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.
Outer space: Are the constants of nature really constant?Are the unchanging features of the Universe really unchanging?
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
Sine languageAs 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.
Births and deaths in fluid chaosDescribing 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.