Mathematicians Crack a Fractal Conjecture on Chaos
A type of chaos found in everything from prime numbers to turbulence can unify a pair of unrelated ideas, revealing a mysterious, deep connection that disappears without randomness
This Is the Math at the Heart of Reality
Mathematics is not only an esoteric vocation but also indispensably alive and deeply human
What Does GPT-5 Have to Say about Black Holes, Math Puzzles and Cancer? A Lot
A new paper shows AI emerging as a tool that helps scientists test ideas, navigate literature and refine experiments
Math Puzzle: Falling Through
Solve a holey shape conundrum in this math puzzle
Final Clues to Mystery of CIA Kryptos Puzzle Released
“Kryptos has not been solved,” said artist Jim Sanborn after releasing his parting clues to the “K4” section of his sculpture puzzle
How to Identify a Prime Number without a Computer
For years, a French mathematician searched for a proof that a gigantic number is prime. His method is still used 150 years later
Scientists See ‘Eureka’ Moments in Mathematicians’ Chalkboard Writings
Researchers spot the “tipping point” before mathematicians’ moments of discovery
How an Error in Cult Classic Game Doom Sparked New Appreciation for Pi
What would the world look like if we changed the value of pi? Whether in the real world or a game environment, the answer is complex
This New Shape Breaks an ‘Unbreakable’ 3D Geometry Rule
The noperthedron has a surprising property—which disproves a long-standing conjecture
How the World’s Most Famous Code Was Cracked
Uncovering the CIA’s Kryptos puzzle took three parts math and one part sleuthing
A Mathematical Paradox Shows How Combining Losing Strategies Can Create a Win
In certain circumstances, losses create a sure path to victory, an idea with implications for biology and cancer therapy
Math Puzzle: Find the Time
Decode a confusing clock in this math puzzle