Latest and Breaking Mathematics News

Science magazine prize awarded to course that brings biology and math worlds closer
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(American Association for the Advancement of Science) An undergraduate course that allows students to build mathematical models of biological phenomena -- and to experience a convergence of disciplines with potential in areas ranging from cancer treatment to reforestation -- is the winner of the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction,

CWRU class earns Science magazine prize for innovation
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(Case Western Reserve University) Science magazine has awarded a prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction to a Case Western Reserve University class that melds biology, computer modeling, mathematical analysis and writing. "Dynamics of Biological Systems," taught by Biology Professor Hillel Chiel and three graduate assistants, abandons traditional lectures altogether in favor of learning by doing.

Study shows how to keep a Mars tumbleweed rover moving on rocky terrain
23 May 2012, 4:00 am
(North Carolina State University) New research from North Carolina State University shows that a wind-driven "tumbleweed" Mars rover would be capable of moving across rocky Martian terrain - findings that could also help the National Aeronautics and Space Administration design the best possible vehicle.

Mystifying materials
23 May 2012, 4:00 am
(Northwestern University) It's not magic, but new materials designed by two Northwestern University researchers seem to exhibit magical properties. When tensioned, ordinary materials expand along the direction of the applied force. The new metamaterials do the opposite when tensioned -- they contract. Other of their materials expand when compressed. Materials are networks of connected constituents and can respond in surprising ways. The researchers applied network concepts to design the new materials, all of which exhibit negative compressibility transitions.

The Goldilocks effect: Babies learn from experiences that are 'just right'
23 May 2012, 4:00 am
(University of Rochester) Infants ignore information that is too simple or too complex, focusing instead on situations that are "just right," according to a new study to be published in the journal PLoS ONE on May 23. Dubbed the "Goldilocks effect" by the University of Rochester team that discovered it, the attention pattern sheds light on how babies learn to make sense of a world full of complex sights, sounds, and movements.

How ion bombardment reshapes metal surfaces
22 May 2012, 4:00 am
(Brown University) Ion bombardment of metal surfaces is an important, but poorly understood, nanomanufacturing technique. New research using sophisticated supercomputer simulations has shown what goes on in trillionths of a second. The advance could lead to better ways to predict the phenomenon and more uses of the technique to make new nanoscale products.

Origami-inspired design method merges engineering, art
21 May 2012, 4:00 am
(Purdue University) Researchers have shown how to create morphing robotic mechanisms and shape-shifting sculptures from a single sheet of paper in a method reminiscent of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.

Financial tool considered climate change uncertainty to select land for conservation
21 May 2012, 4:00 am
(University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences) A tool commonly used by financial strategists to determine what shares to purchase to create a diversified stock portfolio was used to develop a diversified portfolio of another kind -- land to be set aside for conservation purposes given the uncertainty about climate change.

Number theory grant could lead to advances in wireless communications
21 May 2012, 4:00 am
(Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has awarded a £1.6 million grant to two of the country's leading mathematics researchers, Professor Sanju Velani, Head of Pure Mathematics at the University of York and Professor Victor Beresnevich, also at the university.

Researchers improve fast-moving mobile networks
21 May 2012, 4:00 am
(North Carolina State University) Mobile ad hoc networks allow people in multiple, rapidly-moving vehicles to communicate with each other - such as in military or emergency-response situations. Researchers from North Carolina State University have devised a method to improve the quality and efficiency of data transmission in these networks.