OpenAI says its AI proved a math conjecture in all dimensions

OpenAI announced on Monday that its artificial intelligence models have produced three new scientific discoveries in mathematics, computer science, and physics. The company stated that the AI proved the local smoothing conjecture in every spatial dimension, a result that mathematicians had previously achieved only in three dimensions.

Alex Iosevich, a mathematics professor at the University of Rochester, described the move as a historic development. Iosevich noted that the conjecture was formulated by his doctoral advisor, Chris Sogge. He told Al Jazeera that the news was initially a shock but that he now feels joy and optimism about the direction of scientific research.

"I feel a twinge of sadness as a result," Iosevich said. He explained that many theoretical mathematicians share this sentiment but believe the feeling will soon give way to the realization of new capabilities. He added that problems in pure mathematics often stem from physical considerations, and these connections can now be explored rapidly and decisively.

Beyond the mathematical proof, OpenAI reported that its models disproved the Exponential Time Hypothesis. This hypothesis relates to the time required to solve complex computational problems. The company also claimed to have provided a mathematically rigorous proof for the existence of quantum chromodynamics, which studies the interaction of quarks and gluons.

OpenAI said it reached out to scientists outside the company to convert raw research data into scientific understanding. The San Francisco-based firm consulted with three expert groups, referred to as shepherds, to determine how to release the findings. Each group chose a different method for public disclosure based on the nature of the work.

The groups working on mathematics and computer science problems opted to make the AI-produced data public immediately. In contrast, the physics group decided to delay the release to write their own interpretation of the findings. OpenAI stated that these approaches involve tradeoffs between empowering experts to unpack results and the asymmetry of information created by choosing initial collaborators.

"On the one hand, the collaborations empower experts to unpack the results and contextualizing them in the broader academic community," OpenAI said. The company, valued at $852 billion, added that it welcomes feedback on how to broaden participation in the process. It noted that the current method shapes who gets involved first in analyzing the new data.

This announcement follows other recent claims of AI-driven scientific breakthroughs. Last month, Anthropic, the creator of Claude, announced the discovery of a new enzyme that resembles CRISPR. That finding drew mixed reactions from scientists, with some hailing it as exciting and others suggesting the company had exaggerated its significance.