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Training in musical improvisation may teach your brain to think differently

Skilled improvisers outperform non-improvisers in distinguishing between easy-to-substitute chords, with their brains showing distinct electrical activity. Improvisational practice reinforces how the brain represents different musical structures, suggesting a scientific basis for creativity.

SourceColumbia University·JournalPsychology of Music·DateJul 5, 2018

Where mathematics and astrophysics meet

Mathematicians Dmitry Khavinson and Genevra Neumann describe how their work on the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra led them to questions in astrophysics, specifically gravitational lensing. Their result resolves a conjecture of Sun Hong Rhie, establishing that the number of zeros of certain rational harmonic functions is 5n - 5.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateJun 5, 2008
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

UW scientists unlock major number theory puzzle

Researchers at UW-Madison crack long-standing problem of mock theta functions using Harmonic Maass Forms. The discovery is invaluable in resolving open questions in number theory and enables applications to physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007