knot theory
When it comes to describing natural phenomena, mathematics is amazingly — even unreasonably — effective. In this article Mario Livio looks at an example of strings and knots, taking us from the mysteries of physical matter to the most esoteric outpost of pure mathematics, and back again.
Maths may have the answer to why helices are so common in nature.
One of science's biggest prizes awarded for research into strings and knots
