Math
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Math
Mathematicians may have found the fastest way to multiply huge numbers
A new theoretical method for multiplying enormous figures appears to achieve a speed first predicted decades ago.
- Quantum Physics
Photons reveal a weird effect called the quantum pigeonhole paradox
Quantum particles seem to disobey a fundamental principle of mathematics.
- Health & Medicine
Readers have questions about Parkinson’s disease, moth wings and more
Readers had questions about Parkinson’s disease, the new definition of a kilogram’s mass, Saturn’s moon Dione and more.
- Math
It’s official: We’re redefining the kilogram
In May 2019, the system of measurement will be upgraded to rely on fundamental constants.
- Science & Society
Before his early death, Riemann freed geometry from Euclidean prejudices
The originator of Riemann’s hypothesis died young, but he provided the geometry needed for modern view of spacetime.
- Artificial Intelligence
Anshumali Shrivastava uses AI to wrangle torrents of data
Computer scientist Anshumali Shrivastava is designing programs that can handle torrents of information quickly and efficiently.
- Math
Here’s why we care about attempts to prove the Riemann hypothesis
The Riemann hypothesis could hold the key to understanding prime numbers.
- Genetics
The study of human heredity got its start in insane asylums
‘Genetics in the Madhouse’ reveals how human heredity research began as a statistical science in 19th century insane asylums.
- Math
Real numbers don’t cut it in the real world, this physicist argues
Physicist Nicolas Gisin argues that real numbers don’t properly represent the natural world, which is a good thing for free will.
- Math
‘Weird Math’ aims to connect numbers and equations to the real world
The book Weird Math attempts to make chaos theory, higher dimensions and other concepts more relatable.
- Math
Forget Pi Day. We should be celebrating Tau Day
Pi Day may be fun, but it’s based on a flawed mathematical constant.
- Math
The largest known prime number has 23 million-plus digits
A newly found prime number smashes the previous record for largest prime.
