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Mathematics

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Air Traffic Control for Random Surfaces

August 5, 2016

Mathematicians have had a hard time finding commonalities in large groups of random shapes — until recently.

Q&A

Moonshine Master Toys With String Theory

August 4, 2016

The physicist-mathematician Miranda Cheng is working to harness a mysterious connection between string theory, algebra and number theory.

A Unified Theory of Randomness

August 2, 2016

Researchers have uncovered deep connections among different types of random objects, illuminating hidden geometric structures.

Three Puzzles Inspired by Ramanujan

July 14, 2016

Insights from the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan give us a number of ways to explore the infinite.

A Bird’s-Eye View of Nature’s Hidden Order

July 12, 2016

Scientists are exploring a mysterious pattern, found in birds’ eyes, boxes of marbles and other surprising places, that is neither regular nor random.

Solution: ‘Is Infinity Real?’

June 30, 2016

Hilbert’s Hotel, an incredibly thin triangle and an elliptical pool table help us test the concept of infinity in the physical world.

Handicapping the 2018 Fields Medal

June 28, 2016

Peter Scholze is a favorite to win one of the highest honors in mathematics for his contributions in number theory and geometry.

The Oracle of Arithmetic

June 28, 2016

At 28, Peter Scholze is uncovering deep connections between number theory and geometry.

Is Infinity Real?

June 16, 2016

Three puzzles test whether the concept of infinity has purchase in the physical world.

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