Archivo: Quanta
A New Theory to Explain the Higgs Mass
One of the greatest mysteries in physics could be solved by a mattress-like axion field that permeates space and time.
Will Computers Redefine the Roots of Math?
When a legendary mathematician found a mistake in his own work, he embarked on a computer-aided quest to eliminate human error. To succeed, he has to rewrite the century-old rules underlying all of mathematics.
The Particle That Broke a Cosmic Speed Limit
Physicists are beginning to unravel the mysteries of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays, particles accelerated by the most powerful forces in the universe.
A Surprise for Evolution in Giant Tree of Life
Researchers build the world’s largest evolutionary tree and conclude that species arise because of chance mutations — not natural selection.
The Quantum Fabric of Space-Time
Brian Swingle was a graduate student studying the physics of matter at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology when he decided to take a few classes in string theory to round out his education — “because, why not?” he recalled — although he initially paid little heed to the concepts he encountered in those classes. But as he delved deeper, he began to see unexpected similarities between his own work, in which he used so-called tensor networks to predict the properties of exotic materials, and string theory’s approach to black-hole physics and quantum gravity.
The Quantum Fabric of Space-Time
A bold new idea aims to link two famously discordant descriptions of nature. In doing so, it may also reveal how space-time owes its existence to the spooky connections of quantum information.
Concerns of an Artificial Intelligence Pioneer
The computer scientist Stuart Russell wants to ensure that our increasingly intelligent machines remain aligned with human values.
For Persi Diaconis’ Next Magic Trick …
A mathematician who has analyzed card shuffling for decades is tackling one final nemesis: “smooshing.”
A Grand Theory of Wrinkles
A collaboration between mechanical engineers and mathematicians has revealed universal rules for how wrinkles form.
After Prime Proof, an Unlikely Star Rises
Two years ago, Yitang Zhang was virtually unknown. Now his surprise solution to a major problem in number theory has catapulted him to mathematical stardom. Where does he go from here?