life is omniperiodic (11. 185)

Via Good Internet, we are directed towards a research paper that posits that in Conway’s Game of Life, the cellular automata within a defined framework of an environment demonstrates periodicity over a vast amount of generations and this repeating pattern is called an oscillator. Complex behaviour emerging from simple rules on a grid, oscillation (the hunt for these stable organisms, a wandering jam or mould pictured, beginning in the 1970s with such taxonomy as pulsar, tumbler, pinwheel, glider gun, queen bee shuttle, dirty splitters, toad hasslers) over all periods of the game. The full cycle of only two catalysts remained elusive until just recently with the final two being cribbage and 204P41, another reflector loop that looks like a circuit of marching insects.

synchronoptica

 

one year ago: assorted links worth revisiting, a Christmas Number One plus a collection of seasonal drinks

 

two years ago: Here Comes the Judge, marijuana decriminalisation plus ticks and meat allergies

 

three years ago: St Odile plus a Christmassy version of Hamilton

 

four years ago: the Feast of St Lucy plus a Ford concept truck

 

five years ago: young pioneers, more links to enjoy, Brutalist Brussels plus isogloss maps