Why Pigeons at Rest Are at the Center of Complexity Theory
When pigeons outnumber pigeonholes, some birds must double up. This obvious statement, and its inverse, have deep connections to many areas of math and computer science.
Why Adding a Full Hard Drive Can Make a Computer More Powerful
Ten years ago, researchers proved that adding full memory can theoretically aid computation. They’re just now beginning to understand the implications.
Why Computer Scientists Need Magic 8 Ball-Like Oracles
Hypothetical devices that can quickly and accurately answer questions have become a powerful tool in computational complexity theory.
Scientists Establish the Best Algorithm for Traversing a Map
Dijkstra’s algorithm was long thought to be the most efficient way to find a graph’s best routes. Researchers have now proven that it’s “universally optimal.”
New Evidence Shows Heat Destroys Quantum Entanglement
While devising a new quantum algorithm, four researchers accidentally established a hard limit on the “spooky” phenomenon.
How the Physics of Resonance Shapes Reality
The same phenomenon by which an opera singer can shatter a wineglass also underlies the very existence of subatomic particles.