The human visual system exhibits a remarkable ability to decipher the three-dimensional structure of the world from two-dimensional retinal images. Central to this process is the utilisation of shape ...

Scientists have discovered new clues to how and why groups of atoms and molecules may favor less symmetrical and more complex, flexible geometric patterns. The answer relates to a familiar concept in ...

Tsukuba, Japan—The shapes of simple polyatomic molecules such as carbon dioxide and methane are characterized by a specific symmetry depending on the manner of linking of the atoms. Nano- to ...

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VIRUS shells, atomic nuclei and cage-like carbon molecules may all be expressions of the same simple geometric principle. The finding might help explain why these structures choose the shapes they do.