First known fractal molecule is a natural mathematical marvel

Fractals are a fascinating type of pattern for mathematics nerds, with their repeating, artificial-looking structures. Now, scientists have discovered the first known fractal protein – and it seems to be an evolutionary accident.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading First known fractal molecule is a natural mathematical marvel

Smallest and tightest knot ever tied is made of just 54 atoms

The new knot takes the basic structure of a trefoil knot (pictured)

Whether it was in your shoelaces or earbud cables, we’ve all accidentally tied knots that we can’t untangle – but we don’t expect to win any world records with them. Now scientists have done exactly that, accidentally tying the world’s smallest and tightest knot in a tiny structure made of just 54 atoms.

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Continue reading Smallest and tightest knot ever tied is made of just 54 atoms

Smallest and tightest knot ever tied is made of just 54 atoms

The new knot takes the basic structure of a trefoil knot (pictured)

Whether it was in your shoelaces or earbud cables, we’ve all accidentally tied knots that we can’t untangle – but we don’t expect to win any world records with them. Now scientists have done exactly that, accidentally tying the world’s smallest and tightest knot in a tiny structure made of just 54 atoms.

Continue Reading

Category: Science

Tags: , , , , ,

Continue reading Smallest and tightest knot ever tied is made of just 54 atoms

Maths problem solved after stumping the world for nearly a century

University of California (UC) San Diego mathematicians Jacques Verstraete and Sam Mattheus have solved a puzzling Ramsey theory problem that’s had little progress since the great Paul Erdös made some breakthroughs in 1937.Continue ReadingCategory: Scie… Continue reading Maths problem solved after stumping the world for nearly a century

It’s shape, not just wiring: How brain structure influences function

For over 100 years, scientists have agreed that discrete collections of brain cells fire off signals to other brain areas through a series of interconnected fibers. In a new study, researchers applied a mathematical model to brain activity and found th… Continue reading It’s shape, not just wiring: How brain structure influences function