The number pi (π) appears in the most unlikely places. It can be found in circles, of course—as well as in pendulums, springs and river bends. This everyday number is linked to transcendental ...

This is the North Star when looking to hit with added topspin. Simply put, more space between the strings lets them move—or stretch—more at contact, and consequently return more energy to the ball.

The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. String theory captured the hearts and minds of many physicists decades ago because of a beautiful simplicity. Zoom in far enough on a ...

Imagine a rom-com-worthy meet-cute: two strangers might hide from the rain in the same doorway or their dogs’ leashes might get tangled up in the park. Just like that, they fall in love. But a viral ...