The hottest Engineering Substack posts right now

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Jet Propulsion: Evolution of Technology & the Future of Interplanetary Travel. Part 1.

Space Ambition • 319 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Space Exploration Engineering Aerospace Innovation
  1. Jet propulsion is a key technology for space travel. It works by pushing gas out one way to move in the opposite direction, based on Newton's third law.
  2. There are two main types of engines: high-thrust engines for fast launches and low-thrust engines for long, efficient journeys in space. Each type has its own use depending on the mission.
  3. The market for propulsion systems is growing rapidly, with innovations like 3D printing helping to make production cheaper and more efficient. This growth is driven by increasing satellite launches and the need for better space technology.

Concept design in three easy steps

Subconscious • 711 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology Design Software Apps Concepts Engineering
  1. View software design as shaping functionality, understand what it should do first before how it does it or how it looks.
  2. Break down app functionalities into modular concepts, each with its own behavior and actions, combine existing concepts creatively.
  3. Design concepts to function independently, sync actions to ensure smooth interaction, focus on how concepts fit together to improve usability.

The Ion Proton Fluidics System

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Systems Devices Innovation
  1. The Ion Proton Fluidics System has a complex fluidics setup that is important for its function. It may look confusing at first, but breaking it down can help understand how it works.
  2. Understanding the fluidics system is crucial for improving its performance. Learning about its components can lead to better maintenance and efficiency.
  3. This post is specifically tailored for paid subscribers, indicating there is exclusive content available for those who support the platform. Being a paid member might offer more in-depth insights.

The Sequence Engineering #464: OpenAI’s Relatively Unknown Agent Framework

TheSequence • 42 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Frameworks Research Platforms
  1. OpenAI Swarm is a new framework designed for multi-agent systems. It helps coordinate the actions of several agents to create complex behaviors.
  2. This framework is mainly for learning and experimenting, not for real-world production use. It doesn’t come with official support from OpenAI.
  3. The Sequence is launching various series on AI engineering, research, and insights to explore important topics and advancements in the AI field.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 494

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 319 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🕹 Technology Data science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Data Visualization Engineering
  1. Open source AI is rapidly advancing, but may always lag behind the best quality models. It's great for innovation but has its limits.
  2. Many academic papers promise data sharing but often fail to deliver, which can hinder scientific research and verification.
  3. Understanding how to craft effective prompts is essential when using generative AI tools. This skill can greatly enhance the results you get from those tools.
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Intel Demonstrates High-Speed 3nm Silicon

More Than Moore • 186 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Engineering
  1. Intel showcased high-speed 3nm silicon technology at ISSCC 2024, revealing their advancements in SERDES connectivity.
  2. SERDES links, like PCIe, have evolved over the years and can now achieve faster transfer rates through encoding advancements like PAM-4 and PAM-6.
  3. Presenting impressive silicon like the Bixby Creek chip demonstrates Intel's commitment to developing power-efficient high-speed connections and prepares IP blocks for customer use in new process nodes.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 493

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 319 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🕹 Technology Data science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Data Visualization Engineering
  1. Data scientists often lack key skills needed for the job, which can be frustrating for those hiring. It's important for data scientists to continually improve their skills and adapt to job requirements.
  2. There's a significant increase in data downtime and resolution times, signaling that overall data quality management needs improvement. Companies should focus on better data practices to enhance their operations.
  3. New programming languages, like Mojo, are emerging that aim to simplify coding and enhance user experience. These advancements can make programming more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

The Breakthrough in Fusion We've All Been Waiting For

Gordian Knot News • 190 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🔬 Science Fusion Engineering Electricity
  1. 90 odd power plants in the country are n-U fusion reactors, creating electricity with an engineering gain of about 18.
  2. Operators of these fusion plants are advised to apply for a Section 30 license from the NRC quickly or contact their state regulatory agency if in an Agreement State.
  3. The breakthrough in fusion we've been waiting for involves the significant engineering gains of n-U fusion reactors, surpassing other fusion concepts in terms of proven efficiency.

Edge 446: Can AI Build AI Systems? Inside OpenAI's MLE-Bench

TheSequence • 70 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Innovation Engineering
  1. OpenAI has created a new benchmark called MLE-Bench to test how well AI can handle machine learning engineering tasks. This means checking if AI can do things like train models and prepare datasets effectively.
  2. The idea is to see if AI can successfully write and manage its own code, which is an exciting step for technology. If AI can perform these tasks well, it could change how we approach software development.
  3. MLE-Bench focuses on real-world applications, making sure that AI can be useful in practical situations. This could lead to more efficient processes in machine learning and AI development.

How to avoid the Migration Trap | Bruce Wang - Director of Engineering at Netflix

platocommunity • 98 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Innovation Software Development
  1. Successful technology migrations require thorough planning, dedicated resources, and strategic funding to avoid falling into the "Migration Trap."
  2. Proving significant value in a migration is essential - the new system must offer transformative benefits that the old system couldn't achieve to justify the effort and resources required for the migration.
  3. Maintaining a learning mindset throughout the migration process is crucial; being open to challenges, re-evaluating assumptions, and being willing to abandon the migration if it doesn't serve its intended purpose can lead to better outcomes.

