Computing
Finally! How to get a truly random number — and prove it
Researchers used two quantum devices and a math trick to ensure that newly generated “random” numbers are truly unpredictable.
Math
More Stories in Math
- Math
AI can be a helpful math tutor if used right — and harmful if not
Using AI to learn math concepts can boost understanding. But if used to get quick answers, AI can become a crutch that hurts learning.
- Plants
A geometric pattern lurks in Chinese money plant leaves
Tiny water-oozing pores appear to shape the leaves’ veins into a “Voronoi diagram.”
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- Physics
Origami research takes top prize at 2026 Regeneron ISEF competition
The top three winners each won at least $80,000. Other teen finalists shared in more than $7 million in prizes at this international science fair.
- Brain
Brain scans offer clues to why math is harder for some kids
Kids with math learning disabilities process number symbols differently than numbers shown as dots.
- Science & Society
Understanding algorithms — and how to make them work for you
They’re the recipes behind everything from cooking to social media feeds. Learn how algorithms work to avoid their pitfalls. You can even make your own.
- Archaeology
Ancient pottery shows the earliest evidence of humans doing math
The numbers of petals painted on 8,000-year-old pottery showed a distinct numerical pattern.
- Physics
Why do objects shatter the same way? Math solves the mystery
When objects shatter, the pieces come in many sizes. This simple theory now explains why the fragment size distribution is almost always the same.
- Math
Ever wonder where our math symbols came from? Here are their stories
Their quirky history could help us better appreciate math as a living language — one whose symbols evolved over centuries.
