Hiroshima International University Professor Featured in Kodansha’s Gendai Business on Geometric Mysteries
Hiroshima, Japan – August 19, 2025 – Kodansha’s prestigious Gendai Business website has featured an insightful article penned by Professor Michihiro Nishirai of Hiroshima International University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The article, titled “Plato and Euler Also Discovered Theorems!… Still Unresolved Mysteries, Does a ‘Net’ Truly Exist for ‘All Polyhedra’?”, delves into fascinating and enduring questions within the realm of geometry, highlighting the intellectual curiosity that drives scientific inquiry across disciplines.
Published on August 19, 2025, at 05:35 JST, Professor Nishirai’s piece draws a compelling parallel between the monumental discoveries of historical mathematical giants like Plato and Leonhard Euler and the persistent, unsolved enigmas that continue to captivate mathematicians today. The core of his discussion revolves around the intriguing concept of “nets” of polyhedra.
A net of a polyhedron is essentially a 2D pattern that can be folded to form the 3D shape. While many common polyhedra, such as cubes and pyramids, possess straightforward nets, Professor Nishirai explores a more profound question: does a net exist for every possible polyhedron? This question, though seemingly simple, has proven to be a remarkably challenging problem with a rich history of investigation.
The article likely examines the historical context of this geometrical puzzle, potentially touching upon the work of mathematicians who have grappled with its intricacies over centuries. By referencing figures like Plato, known for his philosophical and geometrical insights, and Euler, a prolific mathematician whose formula relating vertices, edges, and faces of polyhedra (V-E+F=2) is fundamental, Professor Nishirai frames the ongoing pursuit of knowledge as a continuous legacy.
Professor Nishirai, despite his specialization in pharmaceutical sciences, demonstrates a keen intellect and a deep appreciation for the foundational principles of mathematics. His contribution to Gendai Business underscores the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines and the universality of intellectual curiosity. The faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Hiroshima International University is proud to have its researchers contribute to such thought-provoking discussions that stimulate public interest in scientific exploration.
This feature in Gendai Business is a testament to Professor Nishirai’s expertise and his ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner. It serves as an excellent opportunity for the public to engage with fundamental questions in mathematics and to appreciate the ongoing quest for understanding in the scientific world.
講談社 現代ビジネスに薬学科 西来路先生「プラトンもオイラーも定理を発見した！…それでも未解決の謎、果たして「すべての多面体」に「展開図」は存在するのか」の記事が掲載されました。
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
広島国際大学 published ‘講談社 現代ビジネスに薬学科 西来路先生「プラトンもオイラーも定理を発見した！…それでも未解決の謎、果たして「すべての多面体」に「展開図」は存在するのか」の記事が掲載されました。’ at 2025-08-19 05:35. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.