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symmetry

A domino, a two of clubs, and a clock face.
Abstractions blog

Why the Laws of Physics Are Inevitable

By Natalie Wolchover
December 9, 2019
Read Later

By considering simple symmetries, physicists working on the “bootstrap” can rediscover the basic form of the known forces that shape the universe.

An interactive illustration of shapes hiding clocks.
cosmology

Cosmic Triangles Open a Window to the Origin of Time

By Natalie Wolchover
October 29, 2019
Read Later

A close look at fundamental symmetries has exposed hidden patterns in the universe. Physicists think that those same symmetries may also reveal time’s original secret.

Abstractions blog

How (Relatively) Simple Symmetries Underlie Our Expanding Universe

By Natalie Wolchover
July 15, 2019
Read Later

Although Einstein’s theory of space-time seems more complicated than Newtonian physics, it greatly simplified the mathematical description of the universe.

symmetry

The Simple Idea Behind Einstein’s Greatest Discoveries

By K.C. Cole
June 26, 2019
Read Later

Lurking behind Einstein’s theory of gravity and our modern understanding of particle physics is the deceptively simple idea of symmetry. But physicists are beginning to question whether focusing on symmetry is still as productive as it once was.

Art for "How Feynman Diagrams Revolutionized Physics"
sphere packing

Out of a Magic Math Function, One Solution to Rule Them All

By Erica Klarreich
May 13, 2019
Read Later

Mathematicians used “magic functions” to prove that two highly symmetric lattices solve a myriad of problems in eight- and 24-dimensional space.

Art for "Scientists Discover Exotic New Patterns of Synchronization"
patterns

Scientists Discover Exotic New Patterns of Synchronization

By Natalie Wolchover
April 4, 2019
Read Later

In a world seemingly filled with chaos, physicists have discovered new forms of synchronization and are learning how to predict and control them.

Art for "A Proof About Where Symmetries Can’t Exist"
geometry

A Proof About Where Symmetries Can’t Exist

By Kevin Hartnett
October 23, 2018
Read Later

In a major mathematical achievement, a small team of researchers has proven Zimmer’s conjecture.

Art for "Three Decades Later, Mystery Numbers Explained"
Abstractions blog

Three Decades Later, Mystery Numbers Explained

By Kevin Hartnett
May 3, 2018
Read Later

Zeta values seem to connect distant geometric worlds. In a new proof, mathematicians finally explain why.

Illustration for "Mathematicians Explore Mirror Link Between Two Geometric Worlds"
geometry

Mathematicians Explore Mirror Link Between Two Geometric Worlds

By Kevin Hartnett
April 9, 2018
Read Later

Decades after physicists happened upon a stunning mathematical coincidence, researchers are getting close to understanding the link between two seemingly unrelated geometric universes.


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