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Gavin Harper is a mathematician working right at the heart of genetics

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March 2010
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plane geometry

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Last October, two mathematicians won £1m when it was revealed that they were the first to solve the Eternity jigsaw puzzle. It had taken them six months and a generous helping of mathematical analysis. Mark Wainwright meets the pair and finds out how they did it.

Tags: computer search : tiling : probability : eternity game : plane geometry : bayes theorem


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In 1694, a famous discussion between two of the leading scientists of the day - Isaac Newton and David Gregory - took place on the campus of Cambridge University. The discussion concerned the kissing problem, but it was to be another 260 years before the problem was finally solved.

Tags: history of mathematics : plane geometry : packing : kissing problem : Isaac Newton : David Gregory