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knot theory

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knot theory

Graduate Student Solves Decades-Old Conway Knot Problem

By Erica Klarreich
May 19, 2020
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It took Lisa Piccirillo less than a week to answer a long-standing question about a strange knot discovered over half a century ago by the legendary John Conway.

Black and white photo of John Conway against a black background
Abstractions blog

John Conway Solved Mathematical Problems With His Bare Hands

By Kevin Hartnett
April 20, 2020
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The legendary mathematician, who died on April 11, was curious, colorful and one of the greatest problem-solvers of his generation.

Photo of two mathematicians drawing on a chalkboard
topology

Mathematics as a Team Sport

By Kevin Hartnett
March 31, 2020
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When 50 mathematicians spend a week in the woods, there’s no telling what will happen. And that’s the point.

Multimedia

The Map of Mathematics

By Kevin Hartnett
February 13, 2020
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Explore our surprisingly simple, absurdly ambitious and necessarily incomplete guide to the boundless mathematical universe.

Photo of a complicated knot.
Abstractions blog

Color-Changing Material Unites the Math and Physics of Knots

By Devin Powell
February 10, 2020
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Mathematicians have studied knots for centuries, but a new material is showing why some knots are better than others.

Art for "Scientists Learn the Ropes on Tying Molecular Knots"
chemistry

Scientists Learn the Ropes on Tying Molecular Knots

By Jordana Cepelewicz
October 29, 2018
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As chemists tie the most complicated molecular knot yet, biophysicists create a “periodic table” that describes what kinds of knots are possible.

Trefoil vortex knot.
fluid dynamics

Could Knots Unravel Mysteries of Fluid Flow?

By Natalie Wolchover
December 9, 2013
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By investigating the central role played by knots in fluids and fields, physicists hope to unravel long-standing mysteries of turbulence.


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