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How and Why Knots Spontaneously Form

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the knot-a-good-story dept.

palegray.net writes "Scientists believe they have found the underlying reasons why knots are so common in the universe. This research helps us understand how knotty arrangements in various molecules lead to biological patterns, as in certain proteins. The article also provides a look at the field of topology, and how it relates to knots."

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  1. Loose ends cause most of the trouble... by jddj · · Score: 5, Interesting

    As a kayaker, I'm familiar with a rescue tool called a throw bag. Apparently, throw bags were developed for the maritime industry, then downsized for kayakers.

    The theory is quite simple, but it's amazing to watch how well it works:

    • Tie a rope through a hole in the bottom of a bag.
    • Stuff the bag with the rope, leaving the tail end of the rope sticking out of the top.
    • Grab the tail end of the rope and throw the bag towards the person who needs the rope.
    • Watch as the rope magically pays out of the bag, completely free of knots or tangles.
    • Don't get so awed by the rope coming out untangled that you let go of the end...

    I've watched these bags work time and time again, amazed that with the rope just stuffed into the bag, they work reliably. I've used store-bought bags and ones I've made myself and have never seen the rope tangle.

    I realize that without loose ends proper knots can't form, but with a throw bag, you don't even get close to tangles!