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Mathematics

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Milestone Experiment Proves Quantum Communication Really Is Faster

December 19, 2018

In a Paris lab, researchers have shown for the first time that quantum methods of transmitting information are superior to classical ones.

Mathematicians Seal Back Door to Breaking RSA Encryption

December 17, 2018

Digital security depends on the difficulty of factoring large numbers. A new proof shows why one method for breaking digital encryption won’t work.

In the Universe of Equations, Virtually All Are Prime

December 10, 2018

Equations, like numbers, cannot always be split into simpler elements.

Q&A

A Collector of Math and Physics Surprises

November 27, 2018

Tadashi Tokieda discovers new physical phenomena by looking at the everyday world with the eyes of a child.

Quanta Writers and Editors Discuss Trends in Science and Math

November 21, 2018

On November 16, 2018, more than 200 readers joined writers and editors from Quanta Magazine for a wide-ranging panel discussion that examined the newest ideas in fundamental physics, biology and mathematics research.

Amateur Mathematician Finds Smallest Universal Cover

November 15, 2018

Through exacting geometric calculations, Philip Gibbs has found the smallest known cover for any possible shape.

Solution: ‘How Equality and Inequality Shape Birds and Bees’

November 9, 2018

Puzzle solvers explored how evolution may have used negative and positive control mechanisms to shape the conflicting parental functions of reproduction and child rearing.

New Proof Shows Infinite Curves Come in Two Types

November 7, 2018

Alexander Smith’s work on the Goldfeld conjecture reveals fundamental characteristics of elliptic curves.

Mystery Math Whiz and Novelist Advance Permutation Problem

November 5, 2018

A new proof from the Australian science fiction writer Greg Egan and a 2011 proof anonymously posted online are now being hailed as significant advances on a puzzle mathematicians have been studying for at least 25 years.

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