The Weekly Highlights in Math and Science You Can't Miss
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The internet is a treasure trove of fascinating content, yet it can be challenging to sift through and find quality material. Many of us often spend a considerable amount of time looking for an engaging film or an enlightening book. However, there's no need to fret anymore! This newsletter is designed to offer you a curated selection of outstanding content for a fantastic week ahead.
Let's dive into this week's highlights!
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Film of the Week: Le Dernier Loup
Le Dernier Loup is a visually stunning Mongolian film that highlights the wonders of nature. The story follows a Chinese student dispatched to Inner Mongolia to instruct shepherds but instead discovers the plight of the endangered wolf population due to governmental interference.
One of the film's most gripping scenes features a pack of wolves pursuing a local tribe on horseback for an astonishing ten minutes. To this day, the filming of such a riveting sequence remains a mystery to me—it's a level of captivating storytelling often absent even in documentaries.
This movie beautifully contrasts the darker aspects of human nature with the regal essence of wolves.
Video of the Week: Creating Curves with Straight Lines
Have you ever wondered how to form curves using straight lines? This delightful video showcases a computer simulation demonstrating a doodle created by Vi Hart through dot connections along a curve. It’s a mesmerizing exploration of different curves and the outcomes produced by engaging with Vi's interactive game.
Book of the Week: The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda
This engaging book delves into the realms of design, philosophy, technology, and art. It provides insights on simplifying your ideas and enhancing your creative endeavors.
Quote of the Week: Paul Dirac on Mathematics
“Mathematics is the tool especially suited for dealing with abstract concepts of any kind, and there is no limit to its power in this field.” — Paul Dirac
Renowned physicist Paul Dirac once shared his thoughts on Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, noting, “It is nice, but in one of the chapters, the author made a mistake. He describes the Sun rising twice on the same day.”
Article of the Week: The Beautiful Applications of Calculus in Real Life
Calculus has been a revolutionary way of thinking since Archimedes introduced it. Richard Feynman famously stated that calculus was the language employed by God in the universe's creation. Both perspectives hold truth: calculus not only serves as a cognitive tool but also as a means to elucidate the unknown. Essentially, language is the verbal manifestation of thought.
Since Leibniz introduced calculus to the world, it has been employed by mathematicians and physicists to validate theories that were previously unproven. Those adept in mathematical reasoning have consistently utilized the foundational principles of calculus to tackle the complex challenges they encounter.
Thus, it is fair to assert that calculus is intricately linked to every aspect of our surroundings.
The Beautiful Applications of Calculus in Real Life
In this article, I will discuss how calculus manifests in real life, leaving you astounded!
List of the Week: 30 Remarkable Women in Science and Math
Numerous brilliant women face limited chances to showcase their intellect, as societal biases often hinder their potential. Fortunately, many exceptional female scientists and mathematicians have made significant strides despite such obstacles.
You may not recognize their names or faces, but these trailblazing women have transformed our understanding of the world, contributing immensely to science for centuries. Their impact can be observed in everything from clothing to medical imaging.
While it’s impossible to list all, the following thirty influential women in science and math merit acknowledgment for their lasting contributions to these fields.
Good News of the Week: The Brain Benefits from Moderate Physical Activity
Research indicates that even moderate exercise positively affects the brain. A study conducted by DZNE researchers, led by Dr. Ahmad Aziz, analyzed 2,550 participants from the Bonn "Rhineland Study." Their findings reveal that physically active individuals tend to have larger brain regions, particularly those areas with high oxygen demands. These results were published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Fancy Gadget of the Week: Do Not Erase by Jessica Wynne
Math and physics enthusiasts will appreciate Do Not Erase by Jessica Wynne, a stunning coffee table book!
In this work, photographer Jessica Wynne captures extraordinary images of mathematicians' chalkboards, emphasizing their significance. While other fields have transitioned to whiteboards and digital tools, mathematicians still rely on chalk to articulate their ideas. Wynne has compiled over one hundred breathtaking images from mathematicians around the globe, each accompanied by an essay detailing their work and creative process. Together, these visuals and narratives beautifully illustrate the unique connection between math, art, and creativity.
Tool of the Week: Notable People
Curious about the most famous individual born in your area? Inspired by the People Map of the U.S. by The Pudding, Topi Tjukanov created Notable People to address that question! This map showcases the birthplaces of the most notable individuals worldwide, with data processed to highlight one person per unique location based on their notability rank. Additionally, you can explore notable figures in various categories, including mathematics, science, education, and sports.
Interesting Math of the Week: e and ?
An intriguing mathematical coincidence awaits your discovery.
Riddle of the Week: Using Hourglasses
Can you determine the product of this multiplication?
(x – a) (x – b) (x – c) … (x – z)
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