July 11, 2003

Know When to Fold 'Em

By LILA GUTERMAN

Mathematicians get wrapped up in the world of origami

Start with a square piece of paper. Now, fold it into the shape of a tarantula.

Seem like a daunting task? It's not, if you borrow Robert J. Lang's software. The California-based origami designer -- who is, one day a week, a laser-physics consultant -- has created a program that computes the basic folds necessary to create the shape of practically any animal, fanciful or realistic.

Mr. Lang is just one of the

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