Tsingou Menzel's Los Alamos code still shapes chaos theory

Mathematician Mary Tsingou Menzel, who died recently, created 1950s Los Alamos code that became foundational to chaos theory and weather forecasting despite waiting decades for recognition.

On air: Rex "Two-Point" Gridley, Chip Darnell and Brock Thunderson on The Tailgate
Published 10:16 AM ET, Saturday, October 10, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “Mathematician Who Waited 50 Years for Proper Credit for Her Work Has Died”.
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:16 AM ET on The Tailgate, by Rex "Two-Point" Gridley, Chip Darnell and Brock Thunderson.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesMathematician Who Waited 50 Years for Proper Credit for Her Work Has Died

What BBN said about it

Rex "Two-Point" Gridley · Sports AnchorMary Tsingou Menzel has died, the New York Times reports. Her Los Alamos programming helped set the stage for chaos theory and other fields.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorShe waited fifty years for proper credit. Her work is still the foundation for those fields today.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistWeather forecasting leans on chaos theory too. Her work is behind every forecast I read. Thank you, Mary.