{
  "id": 13925643,
  "title": "A unique shape, a 3D einstein tile, has been discovered",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/a-unique-shape-a-3d-einstein-tile-has-been-discovered",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-12T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Scientific American",
    "slug": "scientific-american",
    "url": "https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-unique-shape-a-3d-einstein-tile-has-been-discovered/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A unique 3D shape, dubbed the Chair44 monotile, has been discovered that can tile a three-dimensional space without repeating patterns. This object, which looks like a child's Lego creation, is a mathematical marvel that was uncovered using artificial intelligence. The discovery follows a major announcement in 2023 when a hat-shaped tile called an \"einstein\" was found to be the first known example of a two-dimensional aperiodic monotile, also called an \"einstein.\" This new shape, Chair44, fulfills a decades-long quest to find a strong example of a 3D aperiodic monotile, which can infinitely tile a three-dimensional space without gaps or overlapping shapes while maintaining an aperiodic pattern.",
  "summary": "AI helped uncover a special object that can fill space without repeating patterns",
  "key_points": [
    "Chair44 monotile discovered to tile 3D space without repeating patterns",
    "AI uncovers Lego-like shape with unique 3D form",
    "Decades-long quest fulfilled with 3D aperiodic monotile"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}