Figure 1: The Fibonacci Spiral. A shape that is derivative of a special property of the Fibonacci Sequence, the Golden Ratio. The Fibonacci Spiral has a growth factor that is equivalent to the value of the Golden Ratio. Source: Pixabay Introduction Throughout history, human beings have engrossed themselves with the unabating search for patterns in …
Figure 1: C. elegans in Agar under Microscope Magnification Source: Wikimedia Commons The paper, “Ultrasound Elicits Behavioral Responses through Mechanical Effects on Neurons and Ion Channels in a Simple Nervous System” (Jan Kubanek) discusses the mechanism by which ultrasound can stimulate a response from certain neurons in the brain of the roundworm, C. elegans (Kubanek, …
Figure 1: A photo of the fractal pattern of a lightning bolt. Source: Wikimedia Commons Recent scientific research has explored the intersection of mathematics and medicine. The study of fractals in medicine in particular is a rapidly growing area that could assist physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases. In mathematics, fractals are defined as infinitely …
Figure 1: FA-18 Hornet breaking the sound barrier (7 July 1999). This is an image of fighter jet travelling at the speed of sound (Mach 1). It was earlier speculated that sound moves fastest in denser materials such as diamond with speeds approaching 12,000 m/s. A team of researchers have found a new upper bound …
The Speed of Sound Finally Bounded by Fundamental Constants Read More »
Figure 1: “Tekening”, Sketch by M.C. Escher Image retrieved from Nationaal Archief Mauritius Cornelis Escher, a Dutch optical illusionist known for his symmetrical tile-like images, rose to fame in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s after Martin Gardner introduced the American audience to Escher’s work.1 Escher was a powerful influence on subsequent art …
The Aesthetic Nature of Infinity and Repetition Seen in the Illustrations of M.C. Escher Read More »
Figure 1: A map showing relative rates of pancreatic cancer across the globe. The darker the color, the higher the rate. 55% of the world’s cases come from developed countries because pancreatic cancer’s risk factors include obesity, smoking, and diabetes. Image retrieved from Wikipedia Commons In recent years, mapping the rate of disease spread across …
The Geography of Disease: a Bayesian Approach to Epidemiology Read More »