Oops! Try that again
Tetra Images/Alamy
An error in a proof underlying a widely used branch of modern mathematics was accidentally discovered by mathematicians while translating old proofs to a computer language. The mistake was swiftly fixed, but mathematicians say that the episode highlights the importance of making maths computer-readable to catch other possible examples.
Most modern mathematics resides in research papers and textbooks, and relies on mathematicians checking each other’s work to make sure it is correct. A proof is essentially a social construct – if enough mathematicians are satisfied that the logical steps of a proof are…
Surgical robots take step towards fully autonomous operations
A surgical robot operating on a dead pigJuo-Tung Chen/Johns Hopkins University An AI-powered robot was able to remove a gall...
Fig trees may benefit climate by turning carbon dioxide into stone
Fig trees may be especially good at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphereRaimund Linke/mauritius images GmbH/Alamy Some fig trees can...
3D printing could enable a safer long-term therapy for type 1 diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes can’t produce enough insulin to regulate their blood sugarHalfpoint Images/Getty Images Researchers have 3D printed...
Polycystic ovary syndrome may be passed on via chemical tags on DNA
Illustration of enlarged ovaries in someone with polycstic ovary syndromeScience Photo Library/Alamy Polycystic ovary syndrome may be passed down through...
