Introducing the Fascinating World of Soft Cells in Geometry
In a groundbreaking discovery, mathematicians have unveiled a new geometric shape known as a “soft cell.” These unique building blocks feature rounded corners that can interlock at cusp-like points to fill both two- and three-dimensional spaces. While this concept may seem simple at first glance, the implications are profound.
“No one has done this before,” remarked Chaim Goodman-Strauss, a mathematician not associated with the research, in an interview with Nature. The sheer novelty of the classification highlights the endless possibilities that the realm of geometry holds.
[Related: Exploring the Round Earth Theory.]
For centuries, mathematicians have been familiar with polygonal shapes like triangles and squares that can neatly cover a 2D plane. However, recent advancements, such as Penrose tilings, have challenged traditional notions of structure and arrangement. Led by Gábor Domokos, a team of researchers from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics delved into the realm of periodic polygonal tilings, introducing the concept of soft cells with rounded corners.
The findings, published in PNAS Nexus, showcase the intricate nature of soft cells. These rounded forms, characterized by cusp shapes, can seamlessly fill a space by interlocking at specific corners. By developing a new algorithmic model, the mathematicians uncovered the unique properties of these soft cells, including their “softness” in 3D spaces.
Nature provides numerous examples of soft cells in the natural world, from onion cross-sections to biological tissues. Even nautilus shells exhibit 3D soft cell characteristics, showcasing the intricate beauty of geometry in nature.
The simplicity and elegance of soft cells have often been overlooked in the vast landscape of mathematical exploration. As Domokos suggests, these fundamental shapes have been hiding in plain sight, influencing architectural marvels like the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Sydney Opera House for generations.
