What's up in
Mathematics
geometry
A New Path to Equal-Angle Lines
Equiangular lines are an elemental part of geometry. Mathematicians have discovered a tighter limit on the number of such lines that exist in every dimension.
applied math
How to Quantify (and Fight) Gerrymandering
Powerful new quantitative tools are now available to combat partisan bias in the drawing of voting districts.
Quantized Columns
Quantum Questions Inspire New Math
In order to fully understand the quantum world, we may have to develop a new realm of mathematics.
statistics
A Long-Sought Proof, Found and Almost Lost
When a German retiree proved a famous long-standing mathematical conjecture, the response was underwhelming.
Abstractions blog
Yves Meyer, Wavelet Expert, Wins Abel Prize
The French mathematician was cited “for his pivotal role in the development of the mathematical theory of wavelets.”
Abstractions blog
19 Women Leading Math and Physics
Top women in mathematics and physics discuss how they got to where they are — and why there aren’t more of them.
Abstractions blog
The Almost-Proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem
19th-century mathematicians thought the “roots of unity” were the key to solving Fermat’s Last Theorem. Then they discovered a fatal flaw.
number theory
New Number Systems Seek Their Lost Primes
For centuries, mathematicians tried to solve problems by adding new values to the usual numbers. Now they’re investigating the unintended consequences of that tinkering.
Q&A
In Mathematics, ‘You Cannot Be Lied To’
For Sylvia Serfaty, mathematics is all about truth and beauty and building scientific and human connections.