After decades of searching, mathematicians discovered a single shape that can cover a surface without forming repeating patterns, launching a small industry of “aperiodic monotile” merchandise
It is rare for a shape to make a splash, but this year one did just that with the announcement of the first ever single tile that can cover a surface without forming repeating patterns. The discovery of this “aperiodic monotile” in March has since inspired everything from jigsaw puzzles to serious research papers.
