Science

What Does the Fourth Dimension Actually Look Like?

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Based on the episode description, not a full transcript. Source evidence retrieved 01/10/2026, 10:29:23 UTC.

Briefings

Maggie Miller from the University of Texas at Austin discusses the fourth spatial dimension using knot theory, explaining that while 3D objects can be untangled, 4D objects like knotted surfaces can become permanently knotted. She resolved a 1982 question about knotted surfaces and attributes her visualization techniques to her background in art. The episode features co-host Janna Levin and addresses the dimensionality of time as a fourth dimension. The content covers topology, knot theory, and mathematical visualization techniques.

Key points

• Maggie Miller from the University of Texas at Austin explains that 4D objects like knotted surfaces can become permanently knotted, unlike 3D objects which can always be untangled.
• Miller resolved a question about knotted surfaces first posed by mathematician Charles Livingston in 1982, explaining why 4D is the lowest dimension where mathematicians still lack full understanding.

Context and limitations

This briefing covers Maggie Miller's explanation of 4D topology and her art background. It does not include details about the specific mathematical proofs used, the full scope of the 1982 Livingston question, or the specific visual techniques Miller developed beyond general descriptions.

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