Latest Articles
Rebecca Goldin and Brian Nosek on Hard Truths in Math and Psychology
The mathematician Rebecca Goldin and the psychology researcher Brian Nosek speak with host Steven Strogatz about what it’s like to be the bearers of unpopular truths.
Cori Bargmann on the Genetics of Transparent Worms, Supertasters and Cancer
The neurogenetics pioneer Cori Bargmann speaks with host Steven Strogatz about why a transparent worm became her favorite animal and how a genetic discovery she made inspired a revolutionary cancer treatment.
Tadashi Tokieda’s Special Kind of Magic
The mathematician Tadashi Tokieda and host Steven Strogatz explore what we can learn about the world from simple “toys” with remarkable physical or mathematical properties.
Janna Levin on Seeing and Hearing Black Holes
The astrophysicist Janna Levin describes the fierce scientific beauty she finds in black holes and reveals why she took a major risk early in her career.
John Urschel: From NFL Player to Mathematician
John Urschel, who retired from playing professional football with the Baltimore Ravens to become a mathematician, talks to host Steven Strogatz about the fascinations of graph theory that lured him away from the NFL.
Corina Tarnita and the Deep Mathematics of Social Insects
The mathematical biologist Corina Tarnita explains to host Steven Strogatz how quantitative modeling solved the mystery of fairy circles.
Robbert Dijkgraaf on Exploring Quantum Reality
The mathematical physicist Robbert Dijkgraaf and host Steven Strogatz discuss the frontiers of string theory and why space and time might not be the most fundamental things in the universe.
Leslie Vosshall on Designer Mosquitoes and Dude Walls
Events take an interesting turn after the neurogeneticist Leslie Vosshall speaks with host Steven Strogatz about ways to make mosquitoes less deadly and the obstacles facing educational inclusiveness.
Alex Kontorovich on the Absolute Truth of Pure Math
The mathematician Alex Kontorovich speaks with host Steven Strogatz about regaining his creative freedom in an intimidating collaboration and about the pleasures of spherical geometry.