SMRTR Science & EngineeringFeb 24, 2026Scientific American

Mathematicians make a breakthrough on 2,000 year old problem of curves

SMRTR summary

Three Chinese mathematicians solved a 2,000-year-old puzzle by creating the first universal formula that sets an upper limit on rational points for any mathematical curve. This breakthrough builds on previous work that proved high-degree curves have finite rational points, but now provides a concrete boundary that applies universally across all curves regardless of their specific equations.

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