Math

  1. steak
    Math

    To cook a perfect steak, use math

    As a steak cooks in an oven, movement of liquid within the meat causes it to become extra juicy in the center in a way that can be predicted by mathematics.

    By
  2. rulers
    Science & Society

    The U.S. has resisted the metric system for more than 50 years

    Australia adopted the metric system 50 years ago. The United States tried by passing legislation for a voluntary conversion that was largely ignored.

    By
  3. Sign warning people not to use a playground in Washington
    Math

    How large a gathering is too large during the coronavirus pandemic?

    Mathematical models explain why large gatherings are especially dangerous in an epidemic, and identify how large is too large.

    By
  4. Katherine Johnson
    Space

    NASA icon Katherine Johnson has died at the age of 101

    The “Hidden Figure” captured the public’s admiration after the story of her career was publicized in a 2016 book and film.

    By
  5. quantum entanglement illustration
    Math

    How a quantum technique highlights math’s mysterious link to physics

    Verifying proofs to very hard math problems is possible with infinite quantum entanglement.

    By
  6. quantum entanglement illustration
    Physics

    A quantum strategy could verify the solutions to unsolvable problems — in theory

    A quantum technique for verifying solutions to difficult problems could apply to an “unbelievably huge” class of puzzles.

    By
  7. knot
    Math

    Color-changing fibers help reveal mysteries of how knots work

    Experiments with colorful fibers helped scientists discover a few simple rules behind knots’ varying strengths.

    By
  8. Rembrandt self-portrait
    Science & Society

    Why Rembrandt and da Vinci may have painted themselves with skewed eyes

    A strongly dominant eye, not an eye disorder, may explain why some great artists painted themselves with one eye turned outward.

    By
  9. Julia Robinson illustration
    Math

    How Julia Robinson helped define the limits of mathematical knowledge

    Born 100 years ago, Julia Robinson played a key role in solving Hilbert’s 10th problem.

    By
  10. graphs
    Math

    A new book shows how not to fall for dubious statistics

    Skipped statistics in school and wonder what you missed? David Spiegelhalter’s ‘The Art of Statistics’ has got you covered.

    By
  11. Riemann zeta function
    Math

    Mathematicians report possible progress on proving the Riemann hypothesis

    A new study advances one strategy in the quest to solve the notoriously difficult problem, which is still stumping researchers after 160 years.

    By
  12. metal kilogram
    Physics

    The kilogram just got a revamp. A unit of time might be next

    After years of preparation, new definitions for the basic units of mass, temperature and more have now gone into effect.

    By