Column

  1. Math

    A Quasi-quasicrystal

    Quasicrystals are bizarre, rare, mysterious materials blending mathematical order and irregularity. A new, unexpected material halfway between a regular crystal and a quasicrystal may help reveal their secrets.

    By Julie Rehmeyer
  2. Math

    A building of bubbles

    Math Trek: The National Aquatics Center in Beijing, newly built for the Olympics, is a glowing cube of bubbles. The mathematics behind it are built around Lord Kelvin's tetrakaidecahedra and the physics of foam.

    By Julie Rehmeyer
  3. Humans

    Science should be prominent in U.S. foreign policy

    Excerpted comments from a panel discussion at the World Science Summit that addressed the topic of the role of science in foreign affairs.