As we reported back in November 2015, László Babai came up with an algorithm to decide if two graphs are isomorphic in quasipolynomial time. At the time, this proof still needed peer review, and in the last week or so, two big developments have occurred on that front. On Wednesday 4th January, an error was discovered…
Mathematical genius: extrapolate from your own experience?
The BBC biography series Great Lives covered in its most recent episode Srinivasa Ramanujan. In the closing minutes of the programme, host Matthew Paris said this, which I found quite interesting (or at least, interestingly expressed): I’m so far from understanding the mind of a mathematical genius that it’s simply inconceivable that you could tell a…
Carnival of Mathematics 141
The next issue of the Carnival of Mathematics, rounding up blog posts from the month of December, and compiled by the team, is now online at Ganit Charcha. The Carnival rounds up maths blog posts from all over the internet, including some from our own Aperiodical. See our Carnival of Mathematics page for more information.
Particularly mathematical New Year Honours 2017
Usually at this time of year, I have a look through the New Year Honours list for particularly mathematical appointments. Here are the names I’ve found that are particularly mathematical. Tricia Dodd, Chief Methodology Officer, UK Statistics Authority, appointed MBE “for services to Statistics and Research”. Dave Watson, director of IBM Research in the UK,…
Call for submissions for Math Teachers at Play blog carnival
Readers of The Aperiodical are probably familiar with the Carnival of Mathematics, a monthly blog roundup which takes any maths-related content. Did you also know there is a related blog carnival called Math Teachers at Play? The Math Teachers at Play (MTaP) blog carnival is a monthly collection of tips, tidbits, games, and activities for…
Awards round-up
Here’s a selection of news stories about mathematical prizes that have been awarded/announced in the last couple of months.
Not Mentioned on The Aperiodical, 2016
This year has been frankly ridiculous. And while we’ve done our best to cover all the hot maths topics throughout, we have inevitably missed a few. Here’s some mathematical news bits and bobs from 2016 which we (and you!) may have not noticed.