Uncategorized

  1. Math

    Scrambled Grids

    Amazingly simple mathematical operations can lead to intriguingly complex results. Consider, for instance, the iterative geometric process of creating flaky pastry dough. Flatten and stretch the dough, then fold it over on top of itself. Do it again and again and again. Repeating the pair of operations–stretch and fold–just 10 times produces 1,024 layers; 20 […]

    By Ivars Peterson
  2. Humans

    From the August 23, 1930, issue

    alt=”Click to view larger image”> STRICTLY AMERICAN Indian architects and sculptors of the American tropics in prehistoric times had strikingly original ideas. On the cover you see the entrance to the beautiful Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza, in Yucatan. The Toltecs, who conquered the Mayas at Chichen Itza, remained in the city and […]

    By Science News
  3. Animals

    Vampire bats don’t learn from bad lunch

    For the first time, a mammal has flunked a controlled test for developing a food aversion after getting sick just once, and that unusual creature is the common vampire bat.