OpenAI Models Prove 30-Year Math Conjecture, Disprove Core Complexity Assumption

OpenAI announced on Monday that its artificial intelligence models have produced three new scientific results in mathematics, computer science, and physics. The company stated that the models proved the local smoothing conjecture in every spatial dimension for the first time. This result addresses a central proposition in harmonic analysis, a branch of mathematics concerned with breaking down complex signals into elementary waves.

Prior to this announcement, researchers had only proved the local smoothing conjecture in three dimensions. OpenAI also reported that its models disproved the Exponential Time Hypothesis, a concept related to the time required to solve complex computational problems. Additionally, the models provided mathematically rigorous proof of the existence of quantum chromodynamics, which studies the interaction of quarks and gluons.

Alex Iosevich, a professor of mathematics at the University of Rochester who specializes in harmonic analysis, described the development as historic. He noted that the conjecture was formulated by his PhD adviser, Chris Sogge. Iosevich told Al Jazeera that the news was initially a shock but that he is now filled with joy and optimism regarding the scientific enterprise.

Iosevich said he expects the field of theoretical mathematics to change drastically due to AI. He acknowledged a twinge of sadness shared by many theoretical mathematicians but expressed confidence that these feelings will give way to the realization of new capabilities. He added that problems in pure mathematics often arise from concrete physical considerations, connections that can now be explored rapidly and decisively.

OpenAI stated it reached out to external scientists to convert raw research data into scientific understanding. The company consulted three expert groups acting as shepherds to determine how to release the findings. The groups collaborating on mathematics and computer science opted to make the data public immediately. The physics group chose to defer the release to write up their own interpretation of the results.

The $852 billion start-up acknowledged that these approaches involve trade-offs. It noted that the collaborations empower experts to unpack results and contextualize them for the academic community. However, the company said choosing initial shepherds shapes who gets involved first and creates an asymmetry of information. OpenAI said it welcomes feedback on broadening participation.

This announcement follows a similar claim by Anthropic last month. The Claude creator reported discovering a new enzyme that resembles CRISPR, a gene editing mechanism used in treating conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease. Scientists reacted to that finding with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism, with some suggesting the company had exaggerated its significance.