Feature

  1. Math

    Swirling Seas, Crystal Balls

    A remarkable geometric shape made up of a sequence of triangles leads to a host of intriguing forms and mobile structures.

    By Ivars Peterson
  2. Physics

    Fit to Be Tied

    Two new books present scathing critiques of string theory, which holds that the universe has 11 dimensions and that its fundamental building blocks are ultratiny loops of energy known as strings.

    By Peter Weiss
  3. Planetary Science

    Ring Shots

    With the sun poised behind Saturn, the Cassini spacecraft recently got a unique view of the rings' icy dust particles, enabling it to discover two new rings and confirm the presence of two ringlets.

    By Ron Cowen
  4. Health & Medicine

    Warming Up to Hyperthermia

    By notching up a tumor's temperature a few degrees, scientists are boosting the power of radiation, chemotherapy, and cancer vaccines.