Swirling liquids shed light on how bitcoin works

The physics involved with stirring a liquid operate the same way as the mathematical functions that secure digital information. This parallel could help in developing even more secure ways of protecting digital information. Fluid dynamics is not something that typically comes to mind when thinking about bitcoin. But for one Stanford physicist, the connection is as simple as stirring your coffee. Stanford applied physics doctoral student William Gilpin describes how swirling liquids, such as coffee, follow the same principles as transactions with cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. (Image credit: Getty Images) In a study published April 23 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , Stanford applied physics doctoral student William Gilpin described how swirling liquids, such as coffee, follow the same principles as transactions with cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. This parallel between the mathematical functions governing cryptocurrencies and natural, physical processes may help in developing more advanced digital security and in understanding physical processes in nature.