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The New Math of Wrinkling

September 22, 2022

A comprehensive mathematical framework treats wrinkling patterns as elegant solutions to geometric problems.

High-Temperature Superconductivity Understood at Last

September 21, 2022

A new atomic-scale experiment all but settles the origin of the strong form of superconductivity seen in cuprate crystals, confirming a 35-year-old theory.

How Do Fireflies Flash in Sync? Studies Suggest a New Answer.

September 20, 2022

Field research suggests a new explanation for the synchronized flashing in fireflies and confirms that a novel form of “chimeric” synchrony occurs naturally.

How Mathematical Curves Enable Advanced Communication

September 19, 2022

A simple geometric idea has been used to power advances in information theory, cryptography and even blockchain technology.

Chaos Researchers Can Now Predict Perilous Points of No Return

September 15, 2022

A custom-built machine learning algorithm can predict when a complex system is about to switch to a wildly different mode of behavior.

Record-Breaking Robot Highlights How Animals Excel at Jumping

September 14, 2022

Robots can surpass the limitations on how high and far animals can jump, but their success only underscores nature’s ingenuity in making the most of what’s available.

The Math Evangelist Who Preaches Problem-Solving

September 13, 2022

Richard Rusczyk, founder of Art of Problem Solving, has a vision for bringing “joyous, beautiful math” — and problem-solving — to classrooms everywhere.

How Transformers Seem to Mimic Parts of the Brain

September 12, 2022

Neural networks originally designed for language processing turn out to be great models of how our brains understand places.

A Black Hole’s Orbiting Ring of Light Could Encrypt Its Inner Secrets

September 8, 2022

Physicists have discovered that the ring of photons orbiting a black hole exhibits a special kind of symmetry, hinting at a deeper meaning.

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