Several fields of mathematics have developed in total isolation, using their own 'undecipherable' coded languages. Mathematicians now present 'big algebras,' a two-way mathematical 'dictionary' ...

Every pure mathematician has experienced that awkward moment when asked, “So what’s your research good for?” There are standard responses: a proud “Nothing!”; an explanation that mathematical research ...

To begin to understand what mathematicians and physicists see in the abstract structures of symmetries, let’s start with a familiar shape. We are fond of saying things are symmetric, but what does ...

Symmetry is everywhere in our natural world. Just take a look at your hands, a butterfly, or a sunflower. It’s easy to pass off the idea of symmetry and symmetric structures as a simple quirk of ...

Is algebra really necessary? asked Andrew Hacker in The New York Times. America’s high schools require all students to take algebra and other advanced math, from geometry through calculus, but for ...

A 3D-printed decuplet crystal, skeleton, and nerves of a big algebra designed by Daniel Bedats. Printed with the Stratasys J750 3D printer at ISTA’s Miba Machine Shop. Symmetry is not just a question ...