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Nonlocal models consider interactions over a range of distances, not just at a single point. In this snapshot, we give a short introduction to nonlocal modeling, explain how it differs from its local counterpart, and present an application: fracture mechanics.
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Is it possible to approximate arbitrary points in space by vectors with rational coordinates, with which we, and computers, feel much more comfortable? If yes, can we approximate those points arbitrarily close? In this snapshot, we explore how the geometric configuration of these points influences the answers to these questions. Further, we delve into the closely related problem of counting rational vectors near surfaces. The unlikely tool which helps us in this endeavour is Fourier analysis – the study of waves and oscillations!
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The wave equation in Euclidean spaces describes many natural phenomena such as sound, light, or water waves. We explore how its solutions are related to the geometric problem of how long thin cylinders can intersect each other and discuss a related open problem.
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We describe how simple observations related to vectors of length 1 recently led to the proof of an important mathematical fact: the sharp Stein–Tomas inequality from Fourier restriction theory, a pillar of modern harmonic analysis with surprising applications to number theory and geometric measure theory.
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Everyone loves a good game, but when the players can access the counterintuitive world of quantum mechanics, watch out!
“God does not play dice with the universe” – Albert Einstein
“Not only does God play dice but… he sometimes throws them where they cannot be seen.” – Stephen Hawking
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In this snapshot of modern mathematics we describe some of the most prevalent waves and patterns that can arise in mathematical models and which are used to describe a number of biological, chemical, physical, and social processes. We begin by focussing on two types of patterns that do not change in time: space-filling patterns and localized patterns.
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Mathematics is the key to linking scientific knowledge at different scales: from microscopic to macroscopic dynamics. This link gives us understanding on the emergence of observable patterns like flocking of birds, leaf venation, opinion dynamics, and network formation, to name a few. In this article, we explore how mathematics is able to traverse scales, and in particular its application in modelling collective motion of bacteria driven by chemical signalling.
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If we want to express the size of a two-dimensional shape with a number, then we usually think about its area or circumference. But what makes these quantities so special? We give an answer to this question in terms of classical mathematical results. We also take a look at applications and new generalizations to the setting of functions.
Also available in German.
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Bacteria have been fascinating biologists since their discovery in the late 17th century. By analysing their movements, mathematical models have been developed as a tool to understand their behaviour. However, adapting these models to real situations can be challenging, because the model coefficients cannot be observed directly. In this snapshot, we study this question mathematically and explain how the idea of “route planning” can be used to determine these model coefficients.
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Die Yang–Baxter-Gleichung ist eine faszinierende Gleichung, die in vielen Gebieten der Physik und der Mathematik auftritt und die am besten diagrammatisch dargestellt wird. Dieser Snapshot schlägt einen weiten Bogen vom Zöpfeflechten über die Yang–Baxter-Gleichung bis hin zur aktuellen Forschung zu Systemen von unendlichdimensionalen Algebren, die wir „Unterfaktoren“ nennen.