Mathematicians discover a new 3D shape called the 'chair' that can tile space without repeating patterns.

What it means

Mathematicians have discovered a new three-dimensional shape, dubbed the 'chair', that can tile (fill) space without ever forming a repeating pattern. This is a 3D analogue of the 2D 'einstein' tile, and the discovery was reported by software developer Ioannis Tsiokos in an arXiv preprint. The shape is significant because finding a single 3D shape that tiles aperiodically is a long-standing mathematical challenge.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based on an arXiv preprint by Ioannis Tsiokos, reported by Phys.org, a reputable science news outlet. The reporting is close to the primary source, and the story appears solid.

How new

Genuinely new; the preprint and news article are from October 13, 2026.

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• Phys.org — first to publish