Breaking Math Podcast

In this exciting episode of Breaking Math, we explore the groundbreaking discovery of the largest prime number ever found—M136279841, a Mersenne prime with over 41 million digits! Join us as we dive deep into the story behind this astonishing mathematical achievement, led by Luke Durant, a volunteer from the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) project.Discover how Mersenne primes work, why they’re so important to the world of mathematics, and how cutting-edge technology like GPUs has revolutionized the search for these massive numbers. We also discuss the critical role that prime numbers play in cryptography and online security, making this discovery relevant far beyond just the realm of theoretical mathematics.Learn about the global collaborative effort that made this record-breaking discovery possible, and find out how you can join the hunt for the next giant prime! Whether you're a math enthusiast, a tech geek, or just curious about the wonders of numbers, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to think about prime numbers in a whole new way.Key Takeaways: The discovery of M136279841, a prime number with 41,024,320 digits. The role of Luke Durant and the GIMPS project in pushing the boundaries of prime number research. How GPUs are transforming the way we discover massive primes. The importance of prime numbers in modern cryptography and technology. The connection between Mersenne primes and perfect numbers.Links Mentioned: Join the GIMPS project and search for the next prime: www.mersenne.org/download Learn more about Mersenne primes: Mersenne Prime HistoryBecome a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Gabriel Hesch and Autumn Phaneuf dive into the cutting-edge world of Generative Flow Networks (GFlowNets) and their role in artificial intelligence and material science. The discussion centers on how GFlowNets are revolutionizing the discovery of new materials for carbon capture, offering a powerful alternative to traditional AI models. Learn about the mechanics of GFlowNets, their advantages, and the groundbreaking results in developing materials with enhanced CO2 absorption capabilities. The episode also explores the future potential of GFlowNets in AI-driven material discovery and beyond, emphasizing their transformative impact on carbon capture technology and sustainable innovation.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthYou can find the paper “Discovery of novel reticular materials for carbon dioxide capture using GFlowNets” by Cipcigan et al in Digital Discovery Journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Explore the intriguing intersection of science and spiritualism in the Victorian era. This episode uncovers how prominent scientists like Michael Faraday, William James, and Marie & Pierre Curie engaged with supernatural phenomena and the rise of spiritualism. Discover the scientific efforts to debunk or understand paranormal activities, and how these investigations shaped modern science. Dive into the fascinating legacy of this 19th-century movement and its lasting impact on today's scientific inquiries into the unknown. Perfect for fans of history, science, and the supernatural.Keywords: Victorian era, spiritualism, science, supernatural, Michael Faraday, William James, Alfred Russell Wallace, Curies, Eleanor Sidgwick, idiomotor effect Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

