Mathematicians love a good puzzle. Even something as abstract as multiplying matrices (two-dimensional tables of numbers) can feel like a game when you try to find the most efficient way to do it.

What do the digits of pi, colliding blocks and quantum search algorithms have in common? More than you might expect. Two playful papers, one from 2003 and one from last month, provide the links ...

Wednesday was warm in Santa Barbara, California, but Google’s quantum computing labs there were pleasingly cool—colder than outer space in some spots. Three fridge-sized silver cylinders hung below ...

In September 16, 2011, an anime fan posted a math question to the online bulletin board 4chan about the cult classic television series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Season one of the show, which ...