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So what does a 2,400-year-old wooden bird that once flew have to do with us today? The answer is more than one might expect.The vision of Archytas fundamentally shaped our world by proving that mechanics is a creative force that could drive humanity forward. He founded the field of mathematical mechanics, bridging the gap between abstract theory and real-world applications through tangible inventions. That ancient pigeon, described by the Roman writer Aulus Gellius as being propelled by a jet of steam, was the ancestor of every modern engine, drone, and robot.Although this may sound like an exaggeration, it truly is...

Finite formula found for partition numbersFor centuries, some of the greatest names in math have tried to make sense of partition numbers, the basis for adding and counting. Many mathematicians added major pieces to the puzzle, but all of them fell short of a full theory to explain partitions. Instead, their work raised more questions about this fundamental area of math. On Friday, Emory mathematician Ken Ono will unveil new theories that answer these famous old questions. Ono and his research team have discovered that partition numbers behave like fractals. They have unlocked the divisibility properties of partitions, and developed...

     A Scoundrel's Pythagorean Imperative Mia T, 12.14.03 z = distance between flag lapel pin and chin d = distance between midpoint of chin and jowl y = distance between the midpoint of chin and top button x = distance between top button and flag lapel pin    by Mia T, December 7, 2003   issus clinton failed to notice: 'living history' begets a certain symmetry. How fitting it is that the clintons were forced to reveal their inept and treasonous hand on this day, exactly 62 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor. One has to surmise...