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Brandon Levin wins NSF CAREER Award

Brandon Levin, an assistant professor of mathematics at Rice University, has won a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award to pursue his research on major unsolved problems in number theory. He aims to build theoretical bridges between arithmetic world and representation theory.

Entangled photons tailor-made

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have successfully generated up to 14 entangled photons using a single atom, enabling efficient creation of quantum computer building blocks. This breakthrough could facilitate scalable measurement-based quantum computing and enable secure data transmission over greater distances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

A mathematician's journey in Edo Japan

Historical documents reveal that mathematician Mitsuyoshi Yoshida was invited by the Kumamoto clan to stay in Kumamoto from Kyoto between 1636 and 1637. He brought cutting-edge knowledge of arithmetic systems, civil engineering, and hydraulic technologies. The documents also show that he will be paid for his services, including rice pr...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of the Mathematical Society of Japan·DateMar 24, 2021

Sorting complicated knots

Researchers from IBS Center for Geometry and Physics introduce a new mathematical operation to catalog Legendrian singular knots, crucial for understanding complex 3D spaces like our universe. The study aims to explore the fascinating possibilities of 3D spaces and provide a tentative list of all possible shapes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Symplectic Geometry·DateJul 6, 2017

Horse-riding can improve children's cognitive ability

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that horseback riding enhances learning and problem-solving skills in children. The study, led by Professor Mitsuaki Ohta, suggests that the vibrations produced by horses during riding activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to improved cognitive performance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 2, 2017

Gamble on your opponent's gaze if you want to win

Researchers found that players with high-value hands glance right, while those with low-value hands glance left. This suggests that gaze patterns can be used to infer hand value, potentially helping blackjack players make better decisions.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 21, 2016

Poor motor performance linked to poor academic skills in the first school years

A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that children with poor motor performance at the start of school tend to have poorer reading and arithmetic skills than their peers. The study suggests that motor performance and movement skills are more important for academic success during the first years of school.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateOct 28, 2013

Practice at 'guesstimating' can speed up math ability

Research at Duke University found that practice in estimating and comparing quantities can improve math abilities, particularly for symbolic math skills. The study tested adult volunteers before and after training sessions, showing significant improvement in math test scores compared to a control group.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 7, 2013

Questions answered with the pupils of your eyes

Researchers created a simple system using just a laptop and camera to measure pupil size for communication. They found that healthy people's pupils increased in size when solving math problems, which was translated into accurate answers to yes/no questions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 5, 2013

Hebrew University researchers show how we can do math problems unconsciously

Researchers at Hebrew University have found that people can read and solve complex mathematical problems without being consciously aware of them. Using a technique called Continuous Flash Suppression (CFS), the team showed that participants could complete arithmetic tasks more quickly when they were unconsciously presented with equations.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2012

Short booms still annoying: Scientists study how mid-level noise bursts lasting less than a second affect the concentration of arithmetic-solving test subjects

Researchers from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln played quarter-second-long white noise clips to test subjects working on arithmetic problems. The researchers found that louder noises caused lower performance and higher levels of annoyance, with sound level ranges affecting participants' perceptions.

Data presentation and consumer confidence

A recent study found that data presented in frequency format elicits higher confidence and more accurate conclusions in consumers. In contrast, percentages appear easier for consumers to understand, but may lead to averaging errors. The results have practical implications for regulators trying to discourage smoking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 2010

Mental math dependant on language

Bilinguals prefer their first taught language for mental arithmetic activities due to skills acquired, according to Texas A&M University research. This finding has significant educational implications, particularly in areas with high concentrations of bilingual populations.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalRevista Española de Lingüística Aplicada/Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics·DateOct 11, 2001