Control Center (MCC) is crucial for managing spacecraft. It collects data, controls systems, and predicts emergencies.
  2. Different specialists work in the MCC, each focusing on specific parts of the spacecraft. The center’s size varies based on the mission's complexity, from small setups to large control rooms.
  3. New technology, including AI, is changing how MCCs operate. AI helps with monitoring systems and predicting spacecraft movement, making the process more efficient.

Brainstorming Solutions for Aerospace Sector Challenges

Space Ambition • 259 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Aerospace Innovation Startups Engineering Investment
  1. An online brainstorming session is being organized to find solutions for challenges in the aerospace industry. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of their experience level.
  2. The discussions will be moderated by someone with a strong background in aerospace and venture capital. This helps ensure the session is productive and insightful.
  3. There are two scheduled sessions on August 10 to accommodate different time zones, making it easier for people around the world to participate.

Learning in the Forest

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2032 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Learning Engineering Productivity
  1. Learning should come before production. It's important to focus on what team members need to learn, even if it slows down work at first.
  2. Juniors are still learning, so we shouldn't rush them. It's better to allow them to choose tasks that will help them grow, and to support their learning through pairing with seniors.
  3. Investing time in learning pays off. Gaining skills and knowledge today will help create better projects and more capable engineers in the future.

Designers who PM

Anant’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Product Management Design Engineering Team Dynamics Startup Strategy
  1. Hiring a designer who can also manage products can save engineering teams time and resources. They help avoid building the wrong features right from the start.
  2. A designer with product management skills can make design decisions quickly. This keeps projects moving forward and prevents delays in the engineering process.
  3. Having a designer who understands both design and product management helps create a more cohesive product. They can connect different parts of the product and ensure everything aligns properly.

Knowledge and Knowing in the AI Era

peoplefirstengineering • 7 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Engineering Human-Computer Innovation
  1. AI is changing how we work, making some jobs easier and others riskier. Engineers will need to adapt to new tools that can boost their productivity and may even replace simpler tasks.
  2. For society to thrive with AI, we need to focus on developing skills that enhance human creativity and judgment. It’s important to promote environments that help people learn and grow alongside technology.
  3. As AI takes on more responsibilities, companies will benefit from creating workplaces that support both human and machine collaboration. Fostering autonomy, mastery, and purpose will lead to better outcomes for everyone.