MIT researchers observe a hallmark quantum behavior in bouncing droplets

In a study that could help fill some holes in quantum theory, the team recreated a “quantum bomb tester” in a classical droplet test.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Dec. 12, 2023 ~9 min

Career Days guide high school kids toward STEM fields

When colleges host STEM Career Days, the high school students who attend are far more likely to pursue a career in a STEM related field.

Brian Consiglio-U. Missouri • futurity
Nov. 3, 2023 ~4 min


Cancer has many faces − 5 counterintuitive ways scientists are approaching cancer research to improve treatment and prevention

From math to evolutionary game theory, looking at cancer through different lenses can offer further insights on how to approach treatment resistance, metastasis and health disparities.

Vivian Lam, Associate Health and Biomedicine Editor • conversation
Nov. 1, 2023 ~11 min

How do astronomers know the age of the planets and stars?

Measuring the ages of planets and stars is tricky. An observational astrophysicist describes the subtle clues that provide good estimates for how old different space objects are.

Adam Burgasser, Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Oct. 2, 2023 ~6 min

'Big Bang of Numbers' – The Conversation's book club explores how math alone could create the universe with author Manil Suri

A book-length thought experiment uses math to investigate some of life’s big questions.

Maggie Villiger, Senior Science + Technology Editor • conversation
Sept. 18, 2023 ~8 min

Could COVID drug spawn super virus?

Some worry a treatment that kills SARS-CoV-2 by helping it mutate could spawn a super virus. New research weighs in on its "evolutionary safety."

Anne J. Manning • harvard
Sept. 12, 2023 ~3 min

3 reasons we use graphic novels to teach math and physics

Graphic novels pair text and images to explain complex topics – from thermodynamics to abstract math – without alienating STEM-averse students.

Josha Ho, Adjunct Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, Marian University • conversation
Aug. 17, 2023 ~7 min

A brief illustrated guide to 'scissors congruence' − an ancient geometric idea that’s still fueling cutting-edge mathematical research

This is a story about geometry, algebra and many different dimensions, best read with construction paper, scissors and tape on hand.

Mona Merling, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania • conversation
Aug. 9, 2023 ~10 min


X marks the unknown in algebra – but X's origins are a math mystery

How did the letter x get its enduring role as a symbol of the unknown? A mathematician explains why it’s hard to say for sure.

Peter Schumer, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, Middlebury • conversation
Aug. 2, 2023 ~9 min

Your genetic code has lots of 'words' for the same thing – information theory may help explain the redundancies

Many of the amino acids that make up proteins are encoded by genetic material in more than one way. An information theorist explains how principles of nature may account for this variance.

Subhash Kak, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Oklahoma State University • conversation
July 27, 2023 ~7 min

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