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How can maths fight a pandemic?
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.
A strange definition of perfect
Perfect numbers have foxed mathematicians for over 2000 years. Here's a quick look at the long struggle to find them.
Less is more: The quest for minimal surfaces
For over 250 years minimal surfaces have been playing hide and seek with mathematicians. But what are they and why are they interesting?
Election special
Was the Brexit result fair? Will the general election be fair? Can any election ever be fair? Find out more about the maths of democracy with these articles.
Maths: The next generation
What do young researchers in maths and computer science work on? We find out at the Heidelberg Laureate Forum 2019. From crime scene investigation to theoretical investigations of computer algorithms, the range is wide.
The power of ants
Find out how these humble animals have inspired computer algorithms to solve complex real-world problems.
Our changing picture of gravity
We look back over how our picture of gravity has changed Image courtesy NASA.
Synchronised swimming
How do green algae manage a perfect breaststroke even though they haven't got a brain? The maths of synchronisation explains and even sheds light on evolution.
Our theory of very nearly everything: the particles
What is everything made of?
Saving whales using Pythagoras
One of the greatest threats to whales is being struck by ships. Find out how Pythagoras' theorem can help avoid this.
Communicating the coronavirus crisis
David Spiegelhalter, expert in risk and evidence communication, tells us how well the UK government has done so far communicating about Covid-19.
A call to action on COVID-19
An urgent call has gone out to the scientific modelling community to help fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking the pandemic temperature
How do people in different countries feel about the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken by their governments?
Maths in a minute: "R nought" and herd immunity
What is herd immunity and what does it have to do with a number called R0?
Myths of maths
We debunk some common mathematical misconceptions to do with the golden ratio, the four colour theorem, and the Monty Hall problem.
Squashing the curve?
A study into Covid-19 suggests that flattening the curve will take longer and harder measures than previously hoped.
Maths in a minute: Social distancing
How should people arrange themselves, when sitting in the park, for maximal socialising at a safe distance?
Maths in a minute: Voronoi diagrams
We look at a crafty mathematical device which, among other things, has helped people understand what causes cholera.