A mathematical overview of 2018!
Some memorable moments for mathematics from last year, both on a global level but also within the Networks program!
How does a video go viral on Twitter?
There are various parameters that determine whether a video will go viral or not. The content plays a role of course but who uploads the video is also important. What do networks have to do with a video going viral?
Filming a fruit fly’s neurons firing
You probably didn’t hear about it, but a little while ago, an amazing advance happened in neuroscience: In 2015, for the first time, scientists were able to make a real-time video of the neural activity of a living creature (a fruit fly larva).
Puzzle time!
Most people, when asked about mathematics will (unfortunately) say it’s dull at best. Yet when you ask mathematicians what they like most about the job, their answer will very likely be the exact opposite: mathematicians think that they have one of the most fulfilling and creative jobs in the world!
Networks in breakfast
My favorite muesli contains cranberries, raisins and oats. But what do other people like to eat in their muesli? A muesli network gives the answer!
Vaccinations and networks
In 2014 UNICEF announced that polio had been eradicated in India, one of the last strongholds of the disease. The World Health Organization is optimistic that by the end of next year, polio will be eradicated worldwide. The reason: a very effective vaccination campaign.
Complex Networks: an online course for Dutch high-school students.
In recent years, the University of Amsterdam has been offering online courses (webklassen) aimed at high school students. These courses introduce some of the more exciting mathematical topics that are taught at university. This November, a brand-new online course, sponsored and developed by NETWORKS, will be launched. If you are a high-school teacher or student, […]
Winners of the NETWORKS challenge
Tectonic puzzles and the purpose of life. Did you know that these topics are related to Networks? Find out more through the two winning movies of the NETWORKS challenge!
Nautilus on networks
Nautilus, for those who don’t know, is a magazine for popular science writing. It’s one of my favorite places for that, actually (among the others e.g. Quanta and Scientific American). Nautilus contains writing on a very broad range of topics.
Large Deviations Theory: understanding the incredibly rare
Probability Theory is one of the most important tools for studying networks. Most things Probability Theory tries to explain are about average or typical observations.