AI & Consciousness: Philosophical Debates, Ethical Implications & the Future of Conscious MachinesIn this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel explore the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and consciousness. Delve into historical perspectives, philosophical debates, and the ethical questions surrounding the creation of conscious machines. Key topics include the evolution of AI, challenges in defining and testing consciousness, and the potential rights of AI beings. We also examine the Turing Test, the debate between strong AI vs. weak AI, and concepts like personhood and integrated information theory. Perfect for anyone interested in AI ethics, the nature of consciousness, and the responsibilities of advanced AI technology.Keywords: AI, consciousness, Turing test, strong AI, weak AI, ethics, philosophy, personhood, integrated information theory, neural networksBecome a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel take a deep dive into the paper “Towards Equilibrium Molecular Conformation Generation with GFlowNets” by Volokova et al., published in the Digital Discovery Journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry. They explore the cutting-edge intersection of molecular conformations and machine learning, comparing traditional methods like molecular dynamics and cheminformatics with the innovative approach of Generative Flow Networks (GFlowNets) for molecular conformation generation.The episode covers empirical results that showcase the effectiveness of GFlowNets in computational chemistry, their scalability, and the role of energy estimators in advancing fields like drug discovery. Tune in to learn how machine learning is transforming the way we understand molecular structures and driving breakthroughs in chemistry and pharmaceuticals.Keywords: molecular conformations, machine learning, GFlowNets, computational chemistry, drug discovery, molecular dynamics, cheminformatics, energy estimators, empirical results, scalability, math, mathematics, physics, AIBecome a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthYou can find the paper  “Towards equilibrium molecular conformation generation with GFlowNets” by Volokova et al in Digital Discovery Journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Mathematical Patterns in Plants: Fibonacci, Golden Ratio & Nature's Hidden Math with Christophe Gole & Nancy PickIn this episode of Breaking Math, host Autumn interviews authors Christophe Gole and Nancy Pick about the captivating world of mathematical patterns in plants, inspired by their book Do Plants Know Math?. Explore the intersection of mathematics and biology as they discuss the Fibonacci sequence, the golden ratio, and spiral formations that reveal nature's mathematical beauty. Learn about the optimization of plant structures, the role of women in mathematics, and get recommendations for further reading. Topics include phyllotaxis, fractals, and their connections to AI, physics, and topology.Keywords: mathematics, biology, plant math, Fibonacci, phylotaxis, spirals, golden ratio, fractals, nature, science, women in math,topology, ai, physics, math, plants, gardening Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthYou can connect with Christophe Gole and Nancy Pick on LinkedIn, and find their Book “Do Plants Know Math?” on Amazon.Follow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Dr. Paulina Rowinska, a mathematician with a PhD, shares her journey from academia to writing about math and cartography. She demystifies common misconceptions about map-making and discusses the historical significance of map projections. Topics include the coastline paradox, gerrymandering in electoral maps, and the application of mathematical principles in criminology. Paulina also highlights the groundbreaking contributions of women like Marie Tharp in mapping science, showcasing the intersection of creativity and mathematics in understanding our world.

In this insightful conversation, Jeff Perry, a career coach and author, emphasizes the importance of intentionality in navigating career transitions. He reveals his journey from engineer to coach and discusses the concept of ‘genius zones’—a framework to identify and leverage unique strengths. The dialogue dives into overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of building a robust professional network, and the impact of mindset on career success. Listeners gain actionable strategies for aligning personal values with professional goals.

Math & Language: Creativity, Quantification, and Making Math Accessible with Ben OrlinIn this episode of Breaking Math, hosts sit down with Ben Orlin, author of Math for English Majors and Math with Bad Drawings, to explore the intersection of math and language. Discover the unique skill sets required for mathematics and creativity, how math education can be made more accessible, and the role of quantification in empowering individuals across various fields, including literature and the arts. The conversation highlights the historical contributions of women in math, including the impact of Einstein’s wife on his work. Ben also shares insights into his writing process and the challenges of making math relatable to a broad audience. Learn how mathematical thinking can enhance one's appreciation for literature and the world.Keywords: math, language, skill sets, math education, accessibility, quantification, power of math, women in math, Einstein's wife, math, literature, book, writing, perspective, abstraction, relationshipsSubscribe to Breaking Math wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of Breaking Math for as little as a buck a monthFollow Ben Orlin on Twitter, and on his websites mathwithbaddrawings.com and mathgameswithbaddrawings.com  and find his book “Math for English Majors” on AmazonFollow Breaking Math on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, YouTube, TikTokFollow Autumn on Twitter and InstagramFollow Gabe on Twitter.Become a guest hereemail: breakingmathpodcast@gmail.com

Dr. Jonathan Schwabish, a leading expert in data visualization, dives deep into the art and science behind presenting data effectively. He emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking, ethical considerations, and the potential pitfalls of misleading visuals. Exploring tools like Excel and Tableau, he stresses choosing the right method for each scenario. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in this field, as well as the necessity for inclusivity and empathy in communicating data, shaping how policymakers and audiences interpret critical information.