We look at a crafty mathematical device which, among other things, has helped people understand what causes cholera.

How do mathematical models of COVID-19 work and should we believe them? We talk to an epidemiologist, who has been working flat out to inform the government, to find out more.

How should people arrange themselves for maximal socialising at a safe distance?

This puzzle is famous because the accepted answer is counter-intuitive. But is it always correct?

It's one of mathematics' most famous results: every "map" can be coloured using at most four colours. What it doesn't usually apply to, however, are real maps.

The golden ratio has many amazing properties. But is it really a secret of nature and the epitome of beauty?

Explore a mystery that intrigued Stephen Hawking until the end of his life.

Nothing, not even light, can escape from a black hole. Or can it? Find out about one of Stephen Hawking's most radical results.

With just a few months to go until the UEFA European Cup, here's how you can make your office sweepstake a lot fairer and more exciting.

After 2000 years of searching we only know of 51 perfect numbers and they're all even. What else do and don't we know about these rare and precious jewels of maths?

Nobody has ever found an odd perfect number. So do they exist at all and, if yes, what do they look like?

Perfect numbers have foxed mathematicians for over 2000 years. Here's a quick look at the long struggle to find them.