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Layla Sloman
Science and mathematics writer and frequent Quanta contributor who authored the featured story on knot theory and explains the recent results about the unknotting number in this episode.
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Dec 9, 2025
• 26min
A Simple Way To Measure Knots Has Come Unraveled
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Layla Sloman, a science and mathematics writer, dives into the fascinating world of knot theory. They discuss the importance of classifying knots and the complexities involved in this mathematical pursuit. Layla highlights a groundbreaking discovery that undermines previous theories about knot differentiation and introduces the concept of the unknotting number. Examples like the trefoil knot showcase these ideas, leading to counterintuitive results. Intriguingly, new research opens doors for fresh explorations in knot theory and its real-world applications.
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