
Math predicts humans could go extinct in about 17,000 years
Some mathematicians have predicted when humanity’s downfall might occur—though the circumstances are unspecified

Math predicts humans could go extinct in about 17,000 years
Some mathematicians have predicted when humanity’s downfall might occur—though the circumstances are unspecified

Math Puzzle: Go to great lengths
Find the lengths of the sides of the square in this math puzzle


Jieneng Chen
Creating artificial-intelligence tools for cancer detection

John Urschel
The mathematician and former NFL player on the benefits of having a broad background for young people who are interested in science

John Allen Paulos
The prolific mathematician discusses the role culture plays in understanding and appreciating science

Russia seeks mathematician’s extradition
Mikhail Verbitsky was detained at an Armenian airport last Thursday on charges of inciting terrorism

World Cup camera coverage poses a moving math puzzle
Mathematicians have considered how to watch every corner of a space—but soccer adds moving players, blocked views and constant action

The million-dollar race to ‘blow up’ math’s hardest equations
New results challenge AI’s promise for solving how fluids swirl—and suggest a more human path forward

AI scores a ‘C–’ on its hardest math test yet
The second batch of “First Proof” problems is meant to evaluate AI’s usefulness for research-level math. The best model got six or seven of the 10 questions basically right

How math’s ‘hairy ball theorem’ could explain bad hair days
An idea from topology explains why you can never get rid of your cowlicks—and, oddly enough, it’s critical in nuclear fusion

How math can help you decide what to order for dinner
An experiment with 2,520 participants backs Richard Feynman’s answer to every diner’s dilemma: Do I want to try something new?

How prediction markets could forecast the future of science
Online prediction markets are taking bets on everything from climate change to quantum computing. But researchers question their accuracy