Applications of Grothendieck's work

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the applications of Alexander Grothendieck's work, particularly in algebraic geometry, and its relevance to fields such as cryptography, genetics, and robotics. Participants express interest in understanding how these mathematical concepts translate into practical applications, especially in genetics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note Grothendieck's contributions to algebraic geometry and inquire about its applications in genetics, cryptography, and robotics.
  • One participant shares a link to an article discussing Grothendieck's impact and mentions specific fields where his work has been applied.
  • Another participant suggests checking Math Overflow for additional insights on the applications of Grothendieck's work.
  • A separate post introduces a seemingly unrelated question about magnetic fields, indicating a potential confusion in topic relevance.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about where to post their question, suggesting a lack of clarity in the forum's structure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on Grothendieck's significance in mathematics, but there is no consensus on the specific applications of his work in the mentioned fields, as well as some unrelated queries that may dilute the focus of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the applicability of algebraic geometry to genetics and other fields remain unexamined, and the discussion does not resolve how these applications manifest in practice.

Arsenic&Lace
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Attached below is a link to an article on Grothendieck, who is regarded by some as the greatest mathematician of the 20th century (he is certainly one of the greatest if not the greatest). In the article, it states that his work has been applied to cryptography, genetics, and robotics. Can anybody explain how his field, which if I am not mistaken was algebraic geometry, has been useful in these fields, but especially genetics, since that is a field I am currently very interested in (from a biophysical standpoint).

Here is the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/w...grothendieck-math-enigma-dies-at-86.html?_r=0
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
I did not, but there are some excellent answers there, thanks for the pointer.
 
Should I align all magnetic fields ahead.of.me. so I am pulled through the water or .. seperat them to create a horizon to slide through ??
 

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