math

Jul 17, 2018

Following the Path: Making Huge Calculations Predictable

New approach narrows down huge calculations – like those involved in quantum physics – by focusing on a single, predictive parameter. 

Jan 5, 2018

Radiation Therapy Algorithm Could Substantially Reduce Side Effects, Maintain Effect Against Tumors

New mathematical model for computing radiation therapy treatments could reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy. 

May 4, 2016

Galactic Ambitions

Math and physics double-major Mia de los Reyes collected Park, Astronaut, Goldwater and Churchill scholarships while at NC State. 

Jun 4, 2013

You Say Tomato, I Say Soda. Or Is it Pop?

Here’s a nifty new way of looking at some old regional differences in dialect. NC State graduate student Joshua Katz was looking for an idea for his end-of-year statistics project, when he came across interesting linguistics data from Dr. Bert Vaux of Cambridge University. Vaux had collected data on regional dialects in the U.S. via a… 

Nov 30, 2012

Making Sports Rankings Count

Ever wondered how those sports team rankings get done? Dr. Carl Meyer is a mathematician working on making those rankings more accurate. This video from Inside Science explains how it’s done. Hint: linear algebra is involved. 

Sep 11, 2012

Putting the “Fore” in Forecasting

People love to complain about the weather – and especially about weather forecasters. But real, accurate forecasting beyond five to seven days is immensely complicated, due to the sheer volume of atmospheric processes and factors. Fortunately for us, advances in computing are making it possible for mathematicians, atmospheric scientists and statisticians to create “models of… 

Nov 28, 2011

Read This! Book Recommendations For Kids And Armchair Researchers

I think it is important to get the general public – and kids – interested in research. It’s never too late to get grown-ups excited about science. And maybe the child you encourage today will be a future Albert Schweitzer, Marie Curie or Steve Jobs. With the holidays approaching, now’s your chance to go buy… 

Nov 1, 2011

How Will Players Respond To Game Changes? Do The Math

Can user responses to changes in one game predict the response to changes in a different game? Apparently there’s math involved. When it comes to video games, imitation can be dangerous. If one game makes changes that players love, there’s no guarantee that players of a different game would welcome the same changes. So, do… 

Apr 8, 2011

Taking Infertility out of the Equation

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of infertility in women of childbearing age.  But finding the cause is difficult because of female fertility’s complex interplay of hormones and women’s individual cycles. So what is one way the medical community can address the problem? If you answered “with math,” you get a…