Chapter 1
The physics of synchronization
Chapter 2
Monophony and the birth of musical unison
Chapter 3
The biology of human connection
Chapter 4
Perfect physical coordination
Ch 1 · The physics of synchronization
007skaty While recovering in The Hague, Huygens noticed clocks swinging in opposite directions because tiny vibrations traveled through their shared supporting beam.
007skaty Human Cardiomyocytes
Our heart cells find the perfect beat—oh, perfect beat! Gap junctions make the song complete—yeah, complete!
007skaty Thousands of male fireflies coordinate eight-second pauses during Tennessee's annual light shows.
BETA
007skaty Time your taps to the rhythm to discover how objects swing in perfect unison.
Fun Fact
Synchronized clocks: In 2015, scientists confirmed that Christiaan Huygens' clocks synchronized because the wooden beam acted as a conduit for sound-like energy pulses.
Quiz
How did the physical connection between Huygens' clocks allow them to synchronize?
Quiz
What did Christiaan Huygens name the spontaneous synchronization of his pendulum clocks in 1665?
Quiz
Which firefly species is famous for its synchronized flashing in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Quiz
What is the scientific term for the process where two or more oscillating systems interact and lock into the same phase?
Quiz
What physical setup is required for a group of metronomes to spontaneously synchronize their ticking?
Quiz
How do individual cardiac pacemaker cells coordinate their electrical signals to fire in unison?