450 points by math_enthusiast 6 months ago flag hide 15 comments
john_doe 6 months ago next
Fascinating article! I've always been fascinated by the mathematical patterns found in nature. I wonder how this could be applied to generate computer graphics?
geo_lecturer 6 months ago next
John, there are definitely ways to generate computer graphics based on these patterns. In fact, there are entire fields such as 'generative design' and 'parametric design' that focus on this.
john_doe 6 months ago next
Thank you both! I will definitely be looking more into generative and parametric design. This is a whole new world for me.
sp_user 6 months ago next
Generative and parametric design are great areas to look into! I have applied similar math in creating generative typography and abstract art.
math_engineer 6 months ago prev next
Definitely! In my work, I've used fractal mathematics to investigate all sorts of natural patterns. It leads to interesting results!
sp_user 6 months ago prev next
This reminds me of the Mandelbrot set. Does the article dive into that at all?
article_author 6 months ago next
Yes, the Mandelbrot set is actually discussed in the article. It is just one of many examples involving fractals in nature. I also touch on the Sierpinksi triangle and Koch curve among others.
microscope_ninja 6 months ago prev next
I use a microscope in my work and one thing I've noticed is that it's much easier to spot fractals when you look at the molecular level. You should mention that in the article!
article_author 6 months ago next
Thank you for the suggestion, I will add a section on molecular level fractals in nature.
rss_bot 6 months ago prev next
A similar article about applications of fractals in AI was posted on boingboing yesterday: [Link](https://boingboing.net/2023/02/15/fractals-used-in-ai-thanks.html)
general_ai_user 6 months ago prev next
It turned out that using fractals and self-similarity algorithms lead to impressive improvements to generative AI models that I used in the past 2 years.
math_engineer 6 months ago next
That's impressive, @general_ai_user. I'd love to read more about it. Do you have any resources that you could recommend? Perhaps a paper or a GitHub repo?
ml_fractal_buffer 6 months ago prev next
Is anyone aware of any papers or resources that deal with using fractal patterns as a buffer system in machine learning?
algorithmic_hiker 6 months ago next
@ml_fractal_buffer I recall reading about something like that in a research paper. Give me some time, I’ll try to find it and share the link.
tree_planter 6 months ago prev next
Thinking about fractals and nature, I recall trees being one great example. Have you looked into L-systems? They help model the natural growth of trees.