"MATH IN NATURE" AUTHOR AND ODU PROFESSOR TO SIGN BOOKS DEC. 2

John A. Adam, university professor of mathematics, will sign copies of his book, "Mathematics in Nature: Modeling Patterns in the Natural World," released by Princeton University Press this November. He will share details of how he came to write the book from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 in the Webb Center BOV room. Light refreshments will be provided.

From rainbows, river meanders and shadows to spider webs, honeycombs and the markings on animal coats, the visible world is full of patterns that can be described mathematically. The book illustrates how mathematics can be used to formulate and solve puzzles found in nature and to interpret the solutions. In the process, it addresses such topics as the art of estimation and the effects of scale, particularly what happens as things get bigger.

Readers will develop an understanding of the symbiosis that exists between basic scientific principles and their mathematical expressions, as well as a deeper appreciation for such natural phenomena as cloud formations, halos and glories, tree growth and leaf patterns, butterfly and moth wing markings, and even puddles and mud cracks.
Included in the book are 24 color photographs, most of which were taken by the author.

For more information, visit www.pup.princeton.edu.