The mathematical maps in theoretical physics have been highly successful in guiding our understanding of the universe at the largest and smallest scales. Linking these two scales together is one of the golden goals of theoretical physics. But, at the very edges of our understanding of these fields, one of the most controversial areas of physics lies where these maps merge: the cosmological constant problem.

Are the unchanging features of the Universe really unchanging?

Surein Aziz explores one of the most beautiful equations in mathematics

Horatio Boedihardjo explains the credit crunch

Sonia Buckley travels through higher dimensions

Sophie Butchart finds mysterious patterns in the solar system

And the winner is...

Lucinda Mathews visualises tricky surfaces

José-Manuel Rey unveils the curse of attractiveness

As an electronic musician Oli Freke has always been fascinated by sine waves, so much so that he's created a song based on them for the Geekpop festival, which is currently taking place on the Web. In this article he explores his song, touching on ancient Greek mythology, strange piano tunings and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Why length matters

Describing the motion of fluids is a huge and unsolved mathematical problem. There are equations that seem to describe it well, but their complete solution is way beyond reach. But could there be a simpler method? The physicist Jerry Gollub tells Plus about a new discovery which combines experiment with sophisticated maths.