Reaction-Diffusion Patterns Screensaver
The Reaction-Diffusion Patterns screensaver runs a real Turing-pattern simulation live, the same simple mathematical model believed to explain animal coat markings. It is free, runs in your browser, and ESC exits.
How the Reaction-Diffusion Patterns screensaver works
The saver simulates two virtual chemicals diffusing and reacting across a grid, using the real Gray-Scott reaction-diffusion equations.
Small random seed variations grow into spots, stripes and coral-like patterns as the simulation evolves.
The simulation runs continuously, so patterns keep shifting and never fully settle.
This is the same real class of math proposed by Alan Turing to explain natural patterning.
A worked example
A single seeded disturbance spreads outward, splitting into a field of spot-like patterns reminiscent of natural animal markings.
Settings & tips
- Accent recolours the pattern gradient.
- Based on the real Gray-Scott model of reaction-diffusion chemistry.
- Patterns never fully settle — the simulation keeps evolving.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this based on real math?
- Yes — the real Gray-Scott reaction-diffusion equations, a well-studied model in mathematical biology.
- Is a key needed?
- No — it is a pure local simulation.
- Is it free?
- Yes — free, no download, in your browser.
- Does the pattern ever repeat?
- No — tiny differences compound over time, so it never repeats exactly.