Why is it so hard to build a quantum computer?

More is Different • 3 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Quantum Computing Engineering Physics Computer Science Startups
  1. Building a quantum computer is very tricky because qubits are sensitive to their environment. If they interact with other things, they can lose their special state, making it hard to perform calculations.
  2. There are different types of quantum computers like trapped ion, superconducting, and photonic, each with its own challenges and advantages. For example, superconducting qubits need to be kept super cold, while photonic qubits work at room temperature but have their own difficulties in control.
  3. Current technology has big hurdles to overcome for scaling quantum computers up to the millions of qubits needed for practical use. Many experts think we might not easily reach such high numbers due to these challenges.

The Sequence Engineering #469: Llama.cpp is The Framework for High Performce LLM Inference

TheSequence • 35 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Engineering Hardware Open Source
  1. Llama.cpp is a powerful open-source framework for running large language models efficiently. It helps apps perform better, especially on devices with limited resources.
  2. The framework is based on the Meta's LLaMA model architecture and includes optimizations for different hardware setups. This makes it very flexible for various uses.
  3. By using Llama.cpp, developers can get better performance from their language models, which is essential for creating effective AI applications.

The Trouble with Fusion

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Fusion Energy Technology Engineering Physics
  1. Fusion faces difficult technical challenges like damage to the first wall, intense heat transfer, and high maintenance due to activation of materials.
  2. Achieving economic viability in fusion is a major hurdle, with immense parasitic loads and a fusion gain ratio that can be a significant challenge to achieve.
  3. Standard fusion processes like using deuterium and tritium result in energy losses due to the need for high quality energy input, which makes fusion less self-sustaining than fission.

Readers respond to TDD x Psychological Safety survey

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 119 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Engineering Testing Psychological safety Quality Assurance Software Development
  1. Experts find more ways to reward themselves while they work, not because they are more disciplined.
  2. Identity and team cohesion play a significant role in TDD adoption among tech teams.
  3. TDD adoption can lead to a blameless culture, improved design, and higher quality when implemented correctly.

The PacBio Vega - More Tech Details

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Biotechnology Research Instruments Computing
  1. The PacBio Vega is designed for small labs and minimizes downtime between runs. Users can load new samples while a run is ongoing, making it efficient.
  2. The technology in the Vega seems to be similar to the Revio but aims to reduce costs, likely making high-quality sequencing more accessible to small research centers.
  3. There's curiosity about how PacBio has managed to incorporate advanced computing power into a compact design, which is crucial for producing quality data without needing expensive equipment.

Understanding Software Idempotency [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 119 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Software Math Engineering Systems Programming
  1. Idempotency ensures the same output regardless of how many times an operation is executed, providing data consistency and preventing duplicate operations.
  2. Idempotency is crucial for resilience, scalability, performance, simplicity, and provability in software systems.
  3. Implementing idempotency involves using unique identifiers, versioning, transaction management, and leveraging HTTP methods, offering benefits like better error handling and faster response times.

Spotlight: Adrien Michaud – Rocket Lab Space Ambassador

Space Ambition • 319 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Space Tech Engineering Startups Aerospace Innovation
  1. Space tech isn't just for engineers; there are many paths into the industry. You can find roles in areas like HR or business development even if you don’t have a traditional aerospace background.
  2. The future of space tech may resemble civil aviation or the car industry, with either a few big players or many smaller companies. This means a lot of new ideas and technologies may emerge, but they also need solid ways to make money.
  3. Watching inspiring films like Apollo 13 can ignite passion for space and problem-solving. Many people find their calling early and choose careers that let them work on real-world challenges in space tech.

Of Hurricanes and Heroes

Litverse • 139 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
💾 History Entrepreneurs Hurricanes Florida Engineering
  1. Henry Flagler's influence on the development of modern Florida was significant, as seen through his investments in hotels, railroads, and the Overseas Railroad.
  2. Flagler's ambitious vision to connect New York City to Key West with the Overseas Railroad faced challenges like hurricanes, but his determination to overcome these obstacles was unwavering.
  3. The tragic events surrounding the Overseas Railroad, including the impact of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, highlight the complex legacy of Flagler's monumental engineering feat.

AI applications are more than an LLM

The AI Frontier • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Programming Engineering Data
  1. AI applications are more than just using a big model; they need careful design and planning to be effective. It's like building a nice piece of furniture versus just putting some wood together.
  2. Quality comes with a cost, and building great AI solutions takes more time and resources. Cheaper options might save money now, but they often lead to poorer results.
  3. Not all AI applications perform the same, even if they use the same tools. Good performance comes from thoughtful engineering and working with the data properly.

Issue 17: No great stagnation in cruise ships

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Infrastructure Engineering Urbanism Biotechnology Data science Chemistry
  1. Cruise ships show that new ideas and growth are still possible in design and urban living, even as some land technologies seem to stall.
  2. Madrid has successfully built its metro system much faster and cheaper than cities like London and New York by using smart planning and incentives for local leaders.
  3. Many animals, like horses and crabs, are essential for creating life-saving chemicals, reminding us that we still rely on nature, even as technology advances.

