In a surprising twist, the dark corners of the Internet have helped solve complex math problems related to anime series. An anonymous user on 4chan posed a mathematical puzzle regarding the anime series ‘The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,’ leading to the discovery of superpermutations and challenging mathematicians. This obscure post remained unnoticed until it caught the attention of mathematicians Nathaniel Johnston and Robin Houston, who further explored the mystery. Houston and his colleagues developed a formula to calculate the minimum length of superpermutations required to watch a series in all possible orders, shedding light on the intricate world of mathematics hidden within anime fandom.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-surprisingly-difficult-mathematical-proof-that-anime-fans-helped-solve/