Math Findings Rank Among Top 100 Science Stories of 2007

January 16, 2008

Four developments in mathematics that occurred in 2007 have made Discover magazine's 100 top science stories for the year.

The four are:

* "Math Advance Threatens Computer Security" (#38), about the factoring of a 307-digit number.

* "248-Dimensional Math Problem Solved" (#47), about the mapping of E₈.

* "Calculus Was Developed in Medieval India" (#56), about evidence that 14th-century mathematicians in India may have used infinite series.

* "Math Breakthrough Spotted on Mosques" (#59), about similarities between some mosaics in medieval mosques and Penrose tilings.

MAA's "Math in the News" covered two of the stories. "Factoring Feat" highlighted the threat to computer security, and "Move Over Newton" told the story of 14th-century mathematicians in India who made use of infinite series.

In addition, MAA Online featured a story about the mapping of E₈.

Source: Discover.