This article is the first part of a series about quantum field theory published by Quanta Magazine. Other stories in the series can be found here. Over the past century, quantum field theory has ...

Physics is the study of the underlying laws and mechanisms explaining how the universe works. Most of what we do in daily life is based on a principle or law of physics—dealing with forces, motion, ...

Mathematicians are working to bring quantum field theory (QFT) into mainstream mathematics. In this illustration, three exotic particles called “anyons” circle around each other in a process called ...

It took 125 years, but in 2025 a team of mathematicians discovered the solution to a long-puzzling problem about the ...

A classic math rule now handles infinity. New work strengthens the math behind physics and unbounded systems. % ...

Ramanujan’s century-old pi formula is finding new relevance in modern physics, with scientists linking his mathematics to ...

Last month, six Cornell faculty members received the Simons Fellowship, which provides funding for a research leave. Three received the Theoretical Physics fellowship and three received the ...

So-called “higher symmetries” are illuminating everything from particle decays to the behavior of complex quantum systems. For that reason, research across physics is now building to a crescendo. It ...