What's up in
Puzzles
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The Puzzling Power of Simple Arithmetic
Playing with arithmetic can lead us to unexpected and profound discoveries that point toward deeper mathematics and sometimes even deeper science.
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Finding Zen in the Art of Puzzle Solving
Readers used their Zen-like puzzle solving skills to discover hidden insights.
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Zen and the Art of Puzzle Solving
Sometimes the act of solving a puzzle can itself reveal hidden insights.
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How to Solve Our Three John Conway-Inspired Puzzles
A numerical puzzle, a geometric puzzle and a game of random patterns — all with connections to the legendary mathematician — elicited an enthusiastic response from readers.
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Celebrating the Playful Magic of John Horton Conway
Have fun exploring a numerical puzzle, a geometric puzzle and a game of random patterns, all inspired by the playful genius of the legendary mathematician.
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How to Assess Risks During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The medical research scientist and Quanta puzzle columnist Pradeep Mutalik explores how to make sense of COVID-19 data while managing your personal risk.
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COVID-19 Is Raging. How Safe Is Your Backyard Party?
Awash in coronavirus data, misinformation and tremendous uncertainty, we need to put our risk analysis skills to the ultimate test.
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How to Design (or at Least Model) Mixed Dog Breeds
Readers simulated the genetics of dog breeding to solve a puzzle about mixed breed percentages and sexual reproduction.
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How to Breed a Pomsky and Other Questions About Dogs and Sex
Solve a puzzle about mixed dog breeds, sexual reproduction and the COVID-19 pandemic.