Topology is a standard topic in mathematics; topiary less so. That's why I thought it was pretty cool to read about a mathematician-designed maze in celebration of the Abel Prize. At least, I like the idea in principle; I might feel differently after a couple of hours of wandering. Still, it is a nice little metaphor. Math, like many intellectual pursuits, involves twists and turns and blind alleys. Although unlike mazes, there are no deterministic algorithms guaranteed to get you out (eventually). So making progress … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Finding Your Way Through Math
mathematics
Science Corner: Take Me to Your Victrola
On a trip to the National Air & Space Museum with my son this weekend, I had a chance to look at a copy of one of the records that was sent on the Voyager space probe. The photo on the right shows the top of the record, which is meant to provide details on how to play it and how to decode the images stored on it. (We sent both music and images intended to represent the ecological and cultural diversity of Earth.) These instructions also include some basic science and the coordinates of our planet. It is believed any … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Take Me to Your Victrola
Science Corner: Prime Real Estate
Want to hear about science communication from the science editor of Christianity Today, a public radio producer, and me? Details at the end. The old saw about real estate says that the most important features are location, location, location. Mathematicians care about location too, such as the location of the prime numbers. Prime numbers, divisible only by themselves and 1, have several uses, most popularly in the encryption that guards our Internet transactions. Consequently, we are always on the lookout for new … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Prime Real Estate
Science Corner: Math with a Flourish
"I was told there would be no math." That line from a Saturday Night Live sketch sums up a common attreaditude. When I started a science & faith Sunday School series of my own devising with some math topics, that was essentially the criticism I received from those who opted not to return for week two. I find myself more inclined to the sentiment "To Live Your Best Life, Do Mathematics," the title of a recent interview with Francis Su, friend of this blog, mathematics professor at Harvey Mudd and outgoing president of … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Math with a Flourish
Science Corner: Arithmophobia & Other Language Barriers
For everyone who blanches at binomials, cringes at coefficients or detests derivatives: you're not alone! Even scientists may avoid math if they can, according to a study on the effect of equation density on the likelihood a scientific publication will be cited by other scientists. (Original paper here) The effect is small; for every additional equation per page, a paper is 5% less likely to be referenced. Still, the result is notable because it was observed in the physics literature, a discipline generally associated … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Arithmophobia & Other Language Barriers