Object Permanence

Two mathematicians have proved that a straightforward question—how hard is it to untie a knot?—has a complicated answer.

Driving a spacecraft around a planet isn’t anything like driving on a planet. A physicist explains orbital navigation.

The proof, known to be so hard that a mathematician once offered 10 martinis to whoever could figure it out, uses number theory to explain quantum fractals.

“Anomalous” heat flow, which at first appears to violate the second law of thermodynamics, gives physicists a way to detect quantum entanglement without destroying it.

What sneaky invisible forces enable these instruments to locate buried treasure?

The math behind even the simplest ocean waves is notoriously uncooperative. A team of Italian mathematicians has made major advances toward understanding it.

Whether for bird-watching or baseball-spotting, we break down prices and specs to find the best pair for you.

By shifting water to a higher elevation, the giant Three Gorges Dam caused the Earth to spin more slowly.

Which film camera should you get? Which films are the best? We demystify the world of analog photography to help you get started.

A Turning Point USA official inaccurately claimed a high school's math department wore Halloween costumes that mocked Charlie Kirk. Those teachers are now facing a flood of online attacks and death threats.

This $400 set comes with minifigures of the complete Next Gen crew, including Picard, Riker, and Wesley Crusher’s portable tractor beam.

This week on Uncanny Valley, we break down how one of the most common card shufflers could be altered to cheat, and why that matters—even for those who don’t frequent the poker table.