Math

  1. Computing

    Explainer: What is an algorithm?

    These step-by-step instructions underlie social media, internet searches and other computer-based activities. But what are they exactly? We explain.

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  2. Animals

    To figure out your dog’s ‘real’ age, you’ll need a calculator

    What’s your dog’s human-equivalent age? Just multiply how old it is times seven, right? Uh, no. And here’s why.

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  3. Humans

    When it comes to downing hot dogs, science says there’s a limit

    Humans may be able to eat only 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes, new research suggests.

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  4. Tech

    Why sports are becoming all about numbers — lots and lots of numbers

    Sports once focused on muscles, skill and tactics. Now math is becoming almost as important. It helps assess players — and improve their tools.

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  5. Math

    Lack of diversity in his field has troubled this mathematician

    As a kid, Edray Goins didn’t like math. But he fell in love with the subject in college and is now training the next generation of minority mathematicians.

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  6. Physics

    Try This: Walking on water with science

    Water striders walk on water. How do they do it? They spread out. This experiment will show you how it works.

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  7. Math

    Color-changing fibers help unravel a knotty problem

    Experiments with colorful fibers helped scientists discover a few simple rules on why the strength of various types of knots differs.

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  8. Math

    How math makes movies like Doctor Strange so otherworldly

    In the 1970s, a mathematician introduced geometric patterns that he named fractals. Moviemakers are now using those patterns to create dazzling digital effects.

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  9. Tech

    Drones help scientists weigh whales at sea

    Drone imagery lets scientists estimate a whale’s weight. And that may help monitor the health of these big mammals for conservation purposes.

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  10. Chemistry

    Chemists have created a ring-shaped form of carbon

    A ring-shaped carbon molecule takes its place among buckyballs, carbon nanotubes and other odd forms of the element.

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  11. Math

    For these artists, math is their muse

    Artists around the world are finding inspiration in the curves, equations and patterns of mathematics. Here are some of their stories.

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  12. Math

    Science is helping kids become math masters

    Some researchers study video games, students’ posture and more as a means to help kids become better and more comfortable with math.

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