Be a competent engineer, not just a coder

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 99 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Software Career development
  1. Being a competent engineer involves more than just coding; it requires skills in communication, architecture, and understanding the customer's needs.
  2. Engineers are not born, they are inspired by different aspects of the field like code snippets or games.
  3. Seasons in an engineering career can be likened to the spring where inspiration and growth begin.

Another Brick In The Wall

Gradient Ascendant • 16 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Policy Research Startups
  1. AI models are hitting a point where progress is slowing down. This means that just getting more data or tweaking algorithms might not lead to big breakthroughs anymore.
  2. Even if AI isn't changing dramatically right now, it's still a useful tool for many people. Startups in this space might find it easier to succeed without the threat of a huge game-changing model wiping them out.
  3. With the slowdown in AI development, concerns about AI risks might lessen. Policymakers will have to address how people continue using current chatbots, even with their flaws.

Creating Your First Change Request with Sort

Database Engineering by Sort • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Databases Workflows Engineering Data Management
  1. Sort helps you manage database changes easily and safely, like how GitHub handles changes. You can propose changes without altering the data right away.
  2. Creating a Change Request is simple. Just suggest what you want to change and set it up for review by others in your organization.
  3. Once a Change Request is approved, it can be applied without hassle. If anything goes wrong during the process, Sort can automatically roll back the changes.

Is Step Back Prompting The Best Prompting Strategy?

Aziz et al. Paper Summaries • 59 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Data science Computing Engineering
  1. Step Back Prompting helps models think about big ideas before answering questions. This method shows better results than other prompting techniques.
  2. Even with Step Back Prompting, models still find it tricky to put all their reasoning together. Many errors come from the final reasoning step which can be complicated.
  3. Not every question works well with Step Back Prompting. Some questions need quick, specific answers instead of a longer thought process.

Space Launch technology: are we stuck?

Space Ambition • 399 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Space Tech Aerospace Engineering Innovation Startups
  1. Many companies in the space launch industry are not innovating much. They are mostly making small changes to old ideas instead of developing new technologies.
  2. The space launch market is complex and requires a lot of money and time to create viable products. This makes it hard for new businesses to compete with big players like SpaceX.
  3. There are new ideas in space launch technology that may change how we send things into space. Some companies are exploring different methods, like using external energy sources, which could make launches more efficient.

Erika Update #5: DNA detective

Erika’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Research Engineering Biotechnology
  1. It's important to keep good track of custom DNA programs in biology for engineering purposes.
  2. Current DNA management lacks clear nomenclature and annotation, making it challenging to work with DNA sequences.
  3. Challenges in DNA management highlight the complexity of biological functions and the importance of handling sequences carefully and thoughtfully.

January 2025 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics AI Innovation Software
  1. There are some cool upgrades and hacks in 3D printing, like using a camera to see inside the printer's nozzle. This can help fix printing problems.
  2. You can now easily update your thermometer's software without needing extra cables by using a simple hack. It's convenient and makes the device more user-friendly.
  3. AI tools are becoming helpful for people who want to create projects but may not have coding skills. This can make technology accessible to more people.

What will it take to build a Mars habitat?

Space Ambition • 259 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Astrobiology Engineering Robotics Environmental Science
  1. Building a habitat on Mars involves solving problems like radiation protection. Solutions include using Martian soil for shielding or growing special fungi that can handle radiation.
  2. We can use new technologies like 3D printing to create living spaces on Mars. This approach helps make building easier and can also be applied to sustainable construction on Earth.
  3. Producing oxygen on Mars is crucial because its atmosphere is mainly carbon dioxide. NASA has developed a device that can extract oxygen from the Martian air, which is an important step for future colonization.

The Smartest Bear vs the Dumbest Human: The Implications of AI's Growing Problem-Solving Abilities

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Automation Engineering
  1. AI is getting really good at problem-solving, even beating humans at some tasks, like solving CAPTCHAs. This shows that AI can reason better than many humans, especially in certain situations.
  2. The Turing test isn't just one hurdle to jump over; it's a series of challenges that measure how closely AI can act like a human. As AI improves, it passes more of these challenges, showing its capabilities.
  3. While current AI isn't fully intelligent like a human, it's almost ready to solve a lot of problems. The only big limitation is how much computing power is available for training these AI systems.

Not so fast, Mr. Fourier!

lcamtuf’s thing • 119 HN points • 12 Mar 24
🔬 Science Computing Signal Processing Mathematics Algorithms Engineering
  1. The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is a crucial algorithm in modern computing, used for tasks like communication, image and audio processing, and data compression.
  2. DFT transforms time-domain waveforms into frequency domain readings, allowing for analysis and manipulation of signals like isolating instruments or applying effects like Auto-Tune in music.
  3. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) optimizes DFT by reducing the number of necessary calculations, making it more efficient for large-scale applications in computing.