The World

Until recently, mathematicians believed you couldn’t represent hyperbolic geometry in real space, but a Latvian math professor discovered a way ? using crochet. Some science educators realized those same hyperbolic shapes mimicked the forms in coral reefs. And now their Crochet Coral Reef Project has landed at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. Produced by Britta Conroy-Randall.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!