Have you ever wondered what's the best glass shape to drink beer out of?

And why do elevators always seem to be going the opposite direction when you need them the most?

And how are you supposed to cut pizza fairly if the toppings are all in different places?

These questions, and many more, can be answered with math.

Hi, I'm Andrea Garleski, and I'm in charge of all newsletters here at Scientific American.

We have a new weekly newsletter called Proof Positive.

It's about the math that can help you answer questions like these and many other mysteries of life.

Plus, it rounds up the latest math news and has a puzzle to challenge your mind.

Go to scientificamerican.com slash newsletters to sign up.

For Scientific American Science quickly, I'm Rachel Feldman.

The abstract concepts and complex equations found in the study of physics can feel as esoteric as they do intimidating.

But today's guest believes that physics can actually be deeply poetic, philosophical, and even political.

Theoretical physicist Chonda Prescott Weinstein's new book is called The Edge of Space Time,

Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie.

It weaves together cosmology, quantum mechanics, history, queer theory, and pop culture

from Star Trek to Missy Elliott to bring readers on a mind-altering journey to the boundaries of

the universe. By exploring the edges of what we know about space time, she argues, we can

gain a new perspective on the limitless possibilities of our own existence. Chonda recently came

by the office to chat with Siam Associate Books Editor Bree Kane. Here's their conversation.

I am so excited to talk to you about all of my biggest and weirdest physics

questions today. But I wanted to start off with the poetry that you talk about in this book.

You say that when physics is at its best, it's very poetic. How is physics poetic to you?

...