ScienceDaily: Computers & Math News


Words are needed to think about numbers, study suggests

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 04:17 PM PST

Researchers have found a new relationship between counting ability of Tsimane' individuals and their ability to perform matching tasks that involve numbers up to about 25. The results suggest that in order to think about exact numbers, people need to have a word for that number.

Researchers develop methodology for streamlined control of material deformation

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 04:17 PM PST

Researchers devise a new approach to a highly studied exotic elastic material, uncover an intuitive geometrical description of the pronounced -- or nonlinear -- soft deformations, and show how to activate any of these deformations on-demand with minimal inputs. This new theory reveals that a flexible mechanical structure is governed by some of the same math as electromagnetic waves, phase transitions, and even black holes.