the mathematics of cooperation
Using mathematics to tackle some of biology's biggest questions, Martin Nowak has concluded that an ability to cooperate is the secret of humanity's success. He talks to Michael Marshall about drawing fire from Richard Dawkins, the perils of punishment, and devising the mathematical equivalent of the rules of religion: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20928045.200-the-mathematics-of-being-nice.html