Knit a Scarf, Solve a Mathematical Mystery

While new research indicates that "real life" examples may not be the best way to teach mathematical concepts, they appear to be helping an already learned bunch of mathematicians solve problems—particularly when it comes to handicraft. Scienceline has an update on the continued advances that mathematicians are making with yarn as a means of studying the geometry of the natural world. The "knitting revolution" began a few years ago when Daina Taimina, a mathematics professor at Cornell, crocheted one of the first physical models of a hyperbolic shape—which, given that hyperbolic space expands exponentially, was no minor feat. Now, a group of math professors (all of whom are female—apparently male mathematicians aren't as into the handicraft solution) has been following up on the so-called "intersection of math and craft," applying Taimina's yarn-ready techniques to other mathematical models. The list includes Carolyn Yackel of Mercer University in Atlanta, Hinke Osinga of ...