FINALLY: MATHEMATICS TO EXPLAIN THE WONDERS OF GUMBY

These mathematicians study algebraic topology. This an abstract branch of math that is a modern form of geometry focusing on structure and space rather than angles or distances.

University mathematicians make up one of the strongest teams in algebraic topology in the country.

The field is useful for understanding knots and robotics, and it has helped scientists understand the characteristics of electrons and other elementary particles.

Physicists use algebraic topology to try to figure out the shape of the universe, and its ideas are central to "string theory," in which physicists conceive of space as having not just three dimensions but 10 or even more.

"Topology gives you a way to deal with 10-dimensional objects without actually seeing and touching them. It's like flying on instruments alone--even though your senses can't actually comprehend the information, you're still able to perform the task," says Douglas Ravenel, department chair and Fayerweather Professor of Mathematics.

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