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Maxim Lavrentovich, Assistant Professor of Theoretical Biophysics, University of Tennessee

Why does nature create patterns? A physicist explains the molecular-level processes behind crystals, stripes and basalt columns

Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland features around 40,000 exposed polygonal columns of basalt in perfect horizontal sections. Chris Hill/Photodisc via Getty Images

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to [email protected].

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