Honorable Mention, 2018

This is a visualization of two algebraic functions whose variables are defined sets of digits within integers. Think of it as the result of breaking integers into simpler components, and then having these number-parts undergo multiple algebraic operations to generate a unique sequence of numbers. The image's creator studies evolution and the generation of semi-random outputs by algorithms and functions like these can open up interesting evolutionary avenues — such as novel structures, patterns and behaviors in artificial life software platforms — that would otherwise not be possible using standard methods. Since the functions generated can be manipulated and combined in a myriad of ways, they may also have potential in encryption technologies, but this possibility remains to be explored.

Credit:
Gabriel Suarez
Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Student​