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applied math

A graphic of global air travel.
polynomials

Surprising Limits Discovered in Quest for Optimal Solutions

By Max G. Levy
November 1, 2021
Read Later

Algorithms that zero in on solutions to optimization problems are the beating heart of machine reasoning. New results reveal surprising limits.

an animation showing wavelets at different scales travel across a space
applied math

How Wavelets Allow Researchers to Transform, and Understand, Data

By Alexander Hellemans
October 13, 2021
Read Later

Built upon the ubiquitous Fourier transform, the mathematical tools known as wavelets allow unprecedented analysis and understanding of continuous signals.

graph theory

How Big Data Carried Graph Theory Into New Dimensions

By Stephen Ornes
August 19, 2021
Read Later

Researchers are turning to the mathematics of higher-order interactions to better model the complex connections within their data.

patterns

Turing Patterns Turn Up in a Tiny Crystal

By Elena Renken
August 10, 2021
Read Later

The mechanism behind leopard spots and zebra stripes also appears to explain the patterned growth of a bismuth crystal, extending Alan Turing’s 1952 idea to the atomic scale.

Color photo of Jordan Ellenberg sitting with a laptop by a lake at sunset
Q&A

A Number Theorist Who Connects Math to Other Creative Pursuits

By Steve Nadis
May 27, 2021
Read Later

Jordan Ellenberg enjoys studying — and writing about — the mathematics underlying everyday phenomena.

Harvard professor L. Mahadevan stands in a slightly cluttered office, holding an apple and a jar containing a miniature brain
Q&A

A Scientist Who Delights in the Mundane

By Steve Nadis
October 26, 2020
Read Later

From crumpled paper to termite mounds to three-sided coins, L. Mahadevan has turned the whole world into his laboratory.

Photo of emperor penguins huddling together for warmth, with two sticking their heads out
Abstractions blog

Math of the Penguins

By Susan D'Agostino
August 17, 2020
Read Later

Emperor penguins display rigorously geometric spacing and mathematical efficiency when they huddle together for warmth, which may reveal secrets to their overall health.

Destruction from 1999 Taiwan earthquake.
Abstractions blog

New Earthquake Math Predicts How Destructive They’ll Be

By Robin George Andrews
April 21, 2020
Read Later

The “pinball” model of a slipping fault line borrows from the mathematics of avalanches.

Photo of Ronald Rivest sitting in his office
Q&A

Cryptography Pioneer Seeks Secure Elections the Low-Tech Way

By Susan D'Agostino
March 12, 2020
Read Later

Ronald Rivest helped come up with the RSA algorithm, which safeguards online commerce. Now he’s hoping to make democratic elections more trustworthy.


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