A basic feature of number theory, prime numbers are also a fundamental building block of computer science, from hashtables to cryptography.

New Delhi: In a development that has stirred the mathematical world, two researchers have taken a route to unlock hidden patterns in prime numbers – one that blends old wisdom with unexpected tools.

Prime numbers are found hidden in nature, but humans have made spectacular use of them, writes mathematician Marcus du Sautoy.

The largest known prime number is discovered by a computer at a university in Missouri in the US.