Articles

Lambda marks the spot — the biggest problem in theoretical physicsThe 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.
Beauty in mathematicsSurein Aziz explores one of the most beautiful equations in mathematics
How maths killed Lehman BrothersHoratio Boedihardjo explains the credit crunch
Thinking outside the boxSonia Buckley travels through higher dimensions
The expression that (nearly) explained the UniverseSophie Butchart finds mysterious patterns in the solar system
EditorialAnd the winner is...
Knitting by numbersLucinda Mathews visualises tricky surfaces
The Carol syndromeJosé-Manuel Rey unveils the curse of attractiveness
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Outer space: Are the constants of nature really constant?Are the unchanging features of the Universe really unchanging?
Understanding uncertainty: The many ways of spinning risk

Would you prefer a game with a 90% chance of winning, or one with a 10% chance of losing? You might scratch your head and say it's the same thing, and you'd be right, but research has shown that people's perception of risk is surprisingly vulnerable to the way it's presented. In this article David Spiegelhalter and Mike Pearson explore how risk can be spun and there's an interactive animation for you to have a go yourself.
EditorialThese are busy times for Plus. Apart from celebrating our 50th issue by putting together a bumper collection of in-depth articles, news and reviews, we're also working on various special projects, some of which have already gone live, and some of which will reach you over the next few weeks and months. Here's a sneak preview of what's in store for 2009...
It's all in the detailThe computer animation used in movies and games is now so lifelike, it is very hard to believe that you are actually watching a surface built from simple shapes of triangles. Phil Dench tells Plus how he uses mathematics to help bring these models to life.