The mathematics of balloon animals

A 2008 study by Erik Demaine, Martin Demaine, and Vi Hart developed a mathematical framework for calculating the number of balloons required to create specific shapes, such as a dog or dodecahedron. The research introduced terms like 'bloon' for mathematical balloon entities and 'doubloon' for double-length balloons. The article also notes Vi Hart's later career and the Demaines' ongoing work in computational geometry.