OpenAI and Microsoft Push Automated Mathematics Past Institutional Skepticism
August 15, 2026
Fields Medalist James Maynard and mathematician Terence Tao grapple with the rapid acceleration of AI-driven theorem proving as models like OpenAI's Astra bypass centuries of human methodology. Meanwhile, Microsoft Quantum Chief Zulfi Alam dismisses external peer review over claimed breakthroughs in new states of matter, highlighting a broader corporate push where computational speed overrides traditional scientific consensus.
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Quantum entanglement is key to solving 250-year-old maths problem
Analysis of a mathematical puzzle that Leonhard Euler deemed unsolvable in the 1700s reveals that the crucial ingredient for cracking it after all is quantum entanglement
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Why mathematician Terence Tao thinks AI must spark a rapid revolution
This year has left mathematicians reeling as AI models are increasingly solving seemingly intractable maths problems. Terence Tao, the world's leading mathematician, says a rethink of the entire field is the only way out of the crisis
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Generative AI has changed mathematics forever. Where to from here?
Malte Mueller / Getty Images A little over a week ago, artificial intelligence company OpenAI announced ten advances in mathematics and computer science made with their as-yet unreleased model Astra. The discoveries cover a wide range of mathematical fields, including geometry, cryptography and codi…
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The AI takeover of mathematics has begun
Mathematician James Maynard has spent a lot of time this past year "soul searching." A professor at the University of Oxford and winner of the prestigious Fields Medal, Maynard told The Verge he's been grappling with the future of his field as the traditionally slow-moving discipline hurries to adap…
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Microsoft’s Quantum Chief Doesn’t Care That Scientists Don’t Believe His Results
Zulfi Alam thinks his team doesn’t need to “prove” they engineered a new state of matter in their bid to reinvent computing. Science would disagree.