A dose of strange maths for your weekend read

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Octonions: The strange maths that could unite the laws of nature Hi Pankaj, This week’s trending article and feature is all about the strange maths that could unite the laws of nature. Could a system of eight-dimensional numbers help physicists find a single mathematical framework that describes the entire universe? Read more Subscribe today to get an annual subscription for half price, so you can enjoy trending articles like this one and the latest news all year round. Hi Pankaj, This week’s trending article and feature is all about the strange maths that could unite the laws of nature. Could a system of eight-dimensional numbers help physicists find a single mathematical framework that describes the entire universe? Read more Subscribe today to get an annual subscription for half price, so you can enjoy trending articles like this one and the latest news all year round. Get 50% off today See what else is trending this week Plasmas could be used to make the world’s most powerful laser Because plasma can shape very intense light without being damaged, it could be used to make components for lasers thousands of times more powerful than the strongest ones that exist. Revealing the hidden impact of whole-genome sequencing for newborns A ground-breaking trial that used whole-genome sequencing to predict new-born’s future health, is starting to reveal the impact it has had on the whole family, seven years down the line We may use distinct parts of our brain to think about close friends Brain scans show that different areas are active when we contemplate our five most intimate relationships compared with other friends Unlock access See what New Scientist subscribers are saying: "You may not remember me as it has been many years since I last contacted you, around 7 in fact, but I sent you an email thanking you for the content in your magazines. I thanked you for how I had found a passion in the world of science from your writing and it had triggered me to pursue a career in it. Seven years later I still enjoy reading your magazines and have the books you gifted me on my shelf and the tote bag hanging on my bedroom door. When I wrote to you before I had intended to pursue the chemistry or biology route but I have actually moved to the more physical side of chemistry. I graduate on the 4th of July, less than a week away! All my friends find my passion for science "irritatingly uplifting", a passion I have because of the amazing things I've been reading in your magazines all these years. I want to send a thank you to you all for the fantastic writing you do, I don't believe I would have pursued this career without the compelling content in your writing." Unlock access Terms & Conditions *Offer is available on Web, Digital, and Digital + Print packages. This subscription offer gives you 50% off annual subscription plans to New Scientist. Offer ends 7th September 2022. This is an auto-renewing subscription. In the unlikely event you wish to cancel your subscription offer, we offer a 14-day cooling period after the initial payment is made. For full terms and conditions, visit newscientist.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 0330 333 9470. Lines are open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00 UK time or email: subscriptions@newscientist.com. This email has been sent to submitpostforlive@gmail.com UNSUBSCRIBE from further emails relating to New Scientist subscriptions Read our PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT US New Scientist Ltd Registered Office: New Scientist Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, Kensington, London, W8 5TT Australian mailing address: New Scientist, Office 13, Level 10, 418A Elizabeth Street Surry Hills 2010 Registered in Australia under ABN 22 621 413